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MBA Student Spotlight: Deidra Ollie
Fri, 03/05/2021 - 8:16am
Deidra Ollie is a graduate student at the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration. She will be graduating in May 2021 with her Master of Business Administration in Health Care Administration. We interviewed her to find out more about her experience in the graduate program and how it has prepared her for her future career.
Deidra Ollie
Program: Master of Business Administration
Concentration: Health Care Administration
Hometown: Madison, MS
What is your undergraduate degree and what university did you attend?
I attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I received my BSBA in Tourism Management with a Marketing minor.
Why did you choose to pursue a Master of Business Administration?
I chose an MBA in Healthcare Administration because I wanted to continue my education in business while gaining insight into fundamental managerial needs in the healthcare industry.
Why did you choose the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for Graduate School?
I chose the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for Graduate School because I appreciated how much the faculty and staff invest in the students to make them prosperous future leaders. Also, this program was unique since I could gain hands-on experience in various health care administrative and project internships.
Where have you worked or interned while pursuing your MBA?
I am a Graduate Assistant with the Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center (LEED Center) and the Dean’s Office in the College of Business. I have interned at Lafayette General Health Foundation, Heart of Hospice Acadiana, and Community Foundation of Acadiana.
What are your plans after you graduate?
After I graduate in May, I will be moving to Columbia, Missouri to begin an Administrative Fellowship position at Missouri University Health Care. It is a two-year Administrative Fellowship program designed as a fast track to transition graduate students into operations management positions through focused mentoring and leadership experiences.
What will you be doing in this position?
I will be working side-by-side with executive leadership and the other fellows. I will benefit from customized rotations, individualized learning plans, and enhanced leadership development opportunities that empower us to lead complex projects that impact the entire organization.
Why did you choose this fellowship program? What do you hope to learn in this program?
MU Health Care offers a robust learning environment and resources with a very diverse and inclusive culture. The program’s rotation structure to specific departments caught my interest, especially with concentrations in business planning, marketing, and community affiliations. This institution's emphasis on community service was evident when I read that they offer opportunities to connect with the patient community and incorporate a leadership institute to transform visionary leaders. Through this program, I hope to gain a strong foundation of their administrative functions to enhance my abilities as a health care administration leader.
How has the Moody Business MBA program helped prepare you for this fellowship and your future career?
The guidance, direction, and support from faculty has been one of the driving forces of my success. My work experiences have always challenged my strengths and weaknesses, while my professors have invested in my education through hands-on, collaborative projects. The program's administrative and project internship opportunities have provided various experiences and knowledge in health care that supplement what I have learned in the classroom.
What is your advice to someone considering attending UL Lafayette to earn their MBA in Health Care Administration?
Receiving an MBA in Health Care Administration is the perfect opportunity for those who envision pursuing a career in health care and want to broaden their skill set to include additional general management capabilities. The best advice I could offer is to take advantage of every opportunity through the program, whether it is through internships, scholarships, or graduate research. This program equips graduate students with the necessary skills and networking opportunities to be successful.
The Moody Business Master of Business Administration program is available on campus and in an accelerated 100% online format. Learn more >>