Lauren Crisci

Why FSU?

FSU's blend of value and attention is unrivaled. The combined Bachelors & Masters Program in Management Information Systems & Business Administration, offered by the College of Business, is exclusive to Florida State and taught by industry professionals. The proximity to the Florida Capitol encourages forward thinking and real world application. I'm not aware of another university with the opportunity to earn a combined bachelors and masters and work at the Capitol in less than four years.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

The harder you work, the luckier you become. Education gives credentials, not to be successful, but to gain confidence in oneself and to know that I can achieve any goal. Florida State's ecosystem opens the door to widen perspectives and to collaborate with a range of thinkers and doers. This program gives me opportunities that might be limited without having a graduate degree.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

Community and connectivity fuel me; I strive to bridge gaps with information to better serve the communities that support us. Information science allows me to dissect data and transform it into actionable knowledge. Currently, I'm transferring my learning to an interagency systems integrator project with the state government. Applying these skills in public service allows me to provide new perspectives to better serve Floridians. As a Florida Gubernatorial Fellow, I work in the Executive Office of the Governor. 

Career aspirations

More and more I wonder about becoming an astronaut--the sky isn't the limit. Seeing the return of space travel has been incredibly motivating for me, as a creative and curious person. I see myself pursuing a career of service in Florida's growing aerospace sector.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Find what motivates you and learn everything you can. Success is not a momentary effort, it's constant. "You can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future." Continue your journey, led by your passion and your truth.

Accomplishments during graduate school

Contributing to the FSU community beyond the classroom brings me the most pride. I enjoy building multiple student organizations and coalitions along with joining existing impactful groups, diversifying my skill set, and finding balance. Lastly, I enjoy doing speaking engagements across country on the weekends and taking fitness classes at the Leach Center with friends on weekdays.