See Yourself at GSU is a special Honors College series that uses real student stories to understand common student experiences — for example, applying to Georgia State as an international student.
By Heather Fields
ATLANTA — For KeyShawn Phillips (B.S. '22, M.A. '24), working as an Honors College admissions counselor at Georgia State University is a “full-circle moment.” As an undergrad, Phillips was a student in the Honors College. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Phillips came back to the Honors College as an academic admissions counselor. And, while working full time, Phillips also pursued a master’s degree in the Urban Studies Institute and graduated in December 2024.
So Much to Do and So Little Time
Balancing a job and master’s coursework requires discipline. Phillips’ approach involves adjusting priorities and maintaining open communication. "If I had a big project due for class, I’d focus on that and inform my manager. If I had work travel, I’d alert my professors in advance and we would come up with ways to adjust assignments or due dates,” Phillips said.
One strategy that kept him going? Giving himself personal rewards to look forward to. “If I felt exhausted, I’d remind myself that in a few days, I’d be on a plane to Chicago,” he said. More important, Phillips learned, was giving himself grace. “If I did receive a grade lower than I expected, I could be satisfied knowing that I tried my hardest and that I could talk to my professor or peers for their help.”
Tips for Maintaining Your Professional and Personal Balance
- Have something to look forward to. Having a fun activity planned and making time for hobbies can help fight off burnout.
- Identify unhealthy coping mechanisms, including the most notorious one: procrastination. Putting off your projects may let you avoid the anxiety for now, but the consequences can become even more stressful!
- Carve out time for breaks. Just like our bodies, our brains need breaks throughout the day. Take some quiet time (without doomscrolling!) to listen to a beloved song or practice meditation.
- Find something to love about what you do. Feeling bogged down with a rigorous project or with high-level classes in your major? Remember what drove you to choose it in the first place. Bring your passion to your work.
- Maintain a strong social network. Make connecting with family and friends part of your priority list.
- And remember, GSU is here to help you. If you are struggling to balance your priorities, speak to your professor, your adviser or reach out to the Counseling Center.
Numbers and New Interests
Phillips initially pursued mathematics but became increasingly drawn to the political landscape around him. Inspired by protests in Atlanta in 2020, he developed an interest in data related to public policy.
A sophomore-year internship with U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Atlanta) introduced him to government work. While mostly virtual, Phillips traveled to Washington, D.C., where he explored urban planning firsthand.
Throughout his undergraduate career, he discovered online discussions about public transit and urban development, including the YouTube channel “Not Just Bikes.” This fascination led him to earn a master’s degree in urban studies while continuing his role at the Honors College.
Passions and Plans
During the final semester of his master's degree program, Phillips received the Andrew J. Swope scholarship, which funded his first trip to Boston. He studied Boston’s transit system, incorporating his findings into his capstone paper.
“I think the U.S. has a negative perception of public transit,” Phillips said. “Yet, efficient public transportation is how major cities worldwide move people.”
He hopes to change misconceptions and improve transit networks in his career, eventually transitioning into public policy and academia. His next chapter takes him to North Carolina, leaving behind a lasting impact at GSU’s Honors College.
The Honors College staff celebrating KeyShawn Phillips and the impact he has made on its students.
Phillips will begin the next step in his career in North Carolina with an internship working on public transportation and urban planning. The Honors College community is grateful for Phillips' contributions as an Honors student, an admissions team member and as a familiar face for students.
The Honors College at Georgia State University is a destination for high-achieving students who embody curiosity, take pride in their work and dream about how they can make an impact through their studies and careers. Its mission is to serve students in a welcoming space by engaging students’ curiosity, empowering them to achieve their highest potential and inspiring them to find their place in the world. Its students form life-long friendships, participate in community service, perform research, excel academically, explore their interests and chart their career paths.