Alumnus: Kayla Michaud
Graduation Year: 2024
Q: Where were you prior to MSHM? (Undergrad major, undergrad university, job?)
A: Prior to joining the MSHM program I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State. At PSU I was in the College of Health and Human Development and concentrated my studies in Human Development & Family Studies.
Q: Where are you at now?
A: In October of 2023 I moved to New York City to accept a full-time role with IPG Mediabrands – Rapport. My role includes working with both Pharmaceutical and retail accounts on their out-of-home and point-of-care campaign initiatives. Each day I get the opportunity to work with pharmaceutical brands such as AstraZeneca/Alexion, Cigna, Jazz Pharma, Merck, and more! As for my other accounts, I work with popular brands such as Canada Goose, Converse, KPMG, Lego, Salesforce, and more! I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my job and feel as though I was able to fully immerse myself in the industry.
Q: What are your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: My biggest takeaway from the MSHM program is that everyone can be a transformational leader. Whether you choose to take the business or healthcare route in your professional endeavors, the program fosters you to become a catalyst for change in your organization. Specifically, business foundations courses taken through the Kelley School of Business taught me the business acumen needed to lead my team and company positively and strategically toward innovation.
Before joining the MSHM program, I felt as though I lacked the business acumen to confidently join a high-level and fast-paced organization. Right in the first semester of the program, I quickly grew confident in key areas such as marketing, organizational effectiveness, management, supply chain, and finance.
Q: Is your current job directly related to your college major?
A: While my current job is not a traditional path to take with my degrees, I feel my academic experience holistically prepared me to successfully enter this role. I chose to take a healthy mix of healthcare and business classes to prepare me to be well-rounded in the workplace. While my classes may have prepared me with more quantitative skills, I chose to engage in internships and extracurriculars that would allow me to practice expressing my creativity.
Q: Do you feel our school adequately prepared you to find a job?
A: My time in the MSHM program equipped me with the career foresight to land the job of my dreams. From the first semester, I took Career Design and Discovery with Darbe Allison. The course prepared me with the professional acumen to feel confident going into job interviews with a strong resume, communication skills, and personal statements. We got the opportunity to explore our skills and passions and develop a timeline of how we will accomplish landing our ideal role. I attended various Kelley Career Services seminars, career fairs, and Q&A sessions to feel even more confident heading into recruitment season last fall. I attribute my success in landing my dream role so early in my career to what I learned throughout my time at Indiana.
Q: Did the curriculum prepare you for your next job?
A: Getting to now work with both pharmaceutical and retail brands perfectly aligns with the variety of curricula I got to take in both of these areas during both my undergraduate and graduate careers.
Q: Did you feel supported by the program faculty and staff?
A: I can confidently say that I felt supported by program faculty and staff even whilst being a remote student. Each professor inspired me to work to the best of my ability and challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone. I felt as though each professor was passionate about their courses and it was contagious. Anytime there was a moment of struggle, I knew I could rely on my professors to lead me to solve each problem.
Q: What was your favorite part of the MSHM program?
A: My favorite part of the MSHM program was taking business foundations with Cohort 4.0. There were many nights of working on projects over Zoom, studying together, and just bonding. A year later, it was also a pleasure to get to know Cohort 5.0. I have enjoyed getting to know each student and professor. I feel each of them made me a better person personally and professionally.
During my first week of the program, I faced immense adversity losing my Dad unexpectedly. It was clear then that each MSHM student and faculty member was there to support me during such a difficult time. I felt an outpour of love and support from each of them with cards, text messages, and phone calls immediately. They were my academic support system are the reason I was able to complete this program. Words cannot express how grateful I am for that cohort!
Q: What is some advice you have for the next generation of MSHM students?
A: To future MSHM students, dive right in. This program will encourage you to better yourself both personally and professionally. It’s okay to enter the program not knowing where you will see yourself a year from now, or even five years from now. It’s important to commit to lifelong learning and taking advantage of the new experiences that will come your way.
Even amid a challenging curriculum, know that you are capable. You were chosen to be in this program because you can and will become a transformational leader. Imposter syndrome can get the best of you, but know you deserve to be here! When you get ready to walk across the stage next May, you will feel confident in the resilient and vision-driven leader you have become. This program has been so rewarding both personally and professionally and I will always recommend it to peers to come.
A huge thank you to all of the MSHM faculty, but most importantly, Lyndsey and April. It has been the biggest pleasure to learn and grow alongside both cohorts!
Connect with Kayla on LinkedIn!