Michelle Byers, MLS ’20, hadn’t been a student for 30 years when she joined the Kline School of Law’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program in August 2017, and at first she was overwhelmed.
“Just learning how to study again was a bit intimidating, especially given that all of my learning was online,” said Byers. However, she quickly acclimated and fully embraced the online format. “Not only is it easy and flexible, but it also promotes creative thinking, while encouraging students to think outside the box and challenge their own ways of thinking.”
Byers started on this journey three years ago when she realized that, after working in human resources for more than 25 years, she wanted to expand her expertise to complement her career. “I knew that I wanted to find a high quality, comprehensive and in-depth education program from a well-regarded institution,” said Byers. She found that Kline Law’s MLS program allowed her the flexibility to balance working full-time while attending school.
Currently living in Boise, Idaho, Byers joined the HR Compliance concentration within the MLS program to advance her work as an HR compliance manager. She said the program has given her the ability “to be more effective in managing and mitigating risk for my organization, while providing me with the additional knowledge to ask the right questions and make better informed decisions.”
Participating in the program has given Byers a sense of accomplishment and allowed her to connect with new communities. Byers connections made within the MLS program go beyond her connections with the faculty. “The perspectives of other students [have] enriched my education,” says Byers. “I am incredibly grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn from my cohorts.”
Kline Law faculty have helped Byers grow as an HR professional by challenging her to look at any given situation through multiple lenses. “I have had the humble privilege of meeting and learning from incredibly talented professors who are experts in their fields,” said Byers.
Interview Highlights
Advice for Online Learning
“Take the online tutorials and engage with your classmates early and often. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions; this is key, especially when your professor is not in front of you as they would be in a traditional classroom setting.”
Faculty
“The fact that Drexel holds itself to a high standard of having not only experienced professionals, but also seasoned attorneys teach all of the MLS classes speaks to the integrity and value of the educational program. Each professor brings not only subject matter expertise but also diversity of thought to a given course.”
The MLS Community
“Because the MLS program is online, it draws students with an extremely diverse set of educational and professional backgrounds making the program that much more interesting, engaging, and educational.”