Alumni Profile: Michaela Burke ’13

Q+ A with Michaela Burke

Michaela attended GUS for grades 6-8. After high school, she went on to Emerson College, where she graduated Cum Laude, and studied Marketing Communications, Psychology, and Sports Communication. She is currently working as a Project Manager at Windover Construction.

Where are you and what are you doing now?

I’m currently based in the Beverly area and working as a Project Coordinator at Windover Construction. Over the past year, I’ve grown a lot in this role as I have learned how to manage moving pieces across projects, communicate effectively with different teams, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.

What was one of your most meaningful or memorable GUS experiences?

One of my most meaningful experiences at GUS was our 8th grade trip to South Dakota. It was one of the first times I truly understood what learning beyond the classroom could look like. Being immersed in a completely different environment pushed me outside of my comfort zone in ways I hadn’t experienced before. Despite getting snowed in for much of the trip, what stood out most was how our group adapted - we leaned on each other, stayed engaged, and found ways to make the experience meaningful regardless of the circumstances.

In what ways do you feel GUS prepared you for what you're doing now?

GUS prepared me in ways I didn’t fully recognize until I was in a professional environment. One of the biggest things it instilled in me was the ability to be adaptable and figure things out in real time. Whether it was hands-on learning experiences or being put in situations that required collaboration and problem-solving, I became more comfortable navigating ambiguity rather than waiting for perfect direction.

That mindset has been incredibly valuable in my current role in project coordination, where priorities shift, problems arise unexpectedly, and strong communication is essential. I’ve found that I naturally lean into asking questions, building relationships, and staying solution-oriented - skills that were consistently encouraged at GUS.

More than anything, GUS fostered a sense of curiosity and confidence in how I approach challenges. It taught me to engage fully, support the people around me, and take ownership of my role within a team - qualities that continue to shape how I work and grow today.

Looking back, what stands out most to me about GUS is its emphasis on learning through experience and community. It created an environment where you were encouraged to be curious, take initiative, and learn from the people around you.

Any words of advice for current GUS students?

Take advantage of the opportunities that push you outside of your comfort zone, even if they don’t feel easy in the moment. Some of the most meaningful growth comes from experiences that feel unfamiliar or challenging at first. I remember some of those moments feeling challenging at the time, but they’re the ones I look back on the most now.