AGBU alumna Gracy Sarkissian doesn’t just build careers; she helps people find their vocation. As Associate Dean at Columbia University’s Business School, she leads students and professionals to their authentic selves, focusing on employment outcomes and lifelong career growth despite today’s uncertain job market. And for entrepreneurial savants seeking their own path to success, she helps them develop the skills and mindsets to meet the challenges of an unpredictable world. She also lends her skills to the AGBU Global Leadership Program participants every summer, guiding ambitious young professionals venturing into an increasingly difficult job market.
Rather than following a set path, Sarkissian’s journey into higher education began with a love of learning and a desire to help others find direction. Today, her work bridges academia and industry, helping students and alumni navigate transitions, uncover interests, and build meaningful, purposeful work. And she couldn’t do it without a healthy work-life balance and a supportive Armenian family.
Q How did you find your way to Columbia?
A I didn’t grow up one day and say, ‘I want to be a university dean’. I fell into this work because I loved helping people figure out what their passions are and giving them the tools to pursue them. After graduating from NYU, I wasn’t ready to leave academia. All my friends were excited to leave, and I wasn’t. I realized I loved being around people who love what they do. This infatuating environment, filled with experts deeply committed to their fields, shaped my path. I joke that I know a little about a lot of things because I’m surrounded by people who know a lot about one thing. And I studied everything.
I majored in political science and psychology and minored in French, fields driven by my curiosity rather than a fixed plan. Looking back, I see that as foundational. A liberal arts education teaches you how to think, analyze, communicate, and stay curious. Those are skills AI isn’t going to replicate. I later pursued a master’s in communication and organizational development and am completing a doctorate in higher education administration. This idea of continued learning is something I try to practice.
Q How do you define work in the age of AI?
A AI proficiency is no longer a differentiator. It’s an expected competency. Like basic software skills in the past, it’s becoming essential across industries. But technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. You need to be a problem solver with AI. Bring your creativity and judgment to it. I always emphasize adaptability. Highly routine jobs will be more impacted. But roles that require judgment, decision-making, and comfort with complexity, those will remain.
Q How should students best prepare for the real world?
A I think there are two things. First, know yourself. That means understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and values. Many young professionals do many great things, but they don’t connect the thread. They don’t tell the story of how it all fits together. Second, challenge traditional ideas of networking. Cultivating your network isn’t about being transactional. It’s about caring about people in ways like answering the phone or helping when someone asks. Be humble. Learn from people who are better than you in certain areas and help those who need support. Hard work and curiosity go a long way.
Q What is “good work”?
A We all have gifts. The question is: how are you using them in your work? For me, meaningful work is about contribution. Purposeful work is when you help others flourish. And you can do that in a variety of roles.
Q Do you work with people changing career paths?
A All the time. Many realize their expectations don’t match reality. Studying law is not the same as being a lawyer. But fulfillment comes from multiple factors: Do you like the work? Does it align with your values? Does it fit your personality? Understanding those dimensions helps people make better decisions. There’s no one-size-fits-all path.
Q What about those who don’t know what they want to do?
A That’s most people! Early in your career, you haven’t had enough experience to know what’s out there. My approach is exploratory: Start broad. What are your interests? What are your strengths? What roles and functions align with them? Once you’ve narrowed that down, you can explore the different industries or environments where you can do that type of work. It’s important to remember that people will have multiple careers across their lifespan and each job is an opportunity to build skills and experiences that will support your advancement. But clarity matters in key moments. When you’re in an interview, they need to believe you’re 100% committed.
Q What do you tell young people feeling pressure around career choices?
A The pressure to pursue certain careers over others often comes from a desire for stability. But long-term success depends on engagement. You’re going to be working for most of your life, so if you’re not excited about something, whether it’s the role, the organization, or the growth opportunities, it’s hard to stay. Most successful people are doing things they care about or are really good at.
Q How should people manage volatility in their careers?
A Careers are not linear. You might go forward, then back, then in a completely different direction. You can do everything right in your job search and still face rejection. That’s part of the process. Understanding this reality helps people stay grounded. Work is important but it should not define your core identity.
Q Did your Armenian identity influence your career?
A Yes. I grew up in a family where hard work was expected. My parents taught me that, if you work hard enough, you can figure almost anything out. There’s no task that, with enough effort and support, you can’t handle. This mindset, and the partnersh ip of my incredible husband Sam, has shaped my ability to balance career, family, and education. Success isn’t only individual. It’s supported by the community.
Q How do you approach work-life balance?
A I love my work, but it’s one of many important things in my life. Family, friends, and community all play a role. With-
out them, there would be a hole that work couldn’t fill. I try to keep that perspective during both success and struggle. I tell myself: ‘You’re going to have high highs and low lows. And neither should break you.
