Alumna: Kaitlyn James
Graduation Year: 2021
Q: Where were you prior to MSHM? (Undergrad major, undergrad university, job?)
A: I graduated with my BA in psychology in 2013. After that, I explored a couple corporate career options. I realized that corporate life was maybe not the life for me and began to explore entrepreneurship. I opened Lux, a medical aesthetics business in 2015. Since then, I have been growing within the health and beauty industry. I decided to enter into the MSHM program to enhance my knowledge and expertise within the Business Healthcare sector.
Q: Where are you at now?
I am still loving and growing my business, Lux, daily. In addition to Lux, with the help of my new degree, I am also the Regional Director for Société Skincare, a medical-grade skincare line.
Q: What are your biggest takeaways from the program?
A: I learned a lot about leadership and healthy ways to foster business relationships. My biggest takeaway from the program was how to lead, but also how to be the best team member possible.
Q: Is your current job directly related to your college major?
A: The beauty industry is directly related to not only my psychology degree but also directly related to Business Healthcare Management. Within the beauty sector, while vanity does play a role, treatments that enhance physicality play a direct role in our self-confidence and how we move throughout our individual worlds. With beauty trends constantly changing and becoming more advanced, a traditional Esthetician license is no longer sufficient, as many treatments verge into the medical sector. My psychology degree topped off with the MSHM program, has allowed me to be a leading provider within the industry.
Q: Do you feel our school adequately prepared you to find a job?
A: I absolutely believe so. In my personal experience, finding a new role was never the goal. But, if at any point, I decide to move in that direction, I feel confident in my ability to obtain a rewarding position.
Q: Did you attend any events with alumni as a student, and did you find them helpful?
A: The majority of my time within the MSHM program was during core COVID, so almost all of my classes were online with limited availability to events. In my final semester, I did have one class in person; this was an absolutely wonderful experience. I was able to connect with so many influential people in the industry. It’s interesting that as adult learners, we really all have our personalities already defined and shaped. I am in my thirties and I self-identify as an introvert; I do very well in social situations, however, it really drains my social battery. I think that I may have excelled so well within the program because I was able to do online classes and virtual social simulations.
Q: Did the curriculum prepare you for your next job?
A: Absolutely. I think the curriculum prepared me to be a better entrepreneur, as well as prepared me for entering back into the corporate world. In my early twenties, my corporate work experience was not ideal; I was still trying to figure out who I was, what I wanted, and what type of work would best complement me. I have a passion for the beauty industry, but the curriculum definitely encouraged me to enter back into a more corporate work environment. My time at Société has been wonderful and I truly enjoy being part of a larger team.
Q: What books are you reading right now?
A: OOF! I wish I had more time to read lately. I am actually in the process of writing books. At Lux, I offer in-person training on every service that is offered. I really dove into creating online training once COVID hit. And as of late, I am in the process of turning those in-person and online trainings into published training manuals. So, while I may not be reading much, I am writing a lot!
Q: What are some new industry trends we should prepare our students for during the program?
A: Again, I have a very skewed perspective of the program, as I have always been very niche within Business Healthcare management as it applies to the beauty industry. So, for my beauty babes, I am seeing a lot of nurses who have previously done traditional work and want to integrate into the beauty sector by offering laser services, injectables, body contouring, etc. Indiana, and the Midwest in general, are definitely a beat behind some of the leading beauty cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York… but we are steadily catching up. Medical spas, dermatology and surgery centers that offer advanced beauty services, and solo medical aestheticians are booming! Beauty services are definitely being more normalized and talked about within our society, pushing service demand forward!
Q: Did you feel supported by the program faculty and staff?
A: Absolutely! I loved the faculty and staff. I knew that if at any point I needed help or guidance, there was always a handful of people that I could turn to. This made my time within the program that much more enjoyable.
Q: What was your favorite part of the MSHM program?
A: My favorite part of the program was that I felt challenged daily. I felt challenged by the general workload, but I felt overwhelmingly compelled to apply every concept to my own business, further propelling myself forward. There was so much passion behind the concepts from our professors; it truly encouraged me to take my business to the next level.
Q: Did you feel connected to your peers (in your cohort)?
A: I did. Again, my experience was a bit more niche. So, while many were able to bond over future career interests and paths, I was a bit more focused on one task at hand. But everyone was so lovely. I am still connected with quite a few from my program on social media!
Q: What is some advice you have for the next generation of MSHM students?
A: Honestly, just enjoy it. You are being guided by the best in the industry; really allow yourself to be consumed by their passion in the field and capitalize on their expertise. I was amazed daily by the sheer intelligence of my professors and felt so honored to be mentored by such successful businessmen and women.
Connect with Kaitlyn on LinkedIn!