In May, I had the distinct honor of graduating from Penn State Great Valley with my Master of Leadership Development. It was really interesting to hear Denise Potosky, professor of management and organization, call me “Master Adrien.” It felt new to hear it but so true and so real. I have mastered it. But not the degree. I have mastered something much more: myself.
Throughout my graduate career, I had the opportunity to serve as a graduate research assistant, where I aided Ronnie Godshalk, associate chief academic officer and director of management programs, in diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy work, coordinating and facilitating events related to women in male-dominated fields. I got to study abroad in Europe and take classes on intercultural communication, stages of leadership, human resource management, and various models and methods of leadership.
While attending university full-time, along with being a graduate assistant, I was also working full-time for Moody's Analytics as a commercial real estate research associate, where I analyze and compile data relating to commercial real estate property and listings. It was a roller coaster of a ride. Attending graduation was surreal because it really brought home the culmination of my education in an academic setting and my commencement deeper into the lifelong learning that the real world brings.
So many ask me what I want to do with my master’s degree and it's hard to answer at times because I can do so much. I can move up higher in the ranks at Moody's, facilitate seminars and workshops as a motivational speaker, as well as direct and coordinate non-profit work and philanthropic efforts. The world is my oyster, and I cannot wait to dominate and excel.
Read more from Jonathan here.
