Matt Lechtenberg
About Me
I have been working in higher education in different roles since 2003, with experience spanning recruiting, student services, advising, corporate partnerships, and other University-level responsibilities across technology and health. I am a proud father of two Drexel Dragons, and in my spare time I am a freelance artist who does work for the gaming industry.
What advice would you give to a student considering grad school?
As you research programs, try to understand what the culture of the college is by talking to the recruiters, faculty, and current students in your program of interest. Work to visualize what supports you need to succeed and talk specifically about those things. Attend the information sessions which feature faculty from your program, and talk to them about the classes they teach, areas they research, and any student experiences. Outside of curriculum, consider work/life balance, finances, and be realistic about the reasons you want to study and weigh that against the resources available to you. Understand how flexible the degree is or is not, to allow for working full-time, family care, etc.
Do not underestimate the power of support from your family, newly found schoolmates, faculty, and advisors to help you in your degree work, and that you will need their support to succeed. Finally, many degrees/majors have aligned professional organizations that are great third party sources for information on the profession, employment, education/certification, critical challenges in your domain, funding, and professional onboarding options for people like you, who are considering education as a path to career enhancement or change.
Favorites
Place on Campus:
The campus art supply store! I am always working on some art project outside of Drexel, and I am always shopping for new tools or materials to try out!
Restaurant/Food Truck:
Sang Kee is probably the best food in University City, and I never get tired of what they offer, any time of year. Also, the Boom Boom Pizza at Ed’s on Lancaster Avenue is an unsung must-have in our neighborhood!
Philadelphia Landmark/Location:
I love the Wissahickon section of Fairmount Park all year ‘round. Plenty of hiking trails, waterways, peaceful meadows, quiet forests, and nature so close to Center City… a blessing for anybody who loves the outdoors!