My faith has always been a central part of my life. But before I started in the graduate program at SPU, I really struggled with my faith at work. After a few years in the workforce, I came to the conclusion that it was best to just separate my faith from work. During the graduate program at SPU, I was forced to open that door back up. I realized that the core parts of me come from my faith, and, whether I like it or not, I am going to bring that into business.
This point of view has changed my way of thinking. If I run into an ethical issue, for instance, my old way would be to use common business logic to navigate. I did not realize that ethics must come from faith. Now I have the tools to connect my faith with business issues and act in a way that I think is honoring God and serving people in business.
I really enjoy the connections my professors make with students here. At SPU, I feel like each professor has a personal stake in my life, both professionally and personally. I know they're not just trying to lecture and hand over information; they really want to know, and help, their students.
The best part about the graduate program, though, is the conversations we have in class – conversations covering a wide range of subjects. I have not had conversations like those anywhere else in my life. I will miss the professors' wide range of experience and wisdom, and I will miss discussing the challenging topics we take on. I don't know where else I can get this experience.
The SPU graduate program has shown me that there is a great world of opportunity out there. I have learned that it is not about my job and title. In five years, I want a job that is challenging, where I can make a positive difference in the world, and use technology to help make lives better.