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Colleen McNulty

Colleen McNulty

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Undergraduate Institution: Miami University in Oxford, Ohio

Undergraduate Major: Public Health with a minor in Management and Leadership

Type of Work: Technology Sales

Why did you choose the MS Health Communication Program at Northwestern University?

I chose the MS Health Communication Program at Northwestern because I was looking for a program that can aid in my career transition to the healthcare industry. I have always been passionate about health and love that the program is so unique as it incorporates the importance of communication in the field. In researching programs, the MS Health Communication program stood out to me because it allowed me to continue working a full-time job while earning my degree at the same time. Another aspect that drew me to the program was the immense amount of resources available to students like the Career Services. Lastly, I was excited to join the Wildcat community!

What are your career goals?

My goal is to work in a hospital administration position that allows me to have an influence on the quality of care for patients within that hospital. I value work that is rewarding and assures that I am making a difference in patient lives every day.

What is your favorite part of the program so far? 

My favorite part of the program so far has been reigniting my passion for the topic of health and excitement in learning. As someone who is not currently working in the healthcare space, I am finding myself excited to wake up on Saturdays to come to class as the course content is incredibly fascinating and not something I experience every day in my job. I am constantly impressed by all the professor’s ability to take complex information and make it easy to understand and apply.

Any tips on balancing school, work, and life?

My advice on balancing school, work, and life would be to simply prioritize the program. We have been given a unique opportunity at an incredible institution and should take full advantage of all the program has to offer. If this means sacrificing a bit of your social life here and there, I think it will pay off in the long run. The program is designed to be completed within one year which will fly by and be over before you know it!

Is there any additional advice or information that you would share?

One additional piece of advice I would like to share would be to learn from your peers. I am not only learning from the excellent professors but I am constantly learning from other students in the program. Each individual has a different path and most of them already in the healthcare space. It has been rewarding learning from each of them and building lasting connections.