"MAPC encouraged me to reflect, explore, and ultimately pursue work that’s more in line with who I am and what I care about."

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For Hedda Damasco, enrolling in the Master’s Degree in Professional Communication (MAPC) program at the University of San Francisco in 2021 marked a significant turning point. A seasoned marketing lead with several years at Ford in the Philippines, Hedda felt a sense of burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic’s strict quarantine. This period of reflection prompted her to revisit long-term goals. Ford’s provision of free access to online courses sparked an interest in remote learning, initiating a six-to-eight-month research phase that solidified her decision to pursue a Master's degree.

Hedda’s career had centered on the analytical and strategic aspects of marketing, yet she harbored a strong interest in the communications field. While considering MBA and marketing programs, communication-focused options that aligned with her corporate career aspirations proved difficult to find. Initially favoring Singapore for its proximity, she explored universities based on location and program. USF’s MAPC stood out. The curriculum offered classes directly relevant to her interests. While San Francisco’s location, with family nearby, provided a welcome safety net for her first independent living experience abroad, the program content remained the primary draw. The responsive and welcoming nature of the program director at the time further solidified her choice, converting what was once tentative browsing into a bold next step.

Hedda chose the Strategic Communication concentration, initially intending to leverage her learning for a promotion. While life took an unexpected direction during and after completing her MA, she values the skills gained. A key takeaway from her professors was the importance of asking questions. This simple habit, she learned, fosters engagement, thoughtfulness, and clear understanding, proving crucial for effective collaboration and  navigating diverse communication styles.

One memorable experience was in her Digital Storytelling class, where a project on San Francisco’s cable cars took her and a classmate to the Cable Car Museum. Interviewing a board member and local commuters provided rich historical context and personal perspectives, highlighting the power of storytelling to preserve local heritage. This project pushed her beyond the classroom, connecting her directly with the city’s history.

Hedda appreciated USF’s ability to feel both large and small. The spacious campus offered ample resources, while small class sizes fostered personal connections with professors and classmates. As an international student, she valued the diverse community, which eased her transition and provided a sense of belonging. A chance encounter with a classmate, Steff, who lived nearby, blossomed into a supportive friendship that helped Hedda adjust to both academic life and her new environment.

Her MAPC degree played a direct role in her current position in administration at a healthcare start-up focused on hospice care, an industry she hadn't previously considered joining. Involved in establishing core processes and communication strategies, she recently developed templates for heartfelt patient communications. Her MAPC coursework sharpened her ability to craft thoughtful, strategic messages with empathy and clarity,essential in the hospice setting. This role has also reconnected her with a passion for elder care. The MAPC program, along with her study abroad experience, encouraged her to reflect and explore career paths more aligned with her personal values. The degree provided a fresh perspective, reigniting her creativity in approaching communication challenges.

Hedda found a warm community at USF, overcoming her introverted tendencies. Working as a graduate assistant and engaging in campus events allowed her to build lasting friendships and a solid professional network. This supportive environment fostered a desire to connect and engage. For individuals with corporate experience considering a career shift or upskilling, Hedda believes MAPC provides the academic grounding and practical tools for growth. Her advice: remain open-minded and embrace the unexpected, as the program can lead to fulfilling paths one might not initially envision.