Each week, JWMI profiles students and alumni in its new featured series “Winning Voices.” Learn about our diverse community and what sets our program apart from those who have experienced it. For more great “Winning Voices” content, click here.
Lindsey Kizer
HR Assistant
2 Towns Ciderhouse
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA with Human Resources Concentration
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AT 2 Towns Ciderhouse.
My current responsibilities primarily include recruiting and onboarding. I also schedule employee performance reviews, handle workers’ compensation claims, assist with process improvement and employee engagement efforts. Additionally, I help with any other HR-related projects as needed.
WHY WERE YOU LOOKING TO GET AN MBA?:
It took me a while to determine my long-term career goals. I eventually felt drawn to and found a passion for the HR industry. I enjoyed assisting with recruiting efforts and managing compliance within our processes. My BA was not related to the Human Resources field, and I knew that obtaining an MBA in HR Leadership would be a solid foundation for future success in the HR industry.
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
JWMI helped me gain significant emotional intelligence, confidence, and a better understanding of business operations. I learned so much about my current company through my course assignments, and it allowed me to understand better how I can contribute to the company’s success.
LOOKING BACK AT WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT AN ONLINE PROGRAM WHEN YOU FIRST EMBARKED, WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL IMPRESSION NOW? DID IT MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS VIA DQ BOARDS, EOP VIDEOS, FACULTY ETC?:
I didn’t expect the professors to be so involved and dedicated to their students. I am very feedback-oriented, and I appreciated the opportunity to reach out to my professors with questions or get insight on an assignment. I was always surprised at the professor’s response time. I often received a response within only a couple of hours.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR PROFESSOR OR MEMBER OF THE STAFF THAT YOU FELT HELPED YOU TO EXCEL? PLEASE ELABORATE.:
Many Jack Welch MBA professors had an impact on me, but Bruce Smith was the most impactful. He was my Capstone professor, and he was very supportive of my project from the beginning. Knowing he believed in my project motivated me to work even harder.
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS EMBARKING ON THE MBA JOURNEY.
The best advice I can give to a new student is not to let fear stop you. It’s easy to look at a journey as significant as an MBA and feel intimidated, but it’s worth it! Taking the first step is the hardest part, but after starting your first class, you’ll realize how supportive the professors are and how much each of them wants you to succeed. It’s so rewarding to look at a challenging assignment and push yourself out of your comfort zone to succeed. You will discover how much you can accomplish.
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