People and Organization Management - Reflection Day 5

Yesterday was the final day of our immersion experience in the HCAT program (cohort #6). We started the day with a climbing Mount Everest simulation and ended it with a discussion with several HCAT alumni.

The Climbing Mount Everest simulation was incredible. Our team worked as a group to try to get all our team members to the top of the Summit. I loved how our different personalities shined through to make this happen. We were a team that shared individual goals, which proved to be beneficial. Once one team member sacrificed one of their goals, others were more willing to do the same.  Three team members made it to the summit, and although it wasn’t everyone (two had to be rescued), I thought it was a successful mission.  I am very curious and should have asked if there’s ever been an HCAT group to complete the simulation with all members reaching the top of the summit. This was an excellent lesson on team or leading a team (for the team leader).

The conversation with the HCAT alumni was the perfect way to wrap up the week.  Hearing the experiences of graduates of the program meant a lot.  Hearing how their careers have changed since the program helped to give me ideas of where I can go.  I would also like to mention that I was initially a little discouraged by the fact that I was likely the oldest person in my cohort, but seeing these graduates who went through the program around the same age as me (and even older) was very reassuring.  I was also excited to hear that there was someone from the non-profit space (as I am), someone who had a drastic career shift to HR (as I did), and several introverts (as I am).

I am beyond excited to be a part of this program. I can’t wait to see how my thought process will change (analytically) after I start taking some of my other courses. I am looking forward to applying my knowledge to my daily work and seeing where this degree takes me. To put it simply, I feel lucky. Thanks, Dr. Anna, for such a great experience.