Student stories: Linda R.

Photo: Linda R. (center) works with two classmates during their Communications and Leadership course.

Words from Linda R.:

After many years of raising four children, working part time and volunteering, I decided to return full time to the workforce. I readied my resume and cover letter and began applying for entry level professional jobs. Despite being sufficiently qualified for the positions to which I applied, I could only find work as an administrative assistant. I worked unhappily as an assistant for about two years when I finally decided that I needed a fresh degree to jumpstart my career and I applied and was accepted into the Master of Science in Professional Leadership (PRL) program at Carlow University.

Being in the PRL program has done two major things for me. First, not being able to find professional employment had caused my self-confidence to wane. With each class I take, discussion I participate in, and paper I write I am beginning to feel much more confident in my abilities and the worth of my opinions and theories. Also, the PRL program emphasis of “leading from where you are” has helped me to see that despite my lack of professional experience, I have been and am a leader. Second, since adding the Professional Leadership program along with my expected graduation date to the education section of my resume, I was able to find a professional position at Community College of Allegheny County and am interested in pursuing a career in higher education administration.

My experience in the PRL program has been one of the most positive experiences of my adult life. Check it out and see if it is the right program for you!