Aram Khader has a strong family legacy at WSU, including her four older siblings and mother. Attending Wichita State University was a natural step in her career journey. What she didn’t expect, however, was how the university’s applied learning opportunities would shape her career and lead her to a role as a Strategy Analyst at Deloitte.

Finding Her Path at WSU

Aram initially pursued a pre-healthcare major before realizing her passion was elsewhere. She transitioned to Management Information Systems with a minor in marketing, a decision that set her on a path toward business and strategy. Throughout her undergraduate journey, she gained valuable work experience, balancing jobs at Trader Joe’s and 7 Brew while seeking professional development opportunities.

One of those pivotal opportunities came through Wichita State's Shock Starter program. Despite being a new initiative at the time, Shock Starter gave Aram hands-on experience in client engagement, marketing strategy, and teamwork. “I had the chance to develop key professional skills such as managing client deliverables, understanding client needs, and collaborating with a team,” she said. These experiences built a strong foundation for her future roles and reinforced her interest in consulting and strategic problem-solving.

Gaining Experience Beyond the Classroom

In addition to Shock Starter, Aram expanded her applied learning experiences through an internship at Bell Flight, a leading aerospace company. The summer internship provided her with exposure to corporate operations and strategic initiatives, further preparing her for post-graduate opportunities.

After graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems, she secured her first full-time role as a Strategy Analyst at Deloitte. The transition wasn’t without challenges, especially as she moved to Kansas City in January, started a new job, and adjusted to adulthood all at once.

“Adapting to a new company structure and role was a big adjustment, and it was hard to meet new people after college,” Aram shared. “On top of that, everything became more expensive once I had to start paying rent, and as life goes on, there’s always something unexpected that needs to be paid for.” However, after a year in Kansas City, she has embraced her new environment and is enjoying life as a young professional.

Advice for Future Shockers

To WSU students considering a similar career path, Aram emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort. “Life doesn’t always go as planned, and if it does, you’re one of the lucky ones!” she said. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is to embrace discomfort and handle situations calmly and thoughtfully. Whether you’re living in a new city or starting a new job, you’ll always feel a bit uneasy at first. But if you welcome that discomfort and learn from it, it’s worth it.”

She also encourages students to explore a variety of experiences while still in school. “Even if you think you might not like something, give it a try! The best part about being a student is that you have the freedom to experiment and learn without the pressure of long-term commitment.”

For those aspiring to work at top firms like Deloitte, Aram stresses the importance of research. “Thoroughly research the company, the position, and its structure to make sure it aligns with your career goals,” she advised. She also recommends networking with current employees, asking questions, and refining personal branding to confidently showcase strengths.

Aram’s journey is a testament to the power of applied learning and the doors it can open. From her first role in the Shock Starter program to navigating the challenges of a new city, her story serves as an inspiration for students looking to make the most of their time at Wichita State and beyond.

For students interested in learning more about Aram’s experience at Deloitte, she welcomes connections on LinkedIn and is happy to share insights about her career journey.

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Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.