Nov. 1, 2018

Jalen Maxton, Master of Human Resources candidate

Why did you choose to attend the Moore School?
I choose the Moore School because it’s where I attended undergrad (majoring in human resources management and marketing), so there was a sense of comfort. I also wasn’t quite ready to leave South Carolina, so coming back to USC, the flagship university of the state, was the best option.

Who at the Moore School most impacted you and how?
Sally Fulkert — she gave me a chance. A chance to leave an impact on USC as well as the program in general. But even more so, she gave me the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself, knowing that I wasn’t as qualified as some of my peers, but she sees something in me, and for that I am forever grateful.

What do you enjoy most about your program?
The exposure you get from not only being a part of the program but also from working with industry-leading companies. The most interesting thing about these interactions is that the people from these companies love to be asked challenging questions — that they may or may not know the answers to — that force them to think differently.

What was the most valuable thing you learned through the program?
1. Be adaptable: Things are ever-changing — in society, economy, technology and with people. You can’t get complacent. Always try to be ahead of the curve.
2. Have an open mind: In your career you will be asked to do things that might not excite you or even be put in situations that you know nothing about or what to expect, but when you encounter such things, look at them as new challenges or something you can learn from.

What's next for you?
Upon graduation, I will be working full-time with UTC Aerospace Systems, who I interned with this summer in Charlotte. I will be joining UTC again through their human resources rotational program.

What are your career goals?
The goal for me is continuous development. To do that, I have to capitalize on new learning and developmental opportunities.