With a consistent interest in healthcare and science, Sergut Admasu pursued and earned her master’s in Healthcare Management. We had the opportunity to speak with her about how her degree has helped her earn the ideal career.
My education career started at Howard Community College, however I transferred to Stevenson and earned my bachelor’s degree in biology. Since then, I’ve continued my education to earn my master’s in Healthcare Management. While at Stevenson, I worked at the Academic Link, one of the many resources to students, as a receptionist and then coordinator. I currently serve as a Research Administrator Coordinator with University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown. The main component of my position involves research and reviewing. I am a part of the research committee that is responsible for reviewing any human research. I also serve as administrative support for the committee to ensure that all of the required documentation is organized, tracked, and completed. Additionally, I offer administrative support to my supervisor who is the Chief Surgeon of the department.
When I earned my undergraduate degree in biology, I had great opportunities to be part of research projects on campus and off-campus with supportive professors and mentors. It was when I was working at the Academic Link that I discovered my interest in administration and management due to the supervisors and leaders on campus who empowered me and provided me the opportunity to learn and grow. I pursued my master’s in Healthcare Management in order to prepare and understand the healthcare field, and I am now connected to an industry I have always been interested in.
Everything I learned in my courses, I apply daily. The case studies we worked through apply to real-world scenarios I go through on a day-to-day basis. The support I received from my professors was amazing, I can still hear their voices as guidance. Even after graduating, I discussed how to proceed with my job interview with my mentor. I would not be in the position I’m in today if it were not for the tremendous support and help I received – it does not just take one person it takes a community. The sense of community at Stevenson was remarkable. Having that type of community really shaped my view on a lot of things. I am so grateful and will always be grateful; I will be that person that is still visiting her school at 90 years old.
In my new role, the biggest challenge is adjusting and adopting to the new environment. Going from the academic world to a healthcare setting involves learning the environment, terminology, and culture. The most fulfilling part of my position is getting the job done! I am learning so much and I want to learn more and more. Since the day I started, I have been learning. It is why the healthcare environment always intrigued me because there is always something new to learn. The most important lesson I have learned in life is that you need to welcome learning and have the personality to want to learn. Patience and perseverance are key to pushing forward, even if you face obstacles. A sense of community has always been really important to me as well. I had a wonderful community in Ethiopia, and now in America with Stevenson. When you are a part of a community, it makes you accountable not only to yourself but the people that surround you. I have succeeded because I was surrounded by supportive people. In return, you need to be that person to help empower others to work hard, you need to be a resource. We all are connected somehow. To be successful in the healthcare field, again my advice is to be open to learning. It is okay to make mistakes that is how you learn. Go with the flow, adapt, and have the ability to push forward with positive energy.
When I am not working, I volunteer at a youth group at my church. I want to give back, especially to the younger generation. From young kids to teenagers, I offer direction on how to apply to college or financial aid or internships. Because that is how I was able to succeed, I want to be a resource and let them know about my experiences. I tell them about how I took advantage of the study abroad program with Stevenson and followed surgeons and nurses in South Africa. I lived there for a month and learned so much in that environment and even saw the place where Nelson Mandala was born, who is a huge inspiration. My favorite quote is, “All things seem impossible until they are done.” My family and community are my main inspirations. My parents came to America from Ethiopia and worked hard so their children could pursue their dreams.