Name

Bianca Zongrone

School

Villanova University

Degree Program

Second year Master of Science student in Human Resource Development

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2010

Research Interests

Virtual teams and creativity

Advisor

Gina Marie Ligon

Advisor’s Research Focus

Creativity; innovation; mentoring

Hobbies

Reading, singing

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I chose Villanova University for my masters degree in human resource development based on location and tuition rates. After comparing different schools in the Philadelphia area, I decided to enroll in Villanova’s program because it offered reasonable tuition, especially if I decide to become a graduate assistant.

In order to help make my decision, I explored an industrial and innovational psychology website, and also talked to my undergraduate advisor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. My advisor assured me that Villanova had a good reputation and would be a great place to earn my masters.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

To prepare for graduate school, I stayed active during my undergrad. For example, I served as a resident assistant in the dorms which taught me how to resolve conflict. I also became involved with a number of team projects, which taught me how to deal with group problems.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, my application required either the GRE or GMAT test scores. In order to prepare, I purchased Kaplan’s preparatory book. However, I don’t think Villanova University places a great deal of emphasis on these scores.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I discussed my reasons for enrolling in a human resource development program. I specifically mentioned how I had taken a human resources class in the past which motivated me to pursue this particular academic path. I also talked about my intentions to conduct research, even though I had never done research before.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I chose faculty who were well informed of my intentions to pursue my masters degree. Before approaching my undergrad academic advisor, my human resources professor and my boss in residence life, I talked to each of them individually about my graduate plans. This way, I didn’t surprise any of them and they were more than willing to write letters for me.

What types of questions were asked in your admissions interview?

Although an admissions interview is not required for the human resource development program, it is required for students who are interested in becoming graduate assistants. During my admissions interview, they asked me to talk about a time in which I worked with a team to reach a common goal. They also wanted to know how I deal with difficult people and how I resolve conflict.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in human resource development?

I would tell a student who is considering applying to graduate school in human resource development to join SHRM, or the Society for Human Resource Management at the student level. By paying the $35 membership fee, students have access to great resources such as SHRM’s website that contains job links, networking options and lists of future conferences.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My 2-year masters program in human resource development is composed of 33 credits. During the first year, students take core courses and a few electives. Classes include Introduction to Human Resources, Metrics & Statistical Research and Organizational Training which provides an overview of training methods for different personality types.

During the second year, students take more classes as well as their comprehensive exams in their last semester. Comprehensive exams cover material from core courses in the program. In general, most coursework involves writing assignments that are either opinion-based or research-based.

Does your program have an internship component?

Yes, my masters program has an internship component. At some point during their program, students are required to complete a paid 120-hour internship at a human resources-related company. They must keep track of all of their activities and meet with a supervisor who rates their performance. Then students bring that evaluation sheet to their professor who gives them their final grade.

In order to secure an internship, students can either utilize Villanova’s alumni network or find one on their own. Students are lucky because Villanova provides a list of internship opportunities from alumni connections and outside companies.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor, who was assigned to me, is crucial in guiding me through my academic program. She helps me schedule classes that are manageable considering my workload. I am also applying to PhD programs, and she is helping me with this process as well. Overall, she is a great resource and is supportive of my academic and professional pursuits.

Does your masters program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, my masters program requires comprehensive exams prior to graduation. During the last semester of the program, students need to pass an exam that covers topics from their core classes. The exam usually lasts for a few hours.

With that said, there are different options available to students depending on their preferences and experience. Students who are professionals with human resources experience can opt to complete their PHR, or Professional in Human Resources certification instead of taking their exams.

Students who simply don’t feel like taking their comprehensive exams can take the Assurance of Learning assessment offered through the Society of Human Resource Management.

How does a masters program differ from undergraduate study?

The main difference between a masters program and undergraduate study is the program structure. Masters students take specific classes related to their field of study and the classes are much more applicable to the real world. In addition, a masters program is much smaller, so the learning environment is more intimate. Students tend to be helpful and collaborate with each other.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters program cost?

My masters program at Villanova University costs between $600 to $700 per credit. Students take 33 credits total in order to graduate. In addition to tuition, book fees are reasonable, especially if I purchase them online.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education through scholarships and my graduate assistantship. In exchange for working 10 to 20 hours per week as a teaching assistant for a class or helping professors with their research, I receive a stipend as well as tuition remission.

In addition, I know that some students who are also working professionals receive reimbursements from the company they are working for.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters degree in human resource development?

My time commitments for a masters degree in human resource development vary depending on my course load for the week. I spend about 4 to 6 hours per week in class. Each class meets once a week for 2 hours. In addition, if a class is particularly writing intensive, I spend a few hours per week working on a paper or doing research in order to write a paper. I also spend about 3 to 4 hours a week preparing for an upcoming test. This usually involves looking through the slides or notes for the class or studying with a friend.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school hasn’t affected my personal life too much, as long as I practice good time management strategies. I try to prioritize and get all my work done first. If I do this, I have plenty of time to pursue hobbies such as taking a cooking class.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I hope to be enrolled in a PhD program in industrial and organizational psychology. This is similar to a human resource development degree, but with a greater emphasis on the psychology field.

Are you planning on pursuing a PhD? If so, how are you preparing for the admissions process?

Yes, I am planning on pursuing a PhD in order to either teach or conduct research. In order to prepare for the admissions process, I retook my GRE test to get a better score. I am also starting to talk with professors about my interest in pursuing a PhD, so I can obtain letters of recommendation from them later on.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters degree in human resource development?

I would advise a prospective masters student in human resource development to consider Villanova University’s 1-credit courses that are offered on the weekends. If students can’t commit to an entire semester but still want to work towards their degree, they can pursue this option.

I would also tell prospective masters students to expect to be more competitive in the workforce. Earning an advanced degree shows employers that you have a desire and willingness to learn. In return, they will have more confidence in your abilities to be effective in the workplace.