Graduate of CPS: Samuel Matuawana
Master of Science in Human Resources Management ’26
Where are you from or where do you consider home?
East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Three words that encapsulate your Northeastern University experience:
Rigorous, Immersive, Transformative
What has your journey revealed to you about yourself?
That I am far more knowledgeable than I give myself credit for. This experience has taught me a great deal about who I am and reinforced how capable I am of making meaningful contributions in the HR space. I am prepared to grow in my Human Resources Management career, and I am excited to make that transition into a managerial role.
What motivated you to continue through challenging times in obtaining your degree?
Time management. Learning to balance the demands of a rigorous graduate program alongside full-time work required me to be intentional about every hour. That discipline became one of the most valuable things I took from the experience.
Experiential learning is a core component of a Northeastern education. Describe some of the highlights for you.
One of my favorite experiences was serving as a consultant for a nonprofit organization, where our team refined their interview strategy and built a comprehensive onboarding structure from the ground up. I also had the opportunity to observe a full Kickstarter campaign, gaining firsthand insight into the nuances of launching and growing a small business. Both experiences grounded the theory in real, practical work.
Where do you imagine yourself five years from now?
In a leadership role where I can execute strategic decisions and drive meaningful impact — ideally as an Associate Director or Director within a university setting, or as an HR Manager or Director in a private organization.
What could have felt disconnected turned out to be anything but — I had the privilege of walking at graduation alongside the same incredible women I partnered with during my capstone. That moment made everything feel complete.
Samuel Matuawana
Is there anything else you wanted to say that we didn’t cover?
Working alongside professors who are active in the field and widely published, while collaborating with a range of organizations, gave me a holistic perspective on what growth looks like in this profession. One of the most impressive aspects of the entire experience was accomplishing all of this in an online environment. What could have felt disconnected turned out to be anything but — I had the privilege of walking at graduation alongside the same incredible women I partnered with during my capstone. That moment made everything feel complete.
This degree has equipped me with practical tools that I use in my current full-time role every day. I now feel confident in my understanding of the many facets of human resource management, and I am continuing to grow. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey.
