From Creative Passion to a Strategic Future
Cassidy Burrell’s master’s degree in management and leadership has equipped her with the confidence and credentials to move forward in her career. (Purdue Global Photo/Kelsey Lefever)
Cassidy Burrell’s online Purdue Global master’s degree helps her blend her love of music, community and leadership
When you picture a community leader, who do you see?
For many in Lafayette, Indiana, it’s Cassidy Burrell. Whether she’s leading musicians as board member of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra or guiding philanthropic efforts as a university development officer, she pours her energy into making a difference.
Burrell (MS management and leadership ’25, Purdue Global) grew up with a deep love for music, so she followed that passion to an undergraduate degree in music administration. And although a heart for music and a mind for business may seem like they belong in different people, Burrell surprised herself when she connected with the business side of her undergraduate degree.
“I was introduced to the world of fundraising while I was an undergrad,” she says.
It resulted in a job after graduation — one she loves — helping guide university donors toward areas that matter most to them. But rather than focus on this one new area of interest she had discovered, Burrell wondered what else she didn’t know.
“I’m still pretty young, so I’m still learning what I want to do,” she says. “Now that I’m in the world of fundraising, I’m being exposed to other industries, and it opened my eyes while making me wonder, ‘What else could I be great at?’”
So Burrell took action.
“I realized if I would someday want to venture out into different roles or industries, I needed a master’s to advance,” she says.
This led her to a Purdue Global master’s degree in management and leadership — a program that has given her a strong foundation for a wide range of career paths.
“After a year of being in my role and getting comfortable in the community, I thought this would be the right time to take that next step,” Burrell says.
She decided this was her moment — and dove in.
Possibilities with an online master’s in management and leadership
She didn’t dive in, however, without pause. Travel made up a significant part of her job, so it was a priority for Burrell to find a school that allowed flexibility while maintaining a sense of community.
“Purdue Global embodies a true global opportunity where it doesn’t matter where you are or what season you’re in — you’re able to participate,” she says.
Now it was just a matter of confidence. So she turned to one of her biggest inspirations — her mom.
“I knew earning a degree as an adult was possible because I saw my mom do it. She earned her Doctor of Education while I was in high school,” Burrell says. “She graduated a year after me, so I’ve seen her be a mom, a wife, a professor and a student at the same time. It’s definitely possible. That doesn’t mean it’s not going to come with challenges. But it’s possible.”
Believing in her business skill set
Reflecting on her Purdue Global experience, she sums it up in a simple sentence: “I’m so glad I did it.”
She gained more confidence to take on strategic roles and tasks in her fundraising job — tools she didn’t think she had, since her undergraduate degree focused on her passion for music. As she worked toward a graduate degree in leadership, she began to believe in both sides of herself — the strategic part of her brain alongside the artistic.
“I’ve been a musician, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have that strategic side or that I can’t understand financial acumen,” she says. “I can, and it’s going to help me not only be a professional but a better person.”
While Burrell developed a deeper understanding of strategic leadership skills she uses in her donor relations career and organizational strategy, she was also happy to feel deeply supported by Purdue Global’s faculty and structure.
“If you’re looking for a great degree program, if you’re looking for a great institution to advance your career or advance your education, Purdue Global has been that for me,” she says.
Looking ahead
She is already seeing the benefits of her master’s degree.
“In my current role that is centered around fundraising and meeting with alumni, I have had the opportunity to be more strategic and have conversations with some of our senior leaders,” she says. “I have a passion for advancing our university and organization — whether that’s raising money or providing insight from what I learned at Purdue Global.”
So what’s next for Burrell? She sees herself continuing to lead. While she isn’t 100% certain where her future will take her, she knows she has the skills she needs thanks to Purdue Global.
“I believe in lifelong learning. As I consider exploring other industries, having the ability to learn is important. Purdue Global is going to help me accomplish that in whichever direction I decide to go,” Burrell says.
She’s confident she could pursue a career in philanthropy, mentoring or business. Her time at Purdue Global is equipping her with the strategy, confidence and credentials to do just that.
“My degree from Purdue Global will allow me to advance my career and give me opportunities that I may not have considered,” Burrell says. “This opportunity is going to prepare me for whatever that next step looks like, whether that’s management, leadership, project management or just in the business world in general. It’ll position me a lot better than my bachelor’s degree could, and it’s given me the confidence to take the next step.”
