What are you up to these days?

I graduated with an MA in Public History from UIS in 2019. I currently live in St. Louis, where I’m a Business Analyst III at Washington University in St. Louis.

Tell us more about your job

I’ve been in my current position for over a year and a half. WashU is a large research university and recently went live with a new Finance and HR system called Workday. My position provides support for any grants-related issues/enhancements in Workday. Prior to this position, I was a Research Education Specialist at WashU.

How did your UIS experience help you get to where you are? 

My Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) at the Illinois Department of Revenue helped tremendously, as I gained administrative skills that are valuable in office settings. There were also excellent classes and faculty that challenged me to think outside of the box, which enhanced my analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that I currently use in my job every day.

What advice to you have for anyone considering an MA in History from UIS? 

An MA in History from UIS provides many things: intimate classrooms that invite discussion and curiosity, faculty who challenge, engage, and listen, and a city where history is all around you and a new story is ready to be told. If you want a place to grow as a person and historian, then UIS is the place for you. There are also excellent internship opportunities, including the GPSI, which will give you invaluable experience outside the classroom.