M.A. Leadership 2016 Alumna Presents Research on Millennials to UPMC Leaders Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Meet Alexis Pape
Job title: Administrative Coordinator for the Services for Teens at Risk (STAR) Center
Employer: Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC
Degrees earned: M.A. in Leadership with a concentration in Leadership and Strategy, Point Park University, 2016; and B.A. in English Literature, University of Pittsburgh, 2007
Grad school activities: Graduate internship with WPIC Leadership Institute
Hometown: Penn Hills, Pa.
High school: Penn Hills High School
Now living in: Monroeville, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: Traveling to and exploring other cities (as well as Pittsburgh!), the beach, movies and spending time with my husband, family and friends
LinkedIn: Alexis Pape
Tell us about your recent presentation at the WPIC Leadership Institute.
As part of my graduate internship with the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, I presented to various managers on the topic of generations in the workplace. I focused on the benefits of being knowledgeable about all of the different generations and discussed the feasibility of a Millennial-geared leadership development program at UPMC. I engaged my audience in interactive activities to demonstrate their knowledge about generations and encouraged them in lively discussion about their own experiences with generational issues in the workplace.
Millennials are faced with so many negative stereotypes, but in my research I found that they are very willing and excited to become leaders. More and more Millennials are striving for leadership roles, yet older generations wonder if this generation will ever be ready to be leaders. However, I discovered that if Millennials are provided with proper leadership development training, they can defy negative stereotypes and become innovative and effective leaders.
The leadership team at WPIC was quite receptive to the information I presented and excited to bring this new knowledge back to their staff. My presentation opened up a conversation among the leadership at WPIC regarding generations and showed them the importance of giving Millennials the leadership development training they need and desire.
Why did you choose Point Park's M.A. in leadership program?
I chose Point Park's M.A. in leadership program because the program allowed me to focus on the humanities aspect of business. I think that focusing on developing people within organizations is extremely important. This program allowed me to take this approach while earning a graduate degree in business. Also, the class scheduling at Point Park was convenient for a working professional. That was very important to me.
What's your favorite Point Park grad school memory?
My favorite grad school memories were the relationships I formed with the individuals in my program who I worked closely with during my time at Point Park. Also, I really had great learning experiences in Dr. Talbott's classes. She always encouraged us to think "outside the box," which was one of the most useful concepts I learned in the program.
How have your M.A. leadership classes helped you in your position at UPMC?
My M.A. leadership classes have helped me in so many ways in my position. I would often take concepts I learned in class the night before and use them the next day at work. Also, I increased my leadership responsibilities in my position at UPMC because of the skills I developed through my M.A. classes.
What are your career goals?
My concentration within the M.A. program made me realize I would like to continue to work toward a career that will allow me to help others become better leaders and employees in order to make a difference in organizations.
Do you have a favorite quote?
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style." - Maya Angelou