Alumna: Cecelia Stonner
Graduation Year: 2021
Q: Where were you prior to MSHM?
A: I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor in Healthcare Management in 2020 and graduated from the MSHM program in 2021.
Q: Where are you at now?
A: I am a Contract Manager for CignaHealthcare in Kansas City, MO. I have worked at Cigna since graduating. I went through a leadership program through Cigna called the Sales & Contracting Development Program. I learned the ins and outs of how contracting works between health insurance companies and hospitals and providers. I am helping to build the Cigna network in Kansas City so that our members have affordable and predictable health insurance.
Q: What is your biggest takeaway from the MSHM program?
A: My most significant takeaway from the program is the concept of “quiet leadership.” While many people can claim to be leaders, what truly defines your leadership potential is what you do when no one is watching. It’s about the actions you take and the habits you form behind the scenes that shape you as a leader. What are you doing when people aren’t looking? What kind of goals have you set for yourself in order to push your way through your career? How can you be a better team member? How can I improve my soft skills?
Q: Did the curriculum prepare you for your next job?
A: My current job aligns with my college major, as both are in the healthcare field. Although I never anticipated working for a health insurance company, when this opportunity arose, I recognized it as an excellent way to kickstart my career. While I believe the MSHM program provides a solid foundation for job hunting, it’s ultimately up to you to leverage the resources offered by IU and MSHM. You are your own best advocate in this process. Due to COVID restrictions, my program was entirely virtual, so I didn’t attend any in-person events. The part of the curriculum that proved most valuable in preparing me for my career was the Business Acumen courses we took over the summer. These courses were incredibly challenging, but they significantly expanded my knowledge and skills. I’ve come to realize that “business” principles apply everywhere, both in personal and professional contexts.
Q: What is some advice you have for the next generation of MSHM students?
A: I think the biggest piece of advice I would give to MSHM students is that you never want to be the smartest person in the room. And what I mean by that is if you’re the smartest in the room, you’re not challenging yourself enough.. Everyone has something to bring to the table – that something will just look different to each person. You can learn something from everyone.
Connect with Cecelia on LinkedIn!