The MSU Alumni Spotlight is a new feature of the IMPACT that allows NCBC members across the nation to get to know graduates of the MSU Judicial Administration Program. If you would like to be featured in a future MSU Alumni Spotlight, please contact Heather Burse or Cathy White. In this issue, we talk to MSU Alum Sheri Brolick.
Name: Sheri Brolick
Title: IT Systems Manager
Court: Michigan Western Bankruptcy Court
MSU Program: Judicial Administration Non-Credit Certificate
Graduation Date: August 2016, Recognized at the 2016 Joint NCBC/FCCA Conference in Washington, D.C.
How has your participation in the MSU program impacted your career?
My involvement in the MSU program has provided me with a broader knowledge of the operations of the court, beyond the IT department which I manage.
What other benefits has the program brought into your life?
I established career-long relationships with other participants.
What was the time commitment for your program? How did you integrate that into your lifestyle?
I made a decision to attend the courses in person. In-person learning works best for me. By doing so, I took me longer to complete the program but also had little impact on my lifestyle other than attending the conferences which I enjoy.
What format (or formats) did you use to complete your program? What did you like best about each one?
After attending the MSU program orientation, I began to think of a topic that I would like to address with my capstone project. It was important to keep the subject in mind while attending all courses.
What tips or ideas can you share about finding a work/life balance that is conducive to achieving success in this program?
Establish your goal and make a plan on how you are going to accomplish it. Set a deadline to complete your capstone project and stay with it. Before you know it, you will have completed the program.
Are there any last thoughts or maybe a piece of advice you'd like to share with us?
I thought I could write my capstone paper during work breaks. That turned out to be too difficult, so I spent a couple of weekends at home to complete the project. Once I started putting my thoughts down on paper, the rest was easy.
Do you have any ideas for getting the word out about the MSU JA Program?
Communication and networking are essential. Reach out to the NCBC Court Liaisons and ask them to share the program with their Clerks and Human Resources departments. I’m so glad mine did. It has been a great experience.
Name: Sheri Brolick
Title: IT Systems Manager
Court: Michigan Western Bankruptcy Court
MSU Program: Judicial Administration Non-Credit Certificate
Graduation Date: August 2016, Recognized at the 2016 Joint NCBC/FCCA Conference in Washington, D.C.
How has your participation in the MSU program impacted your career?
My involvement in the MSU program has provided me with a broader knowledge of the operations of the court, beyond the IT department which I manage.
What other benefits has the program brought into your life?
I established career-long relationships with other participants.
What was the time commitment for your program? How did you integrate that into your lifestyle?
I made a decision to attend the courses in person. In-person learning works best for me. By doing so, I took me longer to complete the program but also had little impact on my lifestyle other than attending the conferences which I enjoy.
What format (or formats) did you use to complete your program? What did you like best about each one?
After attending the MSU program orientation, I began to think of a topic that I would like to address with my capstone project. It was important to keep the subject in mind while attending all courses.
What tips or ideas can you share about finding a work/life balance that is conducive to achieving success in this program?
Establish your goal and make a plan on how you are going to accomplish it. Set a deadline to complete your capstone project and stay with it. Before you know it, you will have completed the program.
Are there any last thoughts or maybe a piece of advice you'd like to share with us?
I thought I could write my capstone paper during work breaks. That turned out to be too difficult, so I spent a couple of weekends at home to complete the project. Once I started putting my thoughts down on paper, the rest was easy.
Do you have any ideas for getting the word out about the MSU JA Program?
Communication and networking are essential. Reach out to the NCBC Court Liaisons and ask them to share the program with their Clerks and Human Resources departments. I’m so glad mine did. It has been a great experience.