Alyssa Abraham
Alyssa Abraham
Class Year
’08
Current home
Algonquin, Illinois
Major(s)
Studio Art
Current Position
Instructional Design Strategist at Computer Generated Solutions, Inc.
Alyssa Abraham ’08 is an instructional design strategist at Computer Generated Solutions, Inc., where she designs training courses and programs for some of the world’s largest companies using cutting-edge technology.
Ms. Abraham credits her professors for inspiring her to create training courses that are both educational and engaging.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“My experience as an art historian focusing on corporate identity has played a big role in researching the corporate culture and expression of my clients. I am able to write courses that speak to their employees on a level that inspires the positive development of their corporate culture.
“One thing I truly appreciate about my career is that I am helping people build confidence on the job. When employees feel confident about their job, they do great work, have more opportunities, and bring more success to the companies they work for.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“Critical thinking skills definitely play a big role in my career, as well as the visual acuity and critical visual analysis I learned in my art classes. Mainly, the high standards my professors held me to have taught me to settle for nothing less than excellence. I believe this has made my life more successful overall.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“My aunt went to Carthage in the 1970s! I also met Professor Ed Kalke on one of my campus tours and knew I needed to learn from him. He was a role model and inspiration.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“The J-Term trip to Greece sparked my passion for history and travel. Before I even returned home from that trip, I began researching study abroad programs. In fall 2007, I spent the semester in Florence, Italy. That’s what led me into art history.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“Professor Carolyn Hudson taught me to write without inserting any nonsense. Professor Christian von Dehsen inspired me on my first day in my first class to be present, work hard, and follow the syllabus. Professor Pamela Smiley was, to me, an absolute beacon of female empowerment. Her commitment to excellence has never left my mind. Professor Sandra Bisciglia provided me with a seismic shift in my thinking about religious history, women, and life in its totality and has remained a constant source of support and love.
“My art professors, Diane Levesque, Ed Kalke, Kim Greene, and Anne Cassidy helped nurture my creativity and helped fortify me with constructive and well-placed criticism. They also gave me an immense set of tools which I use to tackle every challenge that comes my way. My design professors, Jose Montoto, Alane Spinney, and Laura Hauracha taught me to have fun with design. I use this passion for fun when I design courses that are meant to activate learning in the trainee. I use elements of unexpected fun to make the training memorable and less tedious.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Follow the syllabus. I cannot state this strongly enough. It will make your academic life smoother and less stressful. Education is what you make of it, so get what you want out of it! Your professors are there to help, and they love it when you come to them with questions. They’re your most valuable resource.”