Stephanie Wilkes
Human Resources Generalist
Baltimore Medical System, Inc.
Baltimore, MD

What appealed to you about graduate study at McDaniel?
When I started looking at different schools I was interested in three main goals: a program with a diverse student body, a program that would allow me to work while attending school and a program that would cover the different areas that make up Human Resources. When I read about McDaniel College, I found all three criteria plus an added benefit of a cohort. The idea of knowing that I would have a consistent support system during the program convinced me that McDaniel was the place for me.

What sets McDaniel apart from other graduate institutions you considered?
The cohort experience at McDaniel is definitely an advantage over other graduate institutions. I’m originally from Birmingham, Alabama and I flew up to attend an information session session about the HRD Master's at McDaniel. I was introduced to some of the students that had been accepted into my cohort. Now after having completed one semester in the program, I am confident that McDaniel was the best choice for me. My classmates are a great group of people. They have been very helpful and extremely supportive during my transition.

How will a graduate degree from McDaniel help you reach your goals?
Choosing McDaniel has already helped me in reaching my goals. I moved to Maryland to attend McDaniel College and had not found a job. I received an email from Kathy Bovard, McDaniel's HRD coordinator about an Human Resources Generalist position at Baltimore Medical System. I sent in my resume, interviewed and received an offer all in less than a week.

Now, I have been working at Baltimore Medical System for several months and I feel that the organization is a wonderful match for me. The staff has been wonderful in helping me transition into my new role. As a HR Generalist for BMS, I am able to apply the information that I learn in class directly to my job. I am very grateful to McDaniel and Kathy for helping me throughout this process.