Conflict is all around us. With individuals or groups, co-workers, family or just daily life. The question is how we handle it. With a master’s in Conflict and Mediation, graduates of this interdisciplinary program can find themselves working in human resources, higher education, politics, social work and beyond. Let’s hear from two recent program graduates: Carl Hunter and Jessica Lusky.
Carl Hunter serves as the Assistant Director of Staff Events, Programs Talent Management, and Alumni Relations and Development at the University of Chicago. He attended Illinois State University as a history major with a minor in ethnic studies. Afterwards, Carl worked as an administrator at multiple universities, including Roosevelt. He later joined the conflict and mediation master’s program to obtain a unique degree that would translate broadly. According to Carl, this degree prepared him for negotiation and conflict resolution in higher education. His master’s degree is also a helpful conversation starter. Carl says, “that’s the first thing people see. They’ll say, ‘Oh, tell me more about this degree. I’ve never heard of conflict and mediation.’ It always comes to the top of peoples’ minds as they’re looking over a resume.”
Carl says this has greatly helped him stand out in the job market. Today, Carl enjoys his position at the University of Chicago, where he facilitates the onboarding program for new staff members while also organizing major campus-wide events. Event organization involves a great deal of negotiating with contractors, caterers and other departments that help create a successful event.
Sometimes, people confuse conflict with aggression, and conflict resolution can seem intimidating. Conflict and mediation, however, prepares you to communicate effectively and bring about understanding and healthy resolution. Carl has this advice for prospective students:
“Do it scared. This degree is going to be utilized all day, every day. So just give it your all. There will be times when you’re acting out different scenarios or acting as different parties in mediation. Don’t go into this program with any preconceived notions, fear or anxiety: Do it scared. And later, when you’re applying for jobs, internships or fellowships: Do it scared.”
Jessica Lusky began conflict and mediation with different aspirations. She realized early on that she wanted to pursue a career in family mediation. Jessica received her undergraduate degree in human development and family studies from Michigan State University. For grad school, Jessica considered several programs before discovering Roosevelt. She was drawn to the program because of the University’s relationship with the Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution. She was also interested because the program provided practical experience in the courts. During her time in the program, Jessica recalls enjoying the diversity of her fellow classmates. Of the program, Jessica says, “I really enjoyed hearing about different people’s backgrounds.” Her classmates came from the legal field, social work and more.
Today, Jessica serves as the Senior Programs Manager of Mediation Services at the Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution. The organization has a partnership with Roosevelt, and the program includes 40 hours of field training. By graduation, Jessica was fully prepared to enter her career. Some of the skills she uses everyday include negotiation and active listening. Jessica says, “As a mediator, all you can do is ask a lot of good questions.” The skills Jessica learned at Roosevelt have made her a capable mediator.
With a master’s in conflict and mediation, Carl Hunter and Jessica Lusky followed different career paths. They are both shining examples of what a Roosevelt education can provide. They are grateful to all of their professors, including Dr. Gerry Bouey, Professor Carrie Lausen and Dr. Debra Orr. Today’s world is full of conflict. With a master’s degree in conflict and mediation from Roosevelt University, our graduates enter the workforce with a unique skillset and a determination to apply those skills, wherever their passion takes them.