Kadeesha O’Connor
- Current Graduate Program: Master of Health Administration & Master of Business Administration
- Program Schedule: Full-Time
- Delivery Method: Hybrid
- Current Employer: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Position: Teaching Assistant
- Anticipated Graduation: July 2026
- Undergraduate Institution: Excelsior University
- Undergraduate Degree: B.S. in Natural Sciences with a concentration in biology
- Favorite Place in Charlotte: Uptown (I love going to the museums!)
- Hometown: Orlando, Florida
- Dream Job: CEO of a large health organization
What has been your driving force for enrolling in your degree program?
I am pursuing a dual MHA and MBA degree, which is vital to moving into leadership roles in healthcare and business. These degrees give you the technical skills necessary to lead a team. My driving force for enrolling was having to pivot my career choices as my physician assistant school applications were unsuccessful. I have worked with C-suite level leadership in the past and decided to revisit this for my master’s studies. I would love to work in the C-suite in the future, serving in the capacity of Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Operations Officer, or something similar, and these degrees are the first step toward that dream.
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte over other universities?
I chose UNC Charlotte because it offered the dual program, so instead of coming back to school in the future to pursue an MBA and spend more time and money, I could do both at once. Also at that time, I was not in a position to, nor was I particularly interested in moving, as I was already living and working in Charlotte.
What has been the best part of your academic experience so far?
The best part of my academic experience thus far has been my summer internship. Having the opportunity to work within the Atrium system with the Vice President of Business Operations was not only eye-opening, but I saw all the technical jargon from my books being applied in real-time. It allowed me to envision myself in that position and not just fantasize about what it would be like to work in health administration post-graduation.
How would you describe UNC Charlotte to someone considering a graduate program?
I would describe UNC Charlotte as the perfect blend of academia and community. As a veteran student, I didn’t have a traditional undergraduate experience. I didn’t have the experience of living on campus or attending class in person and building those in-person bonds with professors, but I have been able to experience all that and more as a graduate student. I have met some amazing professors during my time here who have introduced me to professionals in my field of interest. Another perk is that about 50 percent of the professors I’ve had so far also work at one of the two largest healthcare organizations in Charlotte. This is a great opportunity for you to get a feel of the culture. I think UNC Charlotte offers graduate students a great balance of work and exposure to the workforce.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to your program?
I would say do your research! While I love my program and am grateful to have an amazing cohort of students to move through it with, you need to be sure that UNC Charlotte’s program will be right for you and your future. I love it because it’s teaching me the real-world skills I’ll need, but also in a city that is rapidly growing, so the opportunities after graduation are also growing!
Is there anything else you would like to share that may help readers learn about UNC Charlotte?
I would say take advantage of all the sporting events, the Student Union, and the gyms on campus. I love to be able to destress and go for a swim. I love that the UREC pool is open late so I can go after class to clear my head. I don’t have to pay for a separate gym membership, as UREC has everything I could ever need in a gym. They even offer workout classes!