Once Mia Feldmann discovered her passion for working in human resources, she focused on extending her education.
“I was thinking about pursuing a master’s degree, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” she said. “I wanted something that would help me be the best human resources professional I could be.
“I deal so heavily with employment relations, so I felt that having a legal background and feeling comfortable with law was probably the best thing I could do.”
Feldmann is enrolled in the online Master of Legal Studies program at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). She is on track to graduate in December 2023.
“I love it,” she said. “I was super nervous because it’s overwhelming — there’s so much to learn. I have enjoyed every single class. I wasn’t sure how I would feel, but it has been awesome.”
The decision to enroll at NKU wasn’t immediate for Feldmann. She researched seven Master of Legal Studies programs at different universities before choosing NKU.
“I wanted to make sure I would find the right program that would fit my budget and give me the best education possible,” she said. “NKU kept popping up. I talked to the program manager and people in the program. I had the best feeling from NKU.
“I also appreciate that it was one of the best-priced options. When I saw the number, I said, ‘You’re kidding me; it has to be more than that.'”
The online format works well for Feldmann, a human resources manager at NOMS Healthcare in Amherst, Ohio. She started her current role in August 2022.
“I love it,” she said. “I appreciate the flexibility. “There are days when I am doing my reading between loads of laundry. One thing I love and appreciate about NKU is how much the professors care — it’s not just taking a class to take a class.
“They are excited about what they’re teaching and how everyone is learning. It makes you want to learn more. Having professors who are so excited about what they are teaching makes it so much better.”
Dressed For Success
Feldmann grew up in the Chicago area. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising and product development from Bowling Green State University in 2013.
“I found that field interesting,” she said. “I thought I was going to be a store manager and work my way up to district manager. I started my job and realized my favorite part of what I did was the human resources aspect of it.”
After beginning her human resources career at Aramark in 2016, Feldmann has steadily gained real-world experience. She enrolled at NKU in January 2022.
“I had one professor for two of my classes,” she said. “He does a weekly meeting on Zoom, which I love. I feel more engaged in my master’s program than in my bachelor’s program — it should be the other way around. I have an awesome group of people. From start to finish, I have loved it.”
So far, Law for Digital Entrepreneurs is Feldmann’s favorite course in the online Master of Legal Studies program curriculum.
“It was interesting because we worked with a small business local to the university,” she said. “We got to hear about the company, their goals and what they’re doing. We got to analyze some of the legal ramifications they could face.
“I loved that class because we got to go through and learn so much. My professor has two topics a week, so you’re still getting that 14-week experience in seven weeks with a higher level for the two topics. I got to know the company well. It made me feel invested.”
Feldmann said the information she has learned in the program immediately applies to her career.
“My boyfriend, Michael Bohaty, is also a video game streamer as his full-time job,” she said. “I essentially have another full-time job helping as vice president of operations for his work.
“I get to use everything that I am learning at work, working for a smaller healthcare facility that’s rapidly growing, and with what we have going on at home, as well. I use it personally and professionally.”
Black and Gold Standard
Since enrolling at NKU, Feldmann has had plenty of encouragement from her friends and especially her family. She plans to walk in the commencement ceremony during her first visit to campus next year.
“My parents say I am a lifelong learner,” she said. “I am always in school. When I am not in school, I am usually reading. I am involved in growing and continuing to improve myself.
“When I told my parents I was getting a master’s degree, my mom said, ‘Are you sure you have time to do this?’ My dad said, ‘She can handle this.’ I enjoy doing it. I like having the purpose of being in school and learning.”
Feldmann, who enjoys cooking, being outdoors and gardening in her free time, loves what she does for a living. She also looks forward to the opportunities that having a master’s degree creates.
“I want to stay in HR, but I like the option to help with in-house counsel and having the knowledge to help my company grow in the right direction,” she said. “I would love to be a vice president of human resources. Having this background will help me get there.”
Now that she is in the home stretch of the program, Feldmann is happy she chose to earn an online degree at NKU.
“It’s worth it,” she said. “It’s hard work, but you’re going to learn a lot. The professors are incredible — they make learning fun.
“This is one of the best decisions I could have made for myself in my career. I thank NKU time and time again. This program has blown away every expectation that I had.”
Learn more about NKU’s online Master of Legal Studies program.
