If heading back to school in pursuit of a graduate degree seems like it might require strategic scheduling, imagine accomplishing it as a working parent of three. Caitlyn M. Hollingshead, a Royal who earned a master’s in human resources at Scranton while preparing for the arrival of her fourth child, confirms that it’s not only doable, but well worth the commitment.<\/p>\n
Now a three-time graduate of the University,\u00a0Hollingshead \u201906, G\u201909, G\u201919 shares her personal path as the first guest on “The Next Degree: University of Scranton Graduate Podcast,” which explores careers, experiences and possibilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ve never been one to simply settle … and always pushed through and forged ahead to try and grow professionally. Scranton allowed me to do that,” Hollingshead said,\u00a0crediting her support system at home as well.<\/p>\n
“Having family support of graduate education is so important, and I was blessed to have my husband Brian\u2019s support of my educational and professional goals throughout my time at Scranton,” she said. “When I was pursuing my M.S. in Human Resources, I was pregnant with our fourth child, and it was a huge commitment as a family for me to go back to school. While it was well worth the investment, it could not have been done without his support.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hollingshead arrived at Scranton as an elementary education major from Stockholm, New Jersey. Today she dedicates her talents in a leadership role as associate vice president, admissions and enrollment for the University.\u00a0Graduate education helped Hollingshead connect the dots.
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Embracing a Change of Plans
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“I began as a professional staff member in July of 2006 and almost immediately started graduate school. I pursued the M.S. in curriculum and instruction with the intent of taking that degree into the education sector. I then met my husband and had a professional opportunity at Scranton I wasn\u2019t expecting, and my plans changed,” Hollingshead said.
“I teach every day, just not in a classroom. It was about the good work we were doing at Scranton and connecting families to this place.”<\/p>\n
As her role at Scranton evolved, Hollingshead built a comprehensive skill set with\u00a0a\u00a0master of science in human resources management.<\/p>\n
“Both degrees provided me with a wealth of knowledge that, even though not directly correlated to my Admissions work, positively impacts it. That\u2019s the beauty of graduate education!”<\/p>\n
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What Keeps this New Jersey Native in NEPA?<\/p>\n
“What has ultimately kept me connected to Scranton throughout my career is a genuine love and appreciation for this place. I loved my time as an undergraduate at Scranton and made lifelong friendships that I treasure. And now, as part of the leadership team at Scranton, I feel confident in my knowledge and understanding of Scranton and can use that to make decisions or to challenge decisions when we need to look at things differently.”
– Caitlyn M. Hollingshead\u00a0\u201906, G\u201909, G\u201919<\/p>\n