<p><span class="p-body">Before joining NYU, Jessica Blodgett was already working in human resources (HR). As a first-generation college student, earning a master's degree was something she had always wanted to do. Because she was already working in HR, she wanted to choose a program that would teach new skills instead of the basic skills she had already learned through her job. She decided pursuing higher education would help advance her career and make her an industry leader. The NYU SPS <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-human-capital-analytics-and-technology.html" title="Master's in Human Capital Analytics and Technology">MS in Human Capital Analytics and Technology</a> was &quot;expansive,&quot; &quot;well-developed,&quot; and a perfect fit for her goals.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Initially joining the school, Blodgett had hesitations. While taking classes, she was also still working full-time and was worried about keeping up. She explained, &quot;since I had worked a few years before I went to grad school I was really nervous that I wasn't going to fit in or do well. It was such a big name school and I was intimidated by the reputation.&quot; After meeting and connecting with a classmate in her first class, these worries faded. She shared, &quot;I really began to feel like I fit in, and not only was I able to keep up, but I was able to thrive.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">One of her favorite NYU experiences was her capstone class. She, her peer partner, and her&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-programs-in-business/human-capital-management.html" title="capstone advisor Dr. Anna Tavis">capstone advisor Anna Tavis</a>&nbsp;worked with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Their project involved learning about AI usage in the workplace.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">We asked Blodgett what some of the most impactful moments of her career have been thus far. She shared unique experiences that have spanned the globe, like:</span></p> <ul class="p-list"> <li><span class="p-body">Developing and executing training workshops in multiple language and countries</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Meeting and connecting global colleagues</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Seeing the opening of a new cancer hospital her organization helped fund in Kitui County, Kenya</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Walking along the Nile River in South Sudan</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Learning to surf and sandboard with a volunteer from her organization's office in Peru</span></li> </ul> <p><span class="p-body">Blodgett explained that sometimes the biggest successes can only come after working through hard challenges. Although she is proud of her international experience, it came with unexpected tasks, &quot;it has been challenging to connect six different offices, cultures and time zones!&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Today, Blodgett works for a global nonprofit as the director of people, culture, and community. When asked about her career aspirations, she shared her goal to someday work as a chief people officer. She advises new HR hires to take advantage of technological tools like generative AI like Chat GPT. In her role, it's been helpful to reduce administrative tasks and enhance her work.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Her advice for incoming students? Take advantage of&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/experience/activate-your-career.html" title="career development services">career development services</a>&nbsp;like coaching, interview prep, and résumé guidance. She shared, &quot;make the most out of your student experience. If you can balance it, join communities, and get involved. You get to meet so many people and practice so many skills you didn't even think you needed.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Get more information about the&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-human-capital-analytics-and-technology.html" title="Master's in Human Capital Analytics and Technology">MS in Human Capital Analytics and Technology</a>.</span></p>