The Class of 2010

 

When the last of the class of 2010 walked out of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts on May 26, 2010, graduation was already just a memory. Thoughts turned to the future where a University survey found that 71 percent already had a job or placement in a graduate program by that milestone day. Historically, after three months, that number for job and advanced degree placement shoots up to 90 percent.

Meet five graduates from the class of 2010 who look to become more than a statistic. They want to make a difference.

Preyanka Makadia BI’10 (minor in communications) Misher College of Arts and Sciences How would you describe your experience at USciences and what will you remember most? Being supported—if I set out to accomplish anything, all of the resources were there for me. My professors and advisors encouraged my ambition and helped find solutions when I encountered challenges, such as course conflicts. Everything was tailored to the student, and everybody worked to help me succeed. What are your career plans after graduation? I am currently a medical student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. How do expect your degree will uniquely prepare you for your career? Classes were challenging and helped me develop a strong work ethic; I developed valuable skills that I will certainly use as a physician. Taking science and communication courses provided me with a well-rounded education that led me to discover my passions for medicine and health communication. Magdi Stino MS’10 College of Graduate Studies Why did you decide to attend the University to pursue your degree? I have friends in the pharmaceutical industry, and they all believed that the University has one of the top programs. Was there an experience, course, professor, or something else that impacted you the most? My academic advisor, Dr. William McGhan, has guided me throughout the program. I believe that his advice has helped me get the most benefit out of the program. What advice or insights would you share with a prospective student? It is important to get to know your professors as soon as possible. They will help guide you through the coursework. Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? I see myself working in the industry at an upper-management level. Jason Cherian MOT’10 Samson College of Health Sciences What are your career plans after graduation? After graduation I plan to take the [National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)] exam so that I can become certified and licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. I plan to work in either an inpatient acute rehab or an acute hospital setting. How do expect your degree from the University will uniquely prepare you for your career? The University gave me the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to become a dynamic, perceptive, and successful therapist. Was there an experience, course, professor, or something else that impacted you the most? I believe that the Occupational Therapy Department impacted me the most because they always made it seem like I was at a home away from home. The entire faculty from the chair to the administrative coordinator to the professors really made my OT experience more pleasant. Philip Parente Maher PharmD’10 Philadelphia College of Pharmacy Why did you decide to attend the University to pursue your degree? I wasn’t sure what degree to pursue, so I chose University of the Sciences because pharmacy offered an advanced degree. Additionally, it provided me the opportunity to participate in athletics throughout my college career, which was huge for me. What are your career plans after graduation? I plan to pursue a pharmacy residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. How do expect your degree from the University will uniquely prepare you for your career? I think it already has prepared me. Following rotations, I believe I had a unique set of experiences and developed relationships that can never be replaced. Was there an experience, course, professor, or something else that impacted you the most? Playing four years on the baseball team. I firmly believe the rigors of a baseball season, combined with trying to succeed in the classroom, have really prepared me for almost any task. Most importantly, the guys I played with are family to me. What’s more important than that? Nicole Turner MPH’10 Mayes College of Healthcare Business and Policy Why did you decide to attend the University to pursue your degree? The master of public health (MPH) program at the University was flexible for my work hours and had a variety of classes that fit my interests. I always have worked in hospital settings and was very interested in learning about public health policy issues. How do expect your degree from the University will uniquely prepare you for your career? My MPH degree has given me knowledge about all the different areas of public health, and I feel that I will be able to apply it to many different jobs. Was there an experience, course, professor, or something else that impacted you the most? Why was that important to you? The most memorable part of graduate school was taking my health policy classes during the healthcare reform debate. Relating the current events to the class material really helped me learn the intricate details of health policy, and I really enjoyed the discussions with classmates and professors.