Class of 2014

Health Systems Management major

Experiential learning helped me develop and hone critical skills that can only be learned through stepping outside of the classroom, but made the lessons I was learning about come to life. I was especially interested in my HSM 380 class, healthcare marketing, and the connection between public perception and healthcare. My internship with Hill-Rom showed me this connection as it allowed me to see both sides of a project - the public and the creation side. I had to constantly look at my project in different lenses to see if there was something to change or edit as it would help further the message of the product.

I was able to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it to real life as well as vice versa but having both in- and out-of-classroom experience taught me so much more. I was able to develop teamwork skills, time management, project management, and technical skills like email formatting, Publisher, and Excel to name a few. I was also able to learn and hone skills that I would not have been able to develop without being out of the classroom like interaction with managers, office etiquette, and customer service.

I always knew I wanted to be involved in healthcare in some type of capacity but mostly people believe that entails becoming a doctor or nurse. When I found the HSM program, I learned about an expansive new world of opportunities to make an impact in the healthcare field like overcoming disparities, understanding financial costs and means of running a healthcare business, and by having an experiential learning curriculum; I learned that I could make a difference and an impact. While I may not be a doctor or nurse, I work in the world of non-profits and I know that the work I am doing is aiding others. All I hope to do is make a difference and experiential learning helped me realize that path.