HR VP Says, Master's Degree Is Essential To Enhance Career In Dallas
Sandy Heard earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas School of Management and went to work as a human resources labor generalist for MBNA America. She moved up the corporate ladder by becoming the corporate training manager for PrimeLending and then a human resources manager for The Home Depot. At New Benefits, Ltd., Heard serves as vice president of human resources. She returned to school and earned a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from the Kansas State University.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"I wanted to get one in business immediately following my bachelor's degree, but delayed due to finances and wanting to start a family. As I advanced in my HR career, I realized there were some areas in the field that boggled me. I tend to be analytical, but much of human resources is gray, not black and white. I knew how to measure people's motivations, happiness levels and job satisfaction through qualitative analysis, but didn't know how to quantify them. I met someone with an Industrial and Organizational Psychology degree. I pursued a master's degree to enhance the experiences I already had in my career."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"Don't get a master's degree immediately following your bachelor's. Figure out what you love to do, start doing it and then identify a master's program that will enhance your skills and talents to help you progress in your career. You'll get more from the program when you already love what you do. Do it for yourself and to expand your knowledge, not for the piece of paper."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"The biggest challenge I faced was getting back into 'school' mode. It had been over 10 years since I wrote a research paper, so I had to learn how to cite sources all over again because we rarely used the Internet as a source back then."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"The biggest reward for earning the master's degree was the ability to immediately apply what I learned in my current role. I'd implement new initiatives and programs at my job each semester based on what I learned. It was instant gratification. I got to see the academic side applied in the business world."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com
