Alumni Update: Where are they now?
Name: Katherine Hansen-de Asis
Degree(s) Received: MSG, MHA
Year of Graduation: 1999 (Completed thesis)
Job title: Chief Administrative Office (CAO)
Company:Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine
Location (city and state): Los Angeles, CA
Please briefly describe your position and your company:
The UCLA Department of Neurology is an academic clinical department dedicated to understanding the human nervous system and to improving the lives of people with neurological diseases. I am responsible for the oversight of department administration: accounting; personnel; payroll; executive offices; space management; purchasing; information systems; data development; education; and ambulatory operations.
Why did you choose to study gerontology at the USC Davis School?
I learned about the USC Davis School from a professor at Cal State Fullerton who knew I was interested in the field of aging. USC has always been my one and only choice for graduate school so was very excited to discover a graduate program in gerontology.
How did you learn about your current position? Was it through an internship, a previous job, or a connection through USC?
After completing my coursework in 1997, I held two other jobs before finding my current position on a job search website. I submitted my resume several times to the HR office with no response. After a few months I decided to e-mail my resume directly to the department chairman. Within a few hours, I received a call from the chairman’s office to schedule an interview.
Please briefly describe how the USC Davis School’s curriculum helped prepare you for your current position.
Besides gaining a broad understanding about the field of aging, I learned a great deal about the importance of networking, good communication and writing skills. Completing several internships also allowed me to narrow down my interests before embarking on a full-time career.
What advice would you offer to a prospective student interested in studying gerontology at USC?
Explore several internships and volunteer your time within the field of aging to narrow down your interests and make important contacts. Although what you learn in the classroom is key, gaining valuable hands-on experience during your studies is equally important.
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