Lateefah Walker, MS in Management, Strategy and Leadership
Last Updated May 28, 2020
“When I decided that I was going to finally go back to school to obtain my master’s, the only university that came to mind was MSU. Initially, I was a little worried about the admissions process and a close friend of mine advised me to consider other universities, but I completely refused to do so, because I knew what I wanted and where I wanted to get it.”
Lateefah Walker wanted a degree that would enhance her skill set, and she has been able to apply many takeaways from all that she’s learned in the Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership program.
We asked Walker more about her academic journey.
Q. Tell us about your background.
I currently live in Detroit, Michigan. I am a proud product of the Detroit Public School System. I graduated from Cass Technical High School and received my undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. I have been working in Educational Management for the last 20 years and I am currently Senior Director of Operations for a management company. I oversee the human resources, financial and compliance departments for the organization.
Q. How will your MSU degree make a difference in your career?
The MSU degree will make a huge difference in my career by strengthening my background in management, especially human resource management. It has and will help me develop and implement leadership and strategy skills that will help make my departments run more efficiently and effectively.
Q. Do you have any future plans now that you have your degree?
I am looking to start my own business, with the focus of providing talent management services to organizations. The information that I obtained from this degree will support me in my efforts to become an entrepreneur.
Q. What surprised you most about taking an online program?
Initially, I thought that the online program wouldn’t work for me because I was so accustomed to the brick and mortar setting, and with such a busy life, I would lack the discipline and motivation needed to do well in such a program. However, the classes were extremely interesting and I actually enjoyed the flexibility the program offered.
Q. What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was MGT 873 – Strategic Decision Making, with Professor Richard Gooding. This particular class taught me so much about my leadership style and how to best utilize it through my decision-making processes both personally and professionally.
Q. What was your most valuable takeaway from the program?
My most valuable takeaway from the program is that almost everything that was taught in the program could actually be applied to my occupation and everyday life.
Q. What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in the program?
My advice to other students who are considering enrolling is to make sure the program is the right fit for them. If so, make the sacrifice, for it will all be worth it in the end.
Q. Who has been your support system?
I have a strong family support system, which includes my mother, stepmother, dad, two sons and a host of close friends that encouraged me and supported me through the entire process.
Q. What was the most challenging part of your student journey?
The most challenging part of my student journey was the overload of information for weekly quizzes, but once I implemented a couple of study techniques, processing the information improved greatly.
Q. Who or what inspires you to succeed?
My biggest inspiration is my two sons, whom I love and adore. They inspire me to work harder and to accomplish my goals in life. Not necessarily for me to reap the reward, but for them to learn the lesson that with hard work, passion, motivation and God, they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.
Q. What is one fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I am a sports fanatic!
