Sharon Leung’s career path is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary learning and the pursuit of lifelong education. With a robust 15-year background in healthcare, Sharon decided to expand her skill set by pursuing a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management from CU Boulder. Based in Hong Kong, she juggles her role as a Managed Care Officer for an ISO-certified healthcare provider with her studies. Sharon’s journey exemplifies how the integration of different fields like healthcare, technology, and business can create innovative solutions and opportunities in today’s complex world.
Folding Engineering Practices into a Healthcare Career
Sharon’s career began with a focus on psychology, where she dedicated 12 years to working in clinical settings before moving into healthcare management. This transition led her to a managed care team, where she made significant decisions impacting healthcare delivery. This experience sparked a keen interest in technology and artificial intelligence (AI), and how engineering principles could be applied to healthcare challenges.
When asked about the connection between healthcare and engineering, Sharon often responds, “Learning a new set of skills provides an excellent approach to solving complex healthcare issues innovatively.” Her perspective highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Journey to CU Boulder
The COVID-19 lockdown was a turning point for Sharon, prompting her to seek online courses that could enhance her skills. She completed over 60 non-credit courses on Coursera, selecting topics that would broaden her understanding and enhance her career. Discovering CU Boulder’s Engineering Management program was a pivotal moment. She was particularly drawn to its flexibility, prestigious reputation, and innovative structure.
“I knew CU Boulder was renowned as a public research university, but I wasn’t aware of the unique programs they offered,” Sharon said. “It was a fantastic opportunity for someone like me, without a traditional engineering background.”
CU Boulder’s program stands out because it welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, unlike traditional engineering master’s programs that typically require an undergraduate degree in engineering. The option to preview courses before committing to full tuition was crucial for Sharon, allowing her to address any knowledge gaps before tackling more advanced classes.
A Unique Learning Experience
One of the standout features of CU Boulder’s program, according to Sharon, is its supportive online environment. Unlike many online programs where students may feel isolated, this program offers access to teaching assistants (TAs) and a robust network of peers.
“We have access to tutors and professors who are available to answer our questions. The program includes office hours, lecture videos, and readings—rigorous enough for a master’s level program. The peer review system is particularly valuable because it gives us insight into how others approach assignments, facilitating mutual learning,” she explained.
Networking opportunities are another significant advantage. Through CU Boulder’s university Slack channel, Sharon has connected with professionals from various industries, including engineers, programmers, and entrepreneurs. She appreciates the diverse backgrounds of her peers and feels that these interactions are strengthening her engineering skills.
“I’ve made great friends. We share articles, discuss new courses, and support each other. Many of my classmates hold leadership roles, and I learn a lot from them,” she shared.
The Value of Performance-Based Admissions (PBA)
Sharon acknowledges that some people are skeptical of CU Boulder’s Performance-Based Admissions (PBA) model, which allows students to demonstrate their capabilities through coursework rather than standardized tests or prerequisite engineering degrees. However, she emphasizes the program’s demanding standards.
“It’s not easy to pass the first three classes. The grading scale is high, and quality work is expected. Everyone I’ve met in the program is a successful professional,” she stated.
Engineering Management: Beyond Technical Skills
While technical skills are essential, Sharon believes that engineering management also requires strong communication and leadership abilities.
“Managing people can be more important than just doing technical work. This program is excellent for those interested in engineering but who may be apprehensive about the technical aspects,” she noted.
Sharon supplemented her knowledge by taking additional non-credit courses in systems engineering, statistics, and AI. These courses helped her gain a broader perspective and enhance her expertise in the field.
A Future in Engineering-Driven Healthcare
After graduation, Sharon plans to use her engineering management skills to enhance healthcare sustainability and efficiency. She values CU Boulder’s career counseling services, which have helped guide her future career steps.
“Boulder is bold for introducing this program. It’s opening doors for people who have potential in engineering but lack a traditional background. Engineers benefit from collaborating with professionals from different fields, and healthcare can greatly benefit from engineering approaches, especially in areas like error reduction and AI-driven solutions,” she explained.
With a deep curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning, Sharon is redefining what it means to be an engineer in the healthcare sector. Her journey at CU Boulder is not just about earning a degree; it’s about equipping herself with the skills to shape the future of the industry. Her story is a powerful reminder of the value of interdisciplinary learning and the impact it can have on both personal and professional growth.
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