We love spotlighting the stories of our students and alumni. These stories show how education can transform careers and lives.
The Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership (EIL) graduate program at UMBC empowers professionals to grow their leadership skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and innovative problem-solving abilities.
In this interview, Destiny Hudgins, M.P.S. ’24, a recent graduate, shares her experience. Destiny explains how the program helped her transition from finance to new opportunities in leadership and innovation.
Introduction
Dennise: Welcome to UMBC Mic’d Up! Destiny, congratulations on earning your degree.
Destiny: Thank you so much! I’m excited to be here.
Why Choose the Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Leadership Graduate Program at UMBC?
Dennise: What initially attracted you to the EIL program, and how did it align with your career goals?
Destiny: Like many business undergraduates, I considered an MBA. But I wanted something different—something versatile. The graduate program stood out to me for its versatility. It blends entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, giving me skills I could take in multiple directions.
First Impressions: Supportive Faculty and Program Leadership
Dennise: The program is led by Gib Mason, who’s known for shaping it into something special. Did you have early interactions with him?
Destiny: Yes! I spoke with him while researching programs and attended orientations. Those conversations gave me confidence that the program was the right path.
Career Growth After Completing the EIL Graduate Program
Dennise: Since graduating, have you taken on a new role?
Destiny: I currently work in federal finance. I will soon transition into a protocol officer role. In that new role I will coordinate logistics for high-level government visits. It feels like an exciting new chapter and a chance to apply my leadership skills in a new environment.
Leadership Skills Gained Through UMBC’s EIL Program
Dennise: Could you share specific skills from the program that you’ve already applied in your career?
Destiny: The leadership courses taught me about different management styles and workplace culture. I use these leadership skills daily. The marketing courses showed me geotargeting, data-driven decision making, and tools that help both government work and business.
Applying an Entrepreneurial Mindset to Career Challenges
Dennise: How has completing the program changed the way you approach challenges?
Destiny: It gave me an entrepreneurial mindset. Even if I’m not the one facing a challenge, I share resources and innovative solutions with others. I’ve also grown more comfortable taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone. These skills will help in any leadership role.
The Value of an Entrepreneurship and Leadership Degree in Today’s Job Market
Dennise: What do you see as the biggest benefit of having this credential in today’s job market?
Destiny: The EIL degree gives me a diverse background. I can step into roles in finance, leadership, or innovation. Even without an official management title, I can lead by influence, mindset, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Innovation in Action: Improving Workplace Training Programs
Dennise: How have you used innovation in your current role?
Destiny: I improved a training program for new managers by suggesting hands-on shadowing experiences. That innovation in leadership made training more practical, effective, and relevant for my team.
Transformative Courses: Capstone and Business Model Projects
Dennise: Were there particular courses or projects that felt transformative?
Destiny: The Capstone courses were incredibly valuable. I created business models and marketing plans that I still reference today. I share these with others starting businesses. Those projects built my entrepreneurship skills and gave me confidence to mentor others.
Looking Ahead: Leveraging an Entrepreneurship Degree for Future Success
Dennise: How do you hope to leverage your degree in the coming years?
Destiny: I aspire to pursue entrepreneurship. I hold a cosmetology license and may turn that passion into a business. The courses gave me the structure and confidence to revisit business plans and explore new opportunities.
Advice for Students Considering UMBC’s EIL Graduate Program
Dennise: What advice would you give to someone considering the program?
Destiny: Get involved! Attend orientations, network, and take advantage of every UMBC graduate program resource. Even if your classes are virtual, connect. The more you connect, the more you’ll gain from the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership program.
Conclusion
Destiny’s journey shows how the EIL graduate program at UMBC gives students useful skills for any career. They are instrumental skills, whether you’re leading teams, innovating within an organization, or launching a new business. Her story is a reminder that leadership is not just about position. It’s about mindset, influence, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
👉 Watch the full recorded podcast on YouTube