Recent MSOL Graduate Promoted While in the Program

Jinny Kchekowski, a 2012 graduate of Geneva′s M.S. in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) Program, was interviewed by MSOL program Manager Connie Shroyer.

CS: What was your background prior to MSOL?

JK: In 2007, I graduated with a liberal arts degree from Saint Vincent College. I was hired by Curbell Plastics, Inc. in industrial sales. After two years, I realized that sales was not a good "fit" for me. I considered returning to school to earn a teaching degree. When I communicated this thought to my branch and regional managers, I was soon approached about a training position. I submitted a job proposal, tentative job description and budget for a Regional Trainer position. Six months later, I became Curbell′s first Regional Trainer.

CS: What happened next?

JK: My first task was to create an onboarding program for new hires and execute it throughout my sales territory. As news of the training program traveled throughout the organization, managers began to request copies of the new onboarding program for their new employees. Less than six months after becoming Regional Trainer, I was offered a position as Curbell′s first Corporate Trainer. It was at this point that I realized that in order to continue to succeed in my organization and to perform at higher levels, I needed additional skills. I needed to be able to manage a team. I needed to become a better leader.

CS: What led you to the Geneva MSOL program?

JK: I was driving down Route 65 near my home and saw a billboard advertising the MSOL program at Geneva. Reviewing the website, I found the curriculum to be what I was looking for-an integrated approach to leadership including subjects such as communication, motivation, finance and strategy. I joke that I saw the billboard as a form of "divine intervention," but I guess it′s like Randy Pausch said in The Last Lecture: "Luck is where preparation meets opportunity."

CS: You entered the program in March 2010 with Cohort 72 in Cranberry. How did the curriculum influence your work?

JK: The concepts I learned in the MSOL program allowed me to contribute more intelligently and confidently to group conversations, especially at the strategic level. Most importantly, I did not have to complete the program to apply what I was learning. I was able to take what I learned in each course and apply it in my workplace immediately. I believe that as my employers watched my growth and development, they realized that my ability to contribute to the organization was growing as well. In April 2012, as graduation day approached, I was offered the first Training Manager position at Curbell Plastics. I am exactly where God wants me to be.

CS: Did the MSOL experience have an impact on your personal life?

JK: Absolutely. Many of us go through life and never take the time to consider the spiritual gifts with which we have been blessed. Because we don′t think about these gifts, we don′t integrate them into our dealings with others. The MSOL experience helped me to grow spiritually. In Professional Development, we completed the online Spiritual Gifts Discovery Test, which allowed me to gain some insight into my unique spiritual gifts. My task now is to use them to serve and glorify God in all that I do. I believe that I have discovered my calling in life-to serve others through teaching. As Hardy states, "A job is never to be an end in itself, but a means of service to God and others." This perspective is new for me, but will continue to benefit both my personal and work life.

I highly recommend the MSOL program for leadership development, whether in the workplace or the community, or even at home. The relationships formed with cohort members are unwavering, and a constant support throughout the program as well as after graduation.

Geneva′s MSOL program is celebrating its 17th year of developing leaders who serve. Cohorts will begin soon in Monroeville, Downtown Pittsburgh, Beaver Falls and Butler. A cohort just began on August 1 in Johnstown. The MSOL program is designed for working adults and meets one night a week for 24 months. Contact us at 724-847-2715, msol@geneva.edu or visit our website at www.geneva.edu/msol.

A Word From Dr. Dittmar:

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A Video Message from Dr. Dittmar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PAmEvrHZp4&feature=youtu.be

Jim Dittmar, Ph.D., Chair
Department of Leadership Studies
Geneva College

Geneva MSOL - Celebrating 17 years of developing leaders who serve.