This week we feature Sharon Carter, who graduated in April with an MBA from Alaska Pacific University. Sharon works as a Data Analyst in the Performance Improvement Department and is a YKHC scholarship recipient.
What events/situations led you to pursue an MBA degree?
I had plans to apply to medical school so I took the MCAT and got a 487 score. Instead of jumping back into restudying to attain a score that would give me a competitive edge, I decided to get an MBA degree in the interim. Another motivating factor was past experience with managers who sorely lacked fundamental skill sets and leadership qualities. In a previous work experience in another organization, I witnessed a majority of the workforce in one department quit over management issues and lack of support from administration. The MBA degree enabled me to become knowledgeable in topics related to business, which I hope to apply in the different management/leadership roles in my career pathway.
How do you feel now that you have graduated with an MBA degree?
I checked off a box of my list of things to do and it feels good to accomplish one of my goals. My MBA journey was not as stressful as most of the courses were online evening classes which I immersed myself in after work. Yes, some days were way too long but it was all worth it.
How helpful was the YKHC scholarship in your educational journey?
Even though I worked for the majority of my time in grad school, I am grateful for the YKHC scholarship as it helped me pay off the high tuition expenses.
How many years did you spend in training/education?
I spent a lot of time – longer than the traditional student – and took some breaks in between to focus on others things like fishing, hunting, and exploring Alaska. Having a good work/life balance is important. Being able to be involved in cultural activities such as helping my mom with subsistence fishing and hunting is important. I am grateful that my father taught me a lot of what he knew about subsistence activities. Not all education happens within four walls, some of the most important education to me happened outdoors. I am able to help provide moose, caribou, and other subsistence foods based on what I was taught. As a Yup’ik person, these skills are invaluable to me.
How has achieving your master’s degree impacted you personally and professionally?
The master’s degree has opened up more doors for me professionally. Some jobs require a graduate degree so I am able to pursue more career opportunities.
Where do you plan to go from here? Next steps? Career goals?
I am still deciding when I should retake the MCAT. There are so many scholarships to support Native people in higher education. You can get your medical degree funded by IHS. The need for native representation in medicine is so great. The educational path that is required to work in a medical profession can be hard, especially if you have to leave your family and miss out on subsistence activities and things that are an integral part of who you are as a native person. Coming from a small community to live in the bigger city where you may not know anyone can be challenging and hard. Living in Anchorage for my undergrad was often difficult as I would get homesick. To be able to work as a higher-level medical provider or profession, you will often have to do things that may be out of your comfort zone. Fortunately, there is also a lot of support out there to help you navigate the rough terrains of striving to achieve both personal and professional goals.
Congratulations Sharon! Nutaan atam!
