I’ve decided to make a commitment to life-long learning

Usually my “Thoughts from the Bend” are a reflection of something I’ve read in the local newspaper, but tonight my thoughts are about my personal life. I’ve decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and I thought I would share a little insight to what has influenced my decision.

When I applied to the Master of Liberal Studies department in 2006, I thought that obtaining a Master’s Degree would give me the edge I needed to find a new job. I had been the Director of Marketing for AAA Federal Credit since May 12, 1999, the day after I graduated from Indiana University South Bend. But I needed a change, a new challenge, a new career.

                I was fortunate enough in 2008, to interview with the South Bend Medical Foundation. I had applied for the position which was posted for the Manager of Blood Donor Recruitment.  Although it was a position with which I had no experience, I hoped that my creativity and my experience as a blood donor would be enough to get me in the door. After all, I had nothing to lose, but the time it took to send my resume.

                A few short weeks after my interview, I received a call asking me to return for an additional interview. I had hope, something I hadn’t had in awhile. I recalled every interview workshop I had ever attended, every practice interview question I had ever answered. The Senior Vice President of South Bend Medical Foundation walked in and greeted me once again. He told me that he thought the Manager of Blood Donor Recruitment was not a good fit for me, but he was impressed with my resume and wanted to create a new position for me as the Public Relations, Communications Specialist.  After reading the job summary, I decided it looked like a very challenging position and one that my undergraduate degree and previous work experience had prepared me to tackle.  

                My undergraduate degree is in Mass Communications, with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Graphic Design.  My position at AAA Federal Credit Union had allowed me to use my creativity by creating monthly loan and membership promotions. I had also written several articles for the South Bend Tribune as a freelance writer, all of which helped prepare me for  my tasks at the Foundation which included creating new blood donor promotions and working with various media outlets. 

                I was in the midst of seeking my Master’s Degree when I accepted the position. Now, two months from graduation, I have decided pursue another degree. My two years at South Bend Medical Foundation have introduced me to a whole new atmosphere: health care.  I’ll admit, it’s been a huge challenge.  I am learning about an industry that I’ve never been a part of before. But it’s an industry where I believe I can spend the rest of my career.

                I have at least three decades left in my adult career and I believe that by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs, I can further my position at South Bend Medical Foundation by concentrating in Health Systems Management and Policy.

                     As an alumnus of Indiana University, I know the benefits of a continued commitment to life-long learning and am looking forward to this new endeavor.