For Sharon Leung, a committed healthcare expert with 15 years under her belt, the pursuit of an engineering degree may appear somewhat unconventional. Nevertheless, Sharon’s dedication to ongoing education and inventive problem-solving motivated her to enroll in the online Master of Engineering in Engineering Management program at CU Boulder. This qualification allows Sharon to reshape the confluence of healthcare, technology, and business. Operating from Hong Kong, she is employed full-time as a Managed Care Officer for an ISO-certified healthcare services organization while pursuing her studies part-time. Her narrative illustrates how inventive skill enhancement and a commitment to self-improvement can foster distinctive interdisciplinary proficiency.
Incorporating Engineering Practices into a Career in Healthcare
Sharon, with a foundation in psychology, invested 12 years in a clinical environment before shifting to healthcare management. A year and a half ago, she became part of a managed care team, making pivotal decisions that influence healthcare provision. This transition ignited her fascination with technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and the integration of engineering principles into healthcare.
“People inquire: How does healthcare connect to engineering? How does psychology link to engineering? To me, acquiring a new skill set is an excellent method to address a complex healthcare challenge innovatively.”
The Path to CU Boulder
Initially, Sharon investigated online courses to enhance her skills during the COVID-19 lockdown. Since then, she has finished over 60 non-credit courses on Coursera outside of her degree necessities, choosing subjects she anticipated would broaden her professional horizons. Upon discovering CU Boulder’s Engineering Management program, she was captivated by its adaptability, reputation, and distinctive methodology.
“I was aware of CU Boulder’s esteemed position as a public research institution, but I was unaware they offered such programs. This was a wonderful opportunity for someone like me, with a non-traditional engineering background.“
Unlike conventional engineering master’s programs demanding an undergraduate degree in engineering, CU Boulder’s program embraces various backgrounds. The option to preview courses before committing to full tuition was revolutionary for Sharon, enabling her to fill knowledge gaps before advancing to higher-level classes.
An Exceptional Learning Experience
Sharon emphasizes CU Boulder’s encouraging online atmosphere as a significant benefit. In contrast to other online programs, where students might feel disconnected, this one offers access to TAs and a strong peer community.
“We have the opportunity to consult tutors and professors who address our inquiries. There are office hours, lecture videos, and readings—rigorous enough for a master’s level program. Moreover, the peer review method is beneficial as it helps us observe how others tackle assignments, allowing us to learn from one another.”
Networking possibilities further distinguish the program. Through CU Boulder’s university Slack channel, Sharon has engaged with professionals from various fields, including engineers, programmers, and entrepreneurs. She enjoys the diverse student backgrounds she interacts with and feels empowered that she is evolving into a more proficient engineer thanks to the experience.
“I’ve developed meaningful friendships. We share articles, discuss new classes, and provide mutual support. Many of my classmates already hold leadership positions, and I gain substantial insights from them.”
The Significance of Performance-Based Admissions (PBA)
Sharon recognizes the skepticism surrounding CU Boulder’s Performance-Based Admissions (PBA) model, which enables students to demonstrate their abilities through coursework rather than standardized test scores or prerequisite engineering qualifications. However, she underlines the program’s stringent expectations.
“It’s not straightforward to pass the initial three courses. The grading criteria are demanding, and they anticipate high-quality work. Everyone I’ve encountered in the program is a competent professional.”
Engineering Management: More Than Just Technical Skills
While technical capabilities are crucial, Sharon asserts that engineering management additionally requires robust communication and leadership skills.
“Overseeing individuals can be more critical than merely performing the technical tasks. This program is excellent for those interested in engineering but may feel intimidated by the technological aspects.”
For Sharon, she was able to reinforce her knowledge through additional non-credit courses in systems engineering, statistics, and AI.
A Future in Engineering-Driven Healthcare
After graduation, Sharon intends to utilize her engineering management mastery to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of healthcare services. She values CU Boulder’s career advising amenities, which have directed her upcoming endeavors.
“Boulder is truly bold for implementing this program. It’s creating opportunities for individuals who may have potential in engineering but lack a conventional background. Engineers can gain from collaborating with professionals from diverse fields, and healthcare stands to benefit immensely from engineering methodologies—especially in areas pertaining to error reduction and AI-enhanced solutions.”
With a deep-seated curiosity and a promise of lifelong learning, Sharon is redefining the significance of being an engineer within the healthcare domain. Her journey at CU Boulder transcends merely obtaining a degree; it’s about arming herself with the expertise required to shape the industry’s future.
The post Sharon Leung: Innovation at the Intersection of Healthcare and Engineering with CU Boulder Online first appeared on Coursera Blog.