Alumna: Alexis Woods

Graduation Year: 2021

Q: Where were you prior to MSHM? (Undergrad major, undergrad university, job?)

A: Before starting the MSHM program, I was working as a Special Events Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Lake Michigan in South Bend, IN (my hometown). I took the role after graduating from IU in December 2019 with a BA in Media Advertising with a specialization in Creative Industry Management from The Media School.

Q: What year did you graduate?

A: My cohort began during the pandemic, in Jun 2020. I graduated in May 2021.

Q: Where are you at now?

A: I am now located in Chicago, IL where I work as a Global Creative Content & Brand Supervisor of Ronald McDonald House Charities. In this role, I get to tell impactful stories of what happens at RMHC chapters around the globe.

Q: What are your biggest takeaways from the program?

A: My biggest takeaway from the program is that age does not matter when it comes to being a leader or making impactful change within a company. I have been very fortunate to work with several senior leadership teams since my graduation from Indiana University. The MSHM program gave me the confidence I needed to make transformational change within my job functions and lead various teams.

Q: Is your current job directly related to your college major?

A: Somewhat. Ronald McDonald House Charities is a global nonprofit organization that helps families stay together while their children who are ill or injured receive medical care. The charity focuses on family-centered care.

Q: Do you feel our school adequately prepared you to find a job?

A: Yes! I often restructure my resume and LinkedIn based on the best practices I learned through the MSHM program.

Q: Did you attend any events with alumni as a student, and did you find them helpful?

A: I did not attend as our program was entirely remote.

Q: Did the curriculum prepare you for your next job?

A: Yes! I often use project management principles in my role as well as the Excel knowledge gained.

Q: What books are you reading right now?

A: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Q: What are some new industry trends we should prepare our students for during the program?

A: I primarily work in marketing, so I’d say AI. However, I think it’s useful to gain more knowledge about this tool/technology no matter what industry you’re in.

Q: Did you feel supported by the program faculty and staff?

A: I know if I ever need Director Grudi, I can always reach out. J

Q: What was your favorite part of the MSHM program far?

A: The program was TOUGH! But I realize that everything we went through gave me the confidence to be myself and a thoughtful leader.

Q: Did you feel connected to your peers (in your cohort)?

A: During my cohort, I felt connected. Many years after graduation, I don’t keep in contact with anyone, unfortunately.

Q: What is some advice you have for the next generation of MSHM students?

A: Trust the process. The MSHM program was created to educate, nurture, and foster growth for students as individuals and professionals. I’m where I am today because of all the learnings I took away from the program and apply today in my personal and professional life.

Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn!