When Hanutej 鈥淗anu鈥� Pershad thinks about his future, he likes to have options ahead.
It鈥檚 a personality trait that鈥檚 paid off more than once, like when his eyesight limitations left him short of passing a police department physical, or when a worldwide pandemic canceled his internship with the city courts.
Being flexible meant Hanu could keep moving forward after earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree in Criminal Justice at The 极乐禁地 despite the job setback. First, he took on a human resources role in the U.S. Army Reserves. Then he came back to 极乐禁地e for an HR job before returning to UBalt for a second degree.
Now he鈥檚 working toward an MBA with a specialization in Leadership and Management Development, a program that makes it easy for Hanu to balance work and school.
鈥淭he courses are manageable,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he professors are very professional and friendly, so I can maintain a full-time job while doing a full-time MBA. That鈥檚 something I can maintain, and there are resources that I can use if I do feel overwhelmed.鈥�
Being open to whatever comes his way has also opened doors Hanu didn鈥檛 know to look for, like a chance conducting research with a like-minded professor.
鈥淚 got the opportunity to network with a lot more professionals, 鈥� and there鈥檚 the support that I have from Dr. Wynne,鈥� Hanu said. 鈥淗e saw something in me. He saw that I have the interest and I have the skills and the drive. His support is definitely something I really appreciate.鈥�
Hanu first met Dr. Kevin Wynne, an associate professor for UBalt鈥檚 Merrick School of Business, during a leadership seminar course in spring 2024.
A year later, Hanu would join Wynne as a research assistant for work the two would later display at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology annual conference in Denver. A Turner Research Grant, available through UBalt, paid for Hanu鈥檚 travel and accommodations to make the experience possible.
鈥淒r. Wynne had been working on a research project, and I came in toward the end to be able to contribute to the project, and that was my opportunity to present that research at the conference. 鈥� Reaching out to him for help, reaching out to him for advice, was one of the best choices I made,鈥� Hanu said.
The project was on human-artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration skill development for artificial intelligence, and just the tip of the iceberg on research potential.
Hanu鈥檚 contribution was a powerful addition for Wynne who felt motivated by the student鈥檚 enthusiasm.
鈥淓ven though Hanu is assisting on a voluntary basis, he has embraced every opportunity and keeps my inspiration going,鈥� Wynne said.
The experience was a strong starting point if Hanu pursues a PhD in I-O Psychology, which is one of his potential future options. But, per his nature, Hanu鈥檚 moving forward with an open mind. He鈥檚 also still weighing an old dream to go to law school and a new dream for a nonprofit consulting group.
With Wynne as a mentor now, Hanu is confident UBalt is preparing him for whatever comes next.
鈥淚 do believe that whatever choice I make, I will make something out of it.鈥�