S.Trossila Blah

Graduation Year: 2023
Current Employer: Montefiore Medical Center
Current Position: Data Integrity & Analytics Specialist

What unique aspect of your program are you glad you experienced at SHU?

As an international student at SHU, one of the most impactful aspects of my experience was the unique structure of the classes. They were highly interactive and focused on building skills essential for real-world situations. The program also provided valuable hands-on experiences; in my case, this was an internship with a New York City hospital. This opportunity helped me connect what I was learning in class to real-world applications in health care information technology.

How did your education at SHU prepare you for your career?

My experience at Sacred Heart was enriched by a range of activities. In the classroom, I took on homework and participated in team projects. The the end-of-term presentations had a particularly profound impact on me, as they enhanced my collaboration and teamwork skills while working with classmates from diverse backgrounds and personalities. Outside of class, I served as a graduate assistant in the healthcare informatics department and manager at the student union. These roles helped me develop crucial time management, multitasking and networking skills that will be invaluable in my career.

Give an idea of the arc of your time at SHU from the day you arrived to the day you graduated.

My time at Sacred Heart went by so quickly. I can still remember my first snowy day on campus and how nervous I felt being in a new country. As the semester went on, I got more comfortable with the courses and the creative homework assignments. The classroom activities were really fun.

In the final stretch, I could choose classes that matched my interests, such as project management and database development. These courses worked well with my internship as a data analyst. The last few days were a mix of excitement and nerves as we prepared for our capstone project presentations. Graduation day was bittersweet—saying goodbye to what had become so familiar while looking forward to the future.

Why would you recommend SHU to a prospective student?

Sacred Heart offers many opportunities to develop your skills through extracurricular activities, in addition to regular coursework. The campus is bustling with activities that enrich the overall experience. It truly provided me with the confidence I needed to enter the real world, thanks to the diverse classes and skills I gained during my time there.

The professors are fantastic and always willing to help, in and out of the classroom, which makes Sacred Heart an excellent choice for anyone considering further education. The Center for Career & Professional Development was invaluable for me as I navigated the U.S. job market. They assisted me with my resume and interview preparation, which made a huge difference. Additionally, there were numerous career fairs that brought various companies to campus, giving me the chance to connect with recruiters and network through platforms such as Handshake and LinkedIn. These were fantastic opportunities.