Sept. 5, 2018

Mindy Jarvis, MHR ’14, ExxonMobil HR Advisor

What brought you to the Master of Human Resources program?
I actually started in the Professional MBA program. I had been thinking about the MHR program, but I didn’t want to quit my full-time job quite yet. I realized I wanted my master’s to launch me into a new career, whereas the MBA program is more focused on helping you grow in your current career. I talked with the program coordinator and asked a lot of questions because I was apprehensive about quitting my full-time job. The program coordinator answered all of my questions and I felt confident that it was the best decision for me at the time. I also talked with someone who was in the program at the time and saw the opportunities coming her way, and I realized I wanted to be a part of that.

What did you enjoy most about the MHR program?
The exposure to incredible faculty and all of the companies that are connected with the MHR program. Being able to experience through that a lot of different industries, companies and perspectives was great. I also appreciated how challenged I was. I was pushed more than I ever had been professionally, and I think what really stuck with me was being able to think on my feet. The professors here get you thinking that way, so when you go to your internship and your job, you’re able to hit the ground running.

How do you use your MHR degree day-to-day in your job?
I wouldn’t be working at ExxonMobil if I didn’t have my MHR degree. I think it laid the foundation with the classes I took and the network I built. I built an incredible network while I was here, so that’s probably how it impacts my life the most. I still leverage that network and that support often.