Student Spotlight on OMC Master's Student Brianne Biddle
Can you tell us a bit about where you're from and what influenced your decision to apply to the online Organizational Management and Communication graduate program at FSU Panama City?
I graduated from FSU in 2001. I taught high school math for 19 years and then took a job with the ASCENT project at FSU Panama City in April 2023. The job began as a liaison position with the K12 teachers and then quickly morphed into the K12 Program Manager position as I was given more projects and responsibilities. It made sense to apply to the OMC graduate program as the scope of my duties was expanding to include more leadership roles. I have always been interested in human behavioral studies, and this program is the perfect hybrid degree of leadership with applied behavioral and communication applications.
Which faculty or staff members at FSU Panama City have significantly impacted or inspired you during your time in the Organizational Management and Communication graduate program?
Dr. Suzanne Remedies hired me and trusted me to help grow the K12 program alongside her with ASCENT. She encouraged me to apply for the OMC program and even wrote a recommendation letter for me. She could see my potential and knew the program would benefit me in my current role, which she knew would grow into a more significant role. Dr. Janelle Ausenhus had a substantial impact on me in the program. I had the honor of having her for several performance management courses and my favorite class, Business Ethics. I enjoy the business and management classes the most in the OMC program.
In what ways has the Organizational Management and Communication graduate program supported your current career, and how do you envision it helping you achieve your future career goals in this field?
The communication classes have significantly impacted my current career. It is always challenging to deal with people from various backgrounds with varying work ethics. My courses have better prepared me for handling projects I lead, navigating co-workers and their behaviors, and fine-tuning my communication and presentation skills. I hope to take on a more prominent leadership role in my career, possibly in project or program management.
What advice or encouragement would you offer to prospective students considering applying to the Organizational Management and Communication graduate program?
Look at the courses involved in the program and decide if they are of interest to you. Clarify your “why " by considering your specific career goals, current work situation, and future career path. The OMC graduate program is very flexible. It is designed to be completed by full-time working professionals. The skills developed in the OMC MS program broadly apply to any organization, no matter what industry.