For a great example of how education can transform a career, look no further than Su Bin Park. A Project & Program Manager at Wolters Kluwer, Park chose to pursue a degree through McIntire’s M.S. in the Management of Information Technology (M.S. in MIT) Program, a decision that has proven instrumental in achieving her professional aims.
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, and having spent most of her life in Fairfax, VA, Park has been driven by her adaptability and ambition to seek avenues that bolster her skill set and expand her opportunities. After earning her B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Teaching in Elementary Education from UVA, Park unexpectedly discovered her passion for project management through extracurricular activities she took part in, such as helping organize events. Instead of beginning her career in teaching, it was her innate strengths in planning, execution, and organization that propelled her to pivot into the world of project management.
Park’s interests led her to project management roles in government contracting and higher education. Yet as she advanced in her career, she recognized a growing need to deepen aspects of her expertise to better serve in her evolving roles. “I started as a functional project manager, but as I transitioned into more technical roles, I realized that a stronger technological foundation was essential,” she explains. This realization was the catalyst for her decision to consider further education, leading her to McIntire’s M.S. in MIT.
For Park, the M.S. in MIT Program offered the perfect blend of technological and management depth, providing a comprehensive curriculum that aligned with her professional aspirations. She was particularly drawn to the program’s first two modules, focused on technology foundations and IT project and product management. The modules aligned with her career goals and were essential in bridging the gap between her project management expertise and the technical knowledge required to effectively lead IT projects.
Excelling in the Experience
Of course, pursuing an advanced degree while managing a demanding career can be particularly tricky for anyone. Park acknowledges the challenges she faced in plotting out her schedule to give proper attention to her work, education, and personal life.
“The M.S. in MIT Program required strong time management, and planning ahead according to the academic calendar and the schedule of each module was crucial. Prioritization, late nights, and compromises were part of the experience, but I remained motivated by this learning opportunity,” she says, adding that her dedication to learning and support from her family kept her motivated.
Park’s experience in the graduate program was also directly responsible for keeping her extremely interested, thanks in large part to the quality of the faculty and the collaborative environment fostered by her peers. She describes the faculty as “outstanding” and emphasizes their energy and engagement as key factors in sustaining her motivation throughout the year. “Having a variety of professors covering different topics was one of the program’s highlights,” she notes, adding that their availability and commitment to students were invaluable. Among the faculty, Professor Stefano Grazioli stood out for his enthusiasm and dedication, which Park found truly inspiring.
The cohort-based structure of the program also played a crucial role in Park’s positive experience. The close-knit nature of the professional student group was particularly rewarding for her, allowing for deeper connections and mutual support, which were essential during the program’s more challenging moments.
“The cohort was a highlight of the program, fostering a supportive environment where we could rely on each other. Although the workload was overwhelming at times, having such a supportive and encouraging group was one of the biggest driving forces behind my successful completion of the program,” Park says. “Additionally, I valued the chance to work closely with a smaller team for each module. This approach helped us form strong relationships and provide support and encouragement not only for academic tasks but also on a personal level. I’m grateful for the lasting network of friends that extends beyond the program’s conclusion.”
The program’s collaborative projects, particularly the Module 4 capstone project, also really stood out to Park. This project, which required her team to develop a technology-focused initiative for Build-A-Bear, provided a valuable opportunity to integrate all the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.
Park would eventually take full advantage of one of the key strengths of the M.S. in MIT Program: its ability to translate classroom learning into real-world applications. For Park, the knowledge she gained in technology foundations has proven instrumental in her role as a project manager. “It enhanced my ability to understand technical language and communicate more effectively with technical resources, which was my initial goal [in pursuing the program],” she says. The ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders has been a game-changer in her career, empowering her to lead projects with greater confidence and clarity.
Moreover, the program’s focus on strategic thinking has broadened Park’s perspective on how IT influences business operations. “In my current role as a project manager, I aim to connect more deeply with clients by considering not just the immediate goals of technical projects but also their broader impact on their organizations,” she says. Having a holistic approach has improved her effectiveness in her role and has also strengthened her connections with clients, enabling her to deliver solutions that align with their long-term business goals.
Building a Network, Growing What’s Possible
The M.S. in MIT Program also offered Park the opportunity to expand her network within the UVA and McIntire communities. Through events such as the Knowledge Continuum, hosted by McIntire’s Center for the Management of IT (CMIT), and various panel discussions featuring other program alumni, Park was able to connect with industry professionals who shared their experiences and insights. “I valued the chance to expand my UVA and McIntire networks, and I was impressed by the ongoing connections among alumni,” she says. These relationships, both within her cohort and with alumni, have become a lasting resource that Park continues to draw upon in her professional life.
Reflecting on her journey through the M.S. in MIT Program, Park enthusiastically urges others who are considering a similar path to look into it. “I highly recommend the M.S. in MIT Program to anyone seeking a comprehensive education in technology, management, and business strategy,” she says. While the program is demanding, Park emphasizes that the challenges are purposeful and yield meaningful results. “For me, the investment and commitment were well worth it. The program exceeded my expectations in learning, networking, and gaining valuable experience.”
By equipping her with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of IT management, the program has not only enhanced Park’s current role but has also prepared her for future growth opportunities. Ultimately, the M.S. in MIT Program served as more than just an academic pursuit—it provided her with the keys to open doors to as yet undiscovered professional possibilities.
