Yusra Sultana

MSOM degree is increasingly versatile. My bachelor’s degree was in literature and my work experiences have ranged from working as a journalist, digital marketing and media manager to serving as communications director, and you wouldn’t think Operations Management would be an inevitable ‘next step’ in that trajectory. But I have been able to successfully implement my classroom learning directly at work — using Lean Practices, Agile Methodology as well as the Scientific Method, I have been able to increase outreach, enrollment, and engagement in Higher Education.  

Quality Management really allowed me to think critically, equipped me with tools for a thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis, and taught me to prepare better proposals for intended audiences and Strategic Management was excellent in terms of helping me align my organization’s mission and long-term strategic goals with every policy and short-term objective. As I deal with multiple stakeholders at work, these courses have allowed me to bring process and direction to many day-to-day affairs. Organizing for Change was another one of my favorites. It allowed me to understand how organizational history, among many things, is essential to understanding why changes get hindered, but my key takeaway was learning how to sustain momentum after change has been implemented. It is such a wonderful mix of company analyses, honing soft skills and learning to work with frameworks that it makes you a more empathetic and goal-oriented leader. Another terrific thing MSOM did for me was that I was able to complete all the courses for Project Management Certification while earning my MS, working at a full-time job, and taking care of family. 

I am incredibly grateful for the skills and knowledge I have gained through this degree and hope to continue to leverage them at work and beyond to make a lasting difference.