Rhode Jeanniton ’23: From student life to corporate life!

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration

Residence: West Orange, New Jersey

What are you next steps/career goals?
I am currently studying at Caldwell for my MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration.

My career goal is to become a CEO one day in the health care system business. I am blessed to have my first step at RJW Barnabas Health as an executive administrative assistant in the Corporate Quality and Patient Engagement Department at Barnabas Health corporate.

I will take the opportunity to learn more from the leaders there. I can’t wait to keep learning from them, and hopefully I will end up in the same positions they are now.

How has Caldwell prepared you for this job?
The classes were number one. I also like being in charge, seeing what improvements can be made, coming up with ideas that can be improved for patients; healthcare administration has allowed me to explore that even more and find a field I am fulfilled in pursuing. Professor [Jeffrey] Egnatovich and Professor [Lorraine] McEvoy have taught me about real-life situations, allowed me to get out of my comfort zones and explore new things. That really allowed me to grow professionally. Professor [Ranjit] Nair also helped me a lot with human resource classes.

Best part of your experience as a student at Caldwell University?
From my sophomore to my senior years I was an orientation leader. I gained leadership skills from being a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success of which I am currently the secretary.

With the healthcare administration major, I had an internship at a home care agency where I was able to put into practice everything I learned in class, which allowed to me land a position as an executive administrative assistant at RWJ Barnabas corporate. I am currently in the corporate quality and patient experience department, providing administrative support for three leaders.

I’d like to thank my professors in healthcare administration, Professor Egnatovich, Professor McEvoy and Professor [Michael] Slifer.

Favorite place on campus?
The classrooms. That’s when you get to know everyone’s background more. That is when you can start networking. Through your professor you can manage to get an internship, even [through] your classmates. If you make good connections, they can help you connect and network together. Having the opportunity to be networking in the classroom is very helpful as a college student.

Other Caldwell highlights?
The journey of learning to learn more about myself.

From my freshman year to senior year, this is a journey that was very enlightening. I see the growth I made from being a high schooler to a college student. Throughout college, I have discovered I love being a leader, especially for those who have the same background as me. I came here from Haiti at 14 years old. I didn’t know English. It was my fourth language. Being able to learn a new language, a new culture, a new country has enabled me to step out of my comfort zone and be where I am today.

I am secretary of the Healthcare Administration Club on campus. I have a federal work study position in the campus art gallery. I have been a dance team member, holding leadership positions on the team including secretary, vice president and president.

Anything else?
My advice to high school or incoming students is: Don’t be scared to approach your professors or staff members, because they are here to help you. Don’t be scared to ask questions, to fall and get up, to switch majors.