Graduate Student Spotlight | Laura Espinosa

"Adding the PM certificate was a great option for me because it is aligned with what I have studied. It will give me the opportunity to get to the next step which is the PMP certificate."

Laura Espinosa, MIS student and GSA President

Graduation Year

2020

Program

Management Information Systems (M.S.)
Project Management (Certificate)

Involvement

President of the Hood Graduate Student Association

Department

The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business
Computer Science & Information Technology

Alumni
Graduate School
Graduate Student

Academics
International Students
Student Engagement
Math & Computer Sciences
Business

05/17/2020

International graduate student and GSA President, Laura Espinosa, graduated this spring with a master's degree in Management Information Systems and a certificate in Project Management.

Please provide a brief bio including your educational and career background.

I am originally from Colombia where I completed my undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering.

I came to Hood College in 2016 and graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2019. During my MBA program, I participated in an internship at the Organization of American States.

This spring, I just graduated from Hood College with a second master's degree in Management of Information Systems and a certificate in Project Management.

You are one of the first Hood students to graduate with our Project Management Certification. Why did you choose to add this certificate to your degree program?

After taking project management classes, I felt it was a path that I would love to follow. I am grateful that the Hood Graduate School opened up this new certificate program this past year.

I added the PM certificate because it works well with my career plans. The MBA and the MIS master's programs share classes, so adding the PM certificate was a great option for me because it is aligned with what I have studied. It will give me the opportunity to get to the next step which is the PMP certificate.

What are some of the perks of getting this certificate, and how will it affect your career path?

The PM certificate will enable me to get a PMP certificate which in turn will help me get a job. Employers view the PM certificate as an advantage because I will be eligible for the PMP certificate.

You have just wrapped up a semester as Hood Graduate Student Association (GSA) President. What are some of your favorite memories with GSA, any why would you recommend graduate students to join the GSA?

The GSA was a great experience for me personally. I had a great team that helped the GSA to grow. My goal was to get more students involved, and we did it!

It is a great opportunity for graduate students to get to know people and build a stronger network. The GSA offers different events that benefit graduate students including career-related, networking, and social events.

I highly recommend that all graduate students get involved with GSA for personal and professional networking purposes!

Do you have any career advice for international students who just graduated?

These may not be the brightest days to be graduating, but students should not forget their goals and their hard work to get to where they are!

If they keep this in mind, they will be able to find an opportunity upon graduation. It is important to stay positive, make use of networks, and take advantage of online resources.

Inspired by Laura's journey to #GOFURTHER in your education and career? Visit our programs including the MBA and MIS programs, and click here to get additional information.