Graduate Profile: Oksana Moshynska

Looking back on your time at USC, what are you most proud of and why?

If I am able to pick only one thing I am most proud of, it would be that I found the courage to apply to USC. When my family and I immigrated to Canada more than 20 years ago, we did not have any money. We accepted low-paying jobs and tried our best to raise the family and establish ourselves in our new country. I put the education of my family members first. All of them were able to achieve their dreams and then it was my turn. I had doubts about whether I was good enough. Not only did I apply, but about 20 months later, I am joining the Trojan alumni family with my MMLIS degree!

Do you have any advice for others who may be interested in this program?

Yes! I have several pieces of advice!

• Never doubt yourself. If you think, you can do it, you can! Go ahead and apply to the MMLIS program.
• The program will require cooperation from your loved ones. There will be times when your family will need to take some of your tasks on so you can study.
• The program is very intense. My advice would be to stay ahead of the game. Submit your discussion posts and assignments ahead of the deadlines.
• Use the services of SmartThinking, incorporate their feedback, and watch your grades improve.
• Expand your network while in the program. Create a LinkedIn profile, and invite other students and professors. Try to attend every Conversation with Leaders, you will be amazed by all of the Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals you have the chance to meet and learn from.
• Save all of your assignments. You will need them for your Capstone Project in your last semester.
• When ready to graduate, apply to your dream job; do not hesitate. You deserve it!

How do you hope this program will help you advance or pivot in your career?

The MMLIS program has already helped me to pivot my career. After spending about two decades in research and research administration, my plan was to pivot my career and join the LIS field. The uniqueness of the MMLIS program, which teaches both LIS and management, was appealing to my employer. I accepted a position as a Head Librarian and Branch Manager of a public library near the end of my fourth semester.

Tell us about something you have learned/discovered during your program that surprised you. How do you think you will apply it professionally?

I was surprised how the design and intensity of the MMLIS program has helped me to grow as an LIS professional. The best pieces I wrote in my life were during the MMLIS program. The program has pushed me hard to think, analyze, and create and has opened a world of limitless possibilities to me. Fight On!