We Are IT | Meet Sara Mischler

Raised in Tallahassee, Sara joined ITS as a part-time researcher on the Voice of the Community project, which then turned into a full-time position after six months. Now, as Outreach Coordinator and Intern Program Director, she designs campus engagement events and has grown the intern program from 12 to more than 120, helping many students launch careers and return to ITS as full-time staff. In her six and a half years at FSU, she has thrived when collaborating and building programs that connect students with hands-on experience and campus resources. 

Where are you from? 

I was raised in Tallahassee, so I'm a local kid.  

Where did you attend school? 

I went to Troy University and got my undergrad degree in History and Political Science. Then I moved home to get my master's in American history here at FSU. This was really exciting to me because I always wanted to get a degree from Florida State like the rest of my family.  

Why did you choose to work in technology? 

I kind of fell into this field accidentally but I am so glad that I did. When I graduated with my master's in history, I was looking for my first job and ended up landing a research job with ITS working on the Voice of the Community Project. The part time role turned into a full-time position 6 months later and I've been here ever since. 

How long have you been at FSU? 

About 6 and a half years.  

What is your role at FSU ITS? 

I serve as the Outreach Coordinator and Intern Program Director for ITS. In this role, I get to design and lead engaging events that connect our campus community with the services and resources ITS offers. One of the highlights of my work is directing our intern program, a responsibility I’m incredibly proud of. Over the past few years, the program has grown significantly, and we’ve helped countless students gain valuable experience and launch successful careers. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I’m grateful to work alongside such incredible colleagues, serving a campus that has been close to my heart for as long as I can remember. Being part of the FSU community truly feels like a privilege, and I consider myself lucky every day to contribute to something I deeply value. 

What is the most rewarding project you have worked on at FSU? 

I’m going to cheat and share two favorites. The first is my very first project, the Voice of the Community initiative, which ultimately led to my full-time role. That project taught me so much and introduced me to the world of higher education in an exciting, interactive way. I’m grateful it was my first big assignment because it gave me the chance to meet incredible people and work toward a clear goal: improving ITS. 
The second is an ongoing effort, growing and enhancing our intern cohort year after year. This program has expanded from 12 interns to more than 120, and we’ve gone from hosting one event per semester to over five. Our former interns are now thriving at major corporations across the country, but what makes me most proud is when we can hire these talented students full-time to stay and work at ITS. Keeping that talent in-house is incredibly rewarding. 

What is your favorite app? 

Probably my podcast app, I’m a big podcast fan. I listen to a little bit of everything: sports, politics, gossip, news. But my absolute favorite is The Rest Is History podcast; it has taught me so much.  

If you were to invent one piece of technology, what would it be? 

I’d invent a piece of technology that does my laundry and dishes. As a mom with two little kids, I’m constantly staring at piles of laundry and mountains of dishes. Having that time back for other things would be amazing! 

What is a fun fact about you? 

I went to Troy University on an athletic scholarship for cross country and track.  

Talk a little about your family. 

I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and together we have two energetic little boys, Sylas (4) and Eli (2), who keep life exciting every single day! We also get to love Troy, our 7-year-old golden retriever, who is truly the best pup in the world. 

What do you do in your free time? 

I love to hang out with my kids and family, be outside, reading a good book or going to sporting events.