Sona Joshi

MPA in Health Policy & Management
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2003

Senior Director
Hospital for Special Surgery
Sona Joshia

Why did you choose NYU Wagner for graduate school?

I chose Wagner for the education that I knew I would receive there. I wanted to build a career in healthcare and picked the program that would provide me with the strongest foundation. I chose my specialty because I wanted a full picture of the industry, and finance and operations are key aspects of that. While I chose to pursue Learning and Development, my education helps me shape the programs and learning that I offer.

How would you describe your experience as an NYU Wagner student?

I loved my time at Wagner. I worked full-time and went to school full-time and while that was challenging, I bonded with a small group of students pursuing the same path. We supported each other and were like a family. We also had access to the best professionals in the field at that time, which truly enriched my experience.

How did being in New York City impact your professional journey?

This may sound like a cliche, but there is no shortage of opportunities in NYC. I had access and exposure through Wagner that I would not have had otherwise. Even 17 years after graduation, a degree from Wagner holds a lot of weight and opens doors in this city that may not have been available to me at another school. Healthcare is a key industry in NYC and always has been, and there are few places in this country where you can learn just as much outside of the classroom as you can within it.