Simonne Dion began working at Best Cleaners when she was just 16 years old. A dedicated worker from a young age, she could not have imagined how far this after-school job would eventually take her.
Flash forward to several promotions within the same firm and a college degree later: Simonne now oversees five Best Cleaner locations in the Hartford area and credits her Goodwin College experience to her ongoing success.
“Everything I studied — every team-building activity or skill I learned in the classroom — I’ve put into action at work,” she states.
Simonne initially enrolled in the Nursing program at Goodwin but quickly realized that her true passion lies in business. She considered Business Administration but ultimately decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Management and Leadership.
“While Business Administration gives you insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the business world, Management and Leadership puts you right on the front line,” Simonne cites as her motivation to take her education and professional development further.
Upon reviewing the curriculum for the program, Simonne discovered that the leadership class selections were directly in line with her future career aspirations. Her coursework in team dynamics, understanding employee motivation, and positive mentoring helped Simonne to succeed – both academically and professionally.
Simonne, who will officially complete her Management and Leadership degree at the end of the 2017 summer semester, walked in the spring Commencement ceremony.
In that time, Simonne was promoted from sales associate to store manager and eventually to regional manager at Best Cleaners. By taking full advantage of Goodwin’s flexible class scheduling, she was able to take evening and online classes, allowing her to complete her coursework while still working full time.
“The Management and Leadership program really helped me get to where I am today,” she shares. “I was able to excel and advance my career because of the classes I took and degrees I pursued at Goodwin.”
Reflecting on what she appreciated most about her years at Goodwin, Simonne shared, “I love the support here, especially from my professor and advisor Mike Wolter. Every step of the way, he supported and encouraged me to succeed.”
Click here to learn more about Goodwin’s bachelor’s degree in Management and Leadership.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.