Sinead Noonan graduated from the University of San Francisco in May 2009. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior and Leadership. Sinead was honored with USF's Faculty Alumni Society Award. She is originally from Ireland and has been living in the Bay Area for last 17 years.
Why did you choose the University of San Francisco for your undergraduate studies?
I had two criteria: a reputable school and a program I was interested in that I could later apply the material studied professionally. The OBL program at the University of San Francisco fit the bill perfectly!
Why did you choose OBL as your undergraduate major?
A few years ago I worked in operations and event management roles with Executive Networks, an organization that facilitates executive peer networks. The purpose of the Networks are to connect senior HR and Learning executives from Fortune and Global firms to collaborate for access to human capital best practices, new ideas, advice, and “early warning” on trends . I was fascinated by the material and conversations that I was privy to. This was my introduction to the worlds of Human Capital, Talent Management and OD. I knew that someday I wanted to be seated at one of those roundtables, directly involved in and contributing to such dynamic exchange. In order to do so I knew I would have to complete my degree that I had left unfinished due to relocating to the US in my final year. I researched so many programs (in Europe and all over the US). It was important to me to study within the subject areas of psychology that I am interested in. The OBL program fulfilled this for me.
How is the OBL major helping you in your job?
Throughout the program we were constantly engaged in group discussion and writing papers on group dynamics, leadership, culture, motivation, employee engagement, organizational change, human capital management. We had to critically assess our own organizations in these areas. I developed an acute objective knowledge of what was working in my organization, what was not and the “why” behind each scenario.
I connected with our CFO on numerous occasions to provide my input for how certain areas could be improved upon. The organization actually implemented a few of my suggestions. I now have a keen insight to the organizational culture at the firm – why it is as it is and how it became so. It really is quite interesting to observe shared assumptions at play, the interplay between the dominant and sub cultures, and how new employees move through the stages of adaptation to adopt and adapt to the organizational norms (or not as is often the case also)! I made it a personal crusade at one stage to improve group dynamics – I learned a lot from that exercise that I never would have in a text book. I will say with confidence that I have learned just how the culture of an organization has explicit and implicit influences on the dynamics of the administrative work teams. I have also learned to never underestimate the depth of a culture’s waters but also to never just sign it off as written in stone because sometimes change is possible!
You were awarded the CPS Alumni Society Award by USF, congratulations. What does it take to be awarded for such an honor?
Yes. I was awarded the USF Faculty's Alumni Society Award. The criteria were:
• Contribution to the educational goals of others within the cohort.
• Evidence of a belief in the dignity of the individual by encouraging and supporting intellectual growth and maturity in fellow students.
• Active participation in the classroom to enhance and encourage peer development.
• Demonstration of quality leadership and a high standard of personal and professional service to fellow students.
My cohort nominated me for the award without my knowledge. I was elated to receive this award. It was the perfect ending to a year of hard work and perseverance. I must say though I believe the incredible heartfelt writing talent of my cohort colleague Jennifer Smart weighed in heavily on the faculty choice for the award!! It’s a great honor and an experience I will never forget.
What are the types of jobs OBL majors can apply for?
Any position that involves understanding people in context to be honest. OBL is first about understanding yourself. It is about establishing self awareness. Who am I? What are my strengths? What motivates me? How can I make my experience and that of my colleagues a better one in the work place? What are my leadership strengths? What type of leader can I be? When we know who we are or at least when we are aware we are on our journey with eyes, ears, minds and hearts open then we can help people and organizations on their way.
If I need to be specific then I would say HR (generalists and specialists i.e. employment and placement management, employee relations, job analyst, benefits manager, training and development, OD, talent management, etc) or a position within a consulting company that focuses within the areas of OD, leadership consulting, coaching etc.
What was your overall experience with USF?
It was above and beyond what I expected. My expectation was really about just finally completing my degree – check! I had no idea that intellectually I would be as challenged and engaged as I was. The program was academically rigorous. The faculty were intelligent, enthusiastic, supportive and fully earnest in their desire for each student to succeed (before and after graduation). The experience of working within a cohort model in an accelerated program also accounts for a huge proportion of my growth at USF through the constant challenge, exchange, support and diversity of views. We were continuously on, pushing, prodding, challenging and supporting one another!
How did you manage your full time job as well as your study?
Honestly … I don’t know! I was in the accelerated 15 month program – it was literally as if the whistle went off the gates opened I ran and didn’t stop for 15 months!!!
I was lucky to be in a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job with an amazing partner Jamie who kept our home life running while I was buried in books, essays and endless critical thought. I stayed after work most evenings to study or write papers. Weekends were pretty much devoted to writing, reading and studying also. There was very little down time. However, I was not alone. I knew that each and every one of my cohort colleagues were in the same boat (and many of them had families, illness and full time jobs that required travel – they truly are the ones I take my hat off to). We each had a personal sense of responsibility and drive to achieve. We knew there would be a pay out at the finish line – we did what it took to get there and we supported one another along the way.
Would you recommend other students to join USF? If yes, then why?
Yes! Before I enrolled at USF I was doing well professionally. For years completion of my degree really did not impact me. However, once I decided that I wanted to elevate myself academically and career-wise I knew I had no option but to complete my final year. Upon graduation I felt a personal sense of accomplishment and excitement for more expansive horizons. It was not just a visceral reaction but one that was also deeply grounded in the accumulation of knowledge I knew I could apply immediately to the world around me (personally and professionally). I was proud to graduate from a reputable university. I left USF with confidence, pride and a great sense of achievement. I know that I can leverage my education at USF to apply to other reputable schools and programs.
What are some of your best memories at USF?
We had a service learning project to complete in our Group Dynamics class. The goal of the project was to engage in a community service project while simultaneously observing our individual and group dynamics. Our group chose to work at the Point Reyes National Seashore on a habitat restoration project. The task at hand was to clear away old barbed wire fencing from marshland. Whenever I watch the video I laugh out loud. We were decked out in waders (since we had to wade around in waist high marsh waters) and were laden down with wire cutting tools. Two of our team developed a really nasty dose of poison oak after and another member developed bronchitis. That said, we had a great time all the while observing our communication, leadership, power, decision making, controversy, conflict and negotiation skills (individually and as a team).
I enjoyed the class group brainstorming exercises. It was always a lot of fun to test out different roles, to step out of my comfort zone and stretch personal boundaries.
My favorite memory is the day of our graduation ceremony. One of our cohort members had been very ill throughout the later part of the program. He never gave up. He continued to submit papers, contribute to online discussions, show up for classes, engage fully and get good grades. As we walked down the aisle of St. Ignatius robed in our graduation regalia his family and friends stood and cheered for him … it was really emotional. I remember thinking to myself as I looked at him beaming from ear to ear “you did it kid and you did great!” We all did!
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