Masters of Science, Management ’26 and CPS Human Resources Assistant
Three words encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Unique| Pivotal | Bouncy
What have you had to face and how have you overcome any obstacles?
The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a major challenge for me. A lot of my friends are not pursing their Masters and so they a lot more free time than me. I’ve learned that the best way for me to combat FOMO is by managing my time well. I’d even go as far to say that time management is my best friend! I write all of my tasks down and allocate time each day to complete them. If I don’t write something down it does not get done. So far this process has worked wonderfully for me!
What were some of your challenges and opportunities?
I was not a student when I joined Northeastern. I originally joined Northeastern in a contract role as a Student Success Coordinator for the NU.in program. This is a program for first year undergraduate students that allows them to go aboard during their first semester at Northeastern. I lived abroad in Berlin, Germany with 125 new Northeastern students. It was WILD. Living in a foreign country with a bunch of 18 year old first year students is not easy, but fortunately my coworkers became my best pals. We still talk everyday even though we don’t work together. That experience introduced me to a new community of friends that I would have never met if I didn’t accept that role. My CPS HR role has given me a similar experience. I have a great team and I laugh with them a lot. Working at CPS has helped me sharpen my professional skills and has prompted some unique challenges. My role has opened me up to new experiences and I look forward to continuing to serve the CPS employee population.
Why are you interested in the degree you’re pursuing? What motivates you?
I am pursing the MS in Management degree at Northeastern. During undergrad I studied communications and I utilize those skills everyday, but I desire a stronger understanding of business. Moreover, working in HR has exposed me to business in a new way. I’m motivated by all of the freedom that I have in this chapter of my life. I don’t have a mortgage, children, or even a dog. Essentially, this is a great time go back to school before my life gets too crazy!
What advice do you have for others considering higher education, either at Northeastern or elsewhere?
Try out working in higher ed! You will meet a lot of forward thinkers and you’ll get to pursue some exciting opportunities.
What are you hoping to do after you graduate? Where do you imagine yourself five years after school?
I always say that I want to be a pop star after I graduate, but unfortunately that is not going to happen. Instead, I want to continue being in a role of service and helping people navigate complex issues. In five years I hope to have a dachshund and to be a hybrid role where I can work from home with the dog on my lap. On a more serious note, in five years I would love to manage a few folks and mentor them. I have had a few great managers and would love to replicate that experience for someone starting out in their career.
What are some of your hobbies and other passions? Where do you find your joy?
My favorite form of meditation is power walking. I walk miles on miles each day after work. I rock out to my music and let my mind take a rest. It is great! I love to travel and have been to quite a few places. Traveling is fun and it keeps me young! I find a lot of joy in spending time with my loved ones. I have a lot of friends from different walks of life in Boston and its been really fun exploring the city with them. My family lives close by so I spend a good chunk of time with them too. I also have a senior dachshund named Cam who I am obsessed with. When I go home I like to snuggle with him on the couch. Life is great with all of them by my side!
What else would you like to say?
I love to meet new people and laugh! Come say hi next time you see me in the office!
Connect with Olivia: LinkedIn