Student Spotlight
Ana Wilkinson
"You’re not in the classroom taking notes 24/7. Pepperdine reaches out to local businesses so you’re working on real-world problems."
What made you choose the Graziadio School?
Pepperdine University has a great reputation. As it relates to the MS in Organization Development program, I was intrigued by the international component and liked the idea of learning about international clients. I also wanted to learn more about how organization development applied to effective business practices.
What makes the MS in Organization Development program distinctive?
The unique blend of personal and professional growth opportunities makes this program distinctive. The program supports you and still maintains a rigor of teaching that results in strategies you can use to help businesses.
What was also important is the hands-on client interaction. You're not in the classroom taking notes 24/7. Pepperdine reaches out to local businesses so you're working on real-world problems.
Can you share one of your most rewarding experiences as a student?
Session one hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember my turning point was learning how to prioritize my life and find balance from experiences of those in my cohort group – three men who were all married with children. It changed my life. Now I'm living a much more balanced life with career and family. As for the entire class, I have never been surrounded by 35 people of such high caliber. I felt that my classmates are really trying to lead the best life they can, not only as leaders in business, but in their own personal lives.
How would you describe the faculty and your interaction with them?
The faculty represents an excellent balance of heart and head. You always expect faculty members to be smart and to bring academic rigor to the table. But what you don't expect is the empathy and the emotional intelligence that they exhibit and teach all of their students.
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