Kristi Kirkpatrick, MS in Management, Strategy and Leadership
Last Updated October 24, 2024
Kristi Kirkpatrick always wanted to attend Michigan State. Having been raised near the sprawling East Lansing campus, she’s been bleeding green for as long as she can remember!
As she progressed in her career, Kirkpatrick was looking for a valuable credential beyond an MBA. The online Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership offered a “unique” degree program that fit her busy schedule and fulfilled her dream of graduating from her beloved MSU.
We spoke with this lifelong Spartan about her MSU journey.
Q. Tell us about your background.
Currently, I work as the Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program Analyst at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). I have been with the MDOT for almost seven years. I reside in Bath, Michigan with my grandson and two dogs. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, music, and spending time with my family and friends.
Q. What were the most important factors in your decision to choose MSU and this degree program?
The most crucial factor in my decision to choose MSU is rather simple. I bleed GREEN! Having grown up near the MSU campus, I always knew I wanted to attend Michigan State. As far as the degree program, I thought the online format was a perfect fit for me and my hectic schedule. I knew I wanted something more than an MBA and found this degree program to be unique and a sure bet for advancement within state government.
Q. How will your MSU degree make a difference in your career?
My MSU degree will make a difference in my career by giving me a leg up on the competition because it’s evidence of my determination, persistence, discipline, and ability to collaborate.
Q. Now that you have your degree, what’s next for your future plans or goals?
Now that I have my MS degree, my future plan is to continue an upward rise within my organization. My goal is to leave behind a legacy that won’t be easily forgotten.
Q. What surprised you most about taking an online program?
What surprised me the most is the time commitment necessary to do well in this program. Reading the course material is essential in succeeding in this program. I found the online learning system easier to navigate than other online classes I have taken in the past.
Q. What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was the capstone course MGT 801 – Analyzing Your Organization. It allowed me to execute many of the things I learned throughout the program, such as leadership, teamwork and project management.
Q. What was your most valuable takeaway from the program?
The most valuable takeaway from this program is that success and accomplishment come to those that work hard, so don’t give up.
Q. What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in this program?
Ensure you have the appropriate time required to do the assigned readings and put thought and effort into the discussion board (DB) responses. In the online format, the DB’s are really the best opportunity for student/teacher interactions.
Q. Who has been your support system throughout your student journey?
My family and co-workers were my support system throughout my student journey. I was fortunate to have a supervisor that was very accommodating to my needs as an advanced degree student. He allowed me to take time off as needed to work on my studies, so I could maintain a competitive GPA.
Q. What was the most challenging part of your student journey?
The most challenging part of my student journey was giving up time with my family and friends. When I was taking courses, my life consisted of mainly work during the day and then studying and reading in the evenings for the entire duration of the program.
Q. Who or what inspires you to succeed?
My former supervisor, Helena DuBose, inspires me to succeed. She was the first African-American woman in the mid-Michigan area to establish and own a successful radio station. She taught me that anything is possible, to always believe in yourself and that you can accomplish anything!
Q. What is one fun fact about you?
I can play several woodwind instruments—clarinet, flute, saxophone, and oboe.
