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Why I Refer: Writing Her Way to a Promotion

An alumna explains how her master’s helped her excel in her career.

F. Blackman -Carter. Photo credit Kimberly Murray Photography

F. Blackman-Carter.
Photo credit:
Kimberly Murray Photography.

NAME: Sharronda F. Blackman-Carter '12

DEGREE EARNED: Master of Public Administration (MPA)

CURRENT JOB: Paralegal in the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office in Decatur, Ga.

HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT WALDEN? I researched schools for a year. My first thought was to get a master’s in paralegal studies, but I wanted a broader background in law. What really drew me to Walden’s MPA program was the specialization in Law and Public Policy.

WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM WALDEN’S PROGRAMS? The greatest benefit for me was the emphasis on writing. My writing has improved so much, and I’m more conscious of any written piece, whether it’s a brief or an email. When I started the program, I was a trial secretary. Now that I’m a paralegal, I do a lot of writing, and I keep going back to what I learned in my courses. My master’s helped me earn that promotion.

WHY DO YOU REFER OTHERS TO WALDEN? My husband wanted to earn a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and Walden has a specialization in Entrepreneurship—exactly what he was looking for. We both love that the coursework is designed so that we can complete it on our own schedules. We both work full time and have kids, so we’re often pulled in several directions. You have to make a point to dedicate your time to your education, but it pays off. I promote Walden whenever I can to whomever is willing to listen. — A.D.

Refer friends, family, and colleagues at WaldenU.edu/refer.

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