As she prepares to graduate this fall, Jan Levi reflects on how the Strategic Communication Online M.A. program has transformed her confidence, strengthened her communication skills and reshaped her career outlook.
Levi, a Procurement Agent on the Seat Integration Team at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, enrolled in the StratCom program to become a stronger, more effective communicator in her professional environment.
“Shortly after starting at Boeing, I found myself sitting around conference room tables with very well-spoken executives and leaders,” Levi said.
“I was intimidated, to say the least. I knew it would be highly beneficial for me to continue my education in Strategic Communication to gain the skills and confidence to be an effective professional.”
For Levi, the online format made it possible to pursue graduate studies while managing a full-time career and family life.
“The decision to be a full-time professional, full-time graduate student and full-time mom was not taken lightly,” she said. “But I knew I needed to seize the day. I’m blessed with an amazing husband, great children and a supportive employer who gave me time and space to work on my assignments.”
Though the balance required careful scheduling and the occasional late night, Levi said every challenge came with a sense of accomplishment.
Throughout the program, she found the coursework immediately applicable to her professional life.
“Looking at analysis and research of issues and then being able to frame a response accordingly is a huge skill that I’ve been able to employ regularly,” she said. “The wonderful thing about this skill is that it has bled into my personal life as much as my professional.”
Levi said she also appreciated how connected she felt as an online student.
“As a full-time virtual student on the West Coast, I really appreciated how responsive the faculty were and how easy it was to collaborate with classmates through Teams, MediaSpace and D2L,” she said. “I anticipate meeting many of my classmates and faculty during commencement with a feeling of ‘I’ve known you forever!’”
As she approaches graduation, Levi said the StratCom program has not only advanced her communication abilities but also changed how she views herself as a leader.
“My career goals have gone from distant to very real and reachable,” she said. “The feeling of not belonging in a conference room has completely transformed into the feeling of ‘I belong here.’”
For other professionals thinking about returning to school, Levi’s message is enthusiastic and direct.
“Do it,” she said. “You can do this — you will amaze yourself. It’s 100 percent worth it.”
By Claire Dippel