Alumni Perspective
ACHIEVEMENT OF PERSONAL GOALS FOR GRADUATE STUDY (category included acquisition of new content, development of new options for self, career moves and salary increases)
- 26% met the goals for graduate study which they had set for themselves
- 48% met and exceeded their goals for graduate study
- 26% met, exceeded and expanded their goals for graduate study
MAJOR STRENGHTS OF PROGRAM
- Scheduling of classes: one night a week and selected weekends per semester
- Assignments are meaningful and valuable, and can be applied to real life
- Instruction is inter-related, each piece builds on the previous piece
- Small class size, and students are encouraged to be resources for each other
- Provides a set of practical skills to help one think, problem solve and communicate with others. These skills are transferable to all situations.
- The ethical appeal - being productive without being mean or heartless.
- Availability of faculty for extra help and consultation.
- Willingness of faculty to be flexible in light of unexpected life/work demands
MAJOR WEAKNESS OF PROGRAM
- There's a lot of content to fit into one year, but it is doable.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS OF ALUMNI
K.A., Sales Consultant, early childhood educational supply company
The degree has made a difference in both my professional and personal life. My customers appreciate the fact that, due to my HRD skills, I am not the typical sales representative. I am not an order taker, but I am viewed as a resource to them. I see my job as a problem solver. My 1998 fiscal goal was $1.9 million. I attained $2.25 million.
C.A., CEO, non-profit service corporation
My interpersonal skills and problem solving skills were greatly improved, along with my ability to assess needs and formulate/implement creative plans to resolve issues. I was hired as CEO of an organization that was on the verge of bankruptcy. Within two years we had moved to new offices, changed our board structure and were financially stable.
L.J., Senior Probation Officer, State of Connecticut
Based on the principles and skills learned in HRD, I have been able to impact both selection and training of probation officers in way that have had measurable impact on the quality of the process and results. As a result of my project, I have seen former clients who are now correctional officers, police officers, high school graduates and college students. I have co-taught courses at community college on issues concerning rehabilitation/education.
R.S., Recruiter/Trainer, technical sales and service firm
I've been able to create training programs. My increased interpersonal skills have allowed me to be a better supervisor. Overall, this program changes how the students view the world.
G.C., Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, private four-year college
HRD has helped me to see and understand the interdependence of life - it has shaped my way of being and my teaching philosophy that nutures collaboration.
M.W., Contracts Analyst, aerospace manufacturing firm
The skills I learned contribute to every interaction I have. They have enabled me to facilitate gathering of feedback on new HR policies at work and to function effectively as a member of a newly formed training team within my organization. These skills will make me a successful manager - or whatever I choose to be - in the future.
M.D., Program Manager, utility company
I am marketable! If there's one thing I've learned, it's that we need to accept and embrace change. A good job today could be obsolete tomorrow. Being able to "learn to learn" new skills plus having the credentials helps to secure positions and opportunities for the future.
American International College
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Springfield MA 01109
(800) 242-3142
inquiry@aic.edu