While exploring options to continue my education, I started the process by seeing what my options were for a move in my career and how a master’s degree could impact that process. I started applying to jobs through LinkedIn, which lead me to an interview for a job with a competing news organization out of state. In my final round of interviews, I had a Zoom call with the head of the digital department. My standard question to get to know who I potentially may be working with is by asking about their background. The final round of interviews led me to talking with an alumnus of the communication and leadership program from Gonzaga University’s online graduate studies department. His recount of the program and how it led him to become the pioneer department head of this news station’s digital presence inspired me to look into Gonzaga’s program. However, it wasn’t until I sat down and talked with a co-worker and personal role model of mine about her decision to get her master’s degree that I started to seriously consider Gonzaga’s program. I ultimately turned down the job offer I was interviewing for to stay at my current company, but I learned to appreciate that process because it led me to where I am now. I needed a sign that Gonzaga was the program for me and I got the input from the program alumni’s to trust that Gonzaga was a good fit for my future.

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Both of those experiences lined up around the same time in the summer of 2021. From there, I started evaluating what parts of the student experience I valued and how Gonzaga’s program fit into that picture. I work full time in radio as a digital writer and producer, but my daily shifts vary in timing and sometimes include weekend work. I was looking for a program that fit into my work schedule and lifestyle, but could also draw a relevant connection between the material and my job. Once I started the process of looking into the application process and the course work, I quickly realized that Gonzaga’s online program seemed different than previous graduate program I was looking into. My coworker recounted her experience in the program as inspiring and relevant to anyone in the media industry looking to apply the education to a career. I knew after her description that was exactly what I was looking for; I was looking to add a dimension to my life where I could explore my creativity, build upon my communication skills and give me a goal to work towards. Once I saw the connection between personal and professional growth offered in the Gonzaga program, I started the application process and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of attention to detail and personal connections made from the admissions team and student services. For my journey, it look me time to get on board with the idea of becoming a student again, feeling like my time for education was over. Being able to be a part of a welcoming and inspirational department like the one through Gonzaga University’s online graduate studies, solidified that my recent life choices led me to this decision to continue my education and invest in myself and my future.