Faces of NLU: Susan Shields

At National Louis University, our community is filled with remarkable individuals pursuing their passions and working toward meaningful career goals. This week, we spotlight Susan Shields, a dedicated student in our Human Resources Management and Development program who exemplifies determination and leadership.

When asked why she chose NLU, Susan shared, "I chose NLU because they offer a graduate degree program in my preferred field of study. NLU has a great reputation and I am proud to be accepted in the program." This pride is well-founded. Our Human Resources Management and Development program prepares students for leadership roles in today's evolving workplace, something that resonates deeply with Susan.

Learn More About NLU's M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development

The journey to academic and professional success is rarely without challenges. For Susan, "the biggest obstacle I had to overcome was my fear of pursuing my degree to advance my career path." This sentiment echoes what many adult learners experience-taking that first step toward further education requires courage and determination. Despite these initial fears, she's embraced her educational journey at NLU with enthusiasm and dedication, proving that moving beyond comfort zones often leads to the most rewarding experiences.

When asked how NLU has helped her achieve her career goals, Susan highlighted one of our university's core strengths: "By offering courses that include 'real life' experiences in the workplace. It provides valuable course materials and knowledgeable instructors." This practical approach to education has made a significant impact, with "Total Rewards" standing out as her favorite class so far. "It identified and defined different types of benefits (non-monetary and monetary) and how they can be used as leverage in the hiring process and to help boost morale among existing employees," she explained.

Behind every successful student is often a professor who goes above and beyond. For Susan, that's Professor Albertini, whom she praises as "knowledgeable and makes herself accessible to students for additional help." This kind of dedicated mentorship exemplifies the supportive learning environment we strive to create at NLU.

Learn More About NLU's Graduate School of Business and Leadership

Beyond the classroom, Susan is actively involved in campus life as a member of the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Student Chapter, where she serves as the Treasurer/Secretary of the NLU Chapter. This involvement demonstrates her commitment not just to academic excellence but to professional development and community building.

When asked to describe her future career goal in one word, Susan chose "Leader"-a powerful aspiration that aligns perfectly with her academic path and extracurricular involvement. Her description of National Louis University as "Progressive" reflects our institution's commitment to innovative education that prepares students for real-world challenges and opportunities.

As our conversation concluded, Susan offered this advice to those just beginning their NLU journey: "NLU is a great institution that incorporates 'real-life' experience into class assignments." This practical wisdom highlights what makes the NLU experience special-our commitment to education that bridges theory and practice, preparing graduates who are ready to make an immediate impact in their chosen fields.