Name: Tyler Masten

GraduationYear: 2024

Q: Where were you prior to MSHM?         

A: Prior to joining the MSHM program I was working in healthcare after I had graduated with my Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida and became a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Indiana. Prior to my master’s I graduated from IUPUI with my Bachelor of Social Work and my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Medical Sociology. I have worked in community health, long-term care, hospice, home health, and hospital settings as a medical social worker.

Q: What project(s) are you working on at your practicum site?

A: I am at the American Red Cross where I am an intern with the Disaster Service Cycle department. I am helping develop a full-scale disaster exercise that includes many stakeholders across the state who are related to emergency management. With my social work background, I am also helping present on psychological first aid to help educate emergency management personnel and volunteers in the face of disaster.

Q: Have you attended any career fairs/networking events? Who did you meet? What did you take away from this experience?  

A: I have not yet attended a career fair but I have been applying to administrative fellowship positions where I have had several interviews across the nation. I have applied to over 20 competitive administrative fellowship positions where I have been able to interview and network with other fellows for an opportunity for a fellowship position after graduation in May. I have an all-expense paid in-person interview with the Medical University of South Carolina at the end of October as part of the final round of interviews. I have networked and spoken with many fellows through this experience which has reinforced my commitment to merging my background in social work with healthcare management to improve our healthcare system to promote health equity for all. This process has also helped me build confidence in myself and my qualifications as a transformational healthcare leader.

Q: Do you feel supported by program faculty and staff?  

A: I do feel supported by the program. Lyndsay and Darbe both have written me very kind recommendations for my administrative fellowship programs and I feel like this program is very understanding and willing to be flexible to the student’s needs.

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

A: I do feel connected to my cohort. I feel like we have developed a quick bond in the short time in the program and we trust each other for support and guidance when it is needed.

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

A: One of my favorite things about the MSHM program is that you are not only learning material through coursework but you are also receiving certifications while learning practical skills through practice that will enhance and build your leadership acumen.

Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn!