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Meet Genevieve St Cyr

October 30, 2025
by Hannah Rieger

What initially drew you to pursue your degree through OU Online, and how has the experience compared to your expectations?

Fifteen years ago, I earned a Masters in International Management with an emphasis in Global Supply Chain, and I went on to spend about twelve years working in various positions at Intel and Amazon. When I decided to go back to school again, the Masters in Industrial and Systems Engineering program at OU stood out as the perfect complement to my educational and career background. With this added degree, I will not only be able to load a factory with a specific build plan, for example, but I will also be able to help make the factory itself more efficient. The program is offered online and asynchronously, which is perfect for me, as I am based in Oregon, and I need the flexibility to attend school, while also continuing to meet my other commitments.

What strategies have you developed to stay motivated and engaged while learning in an online environment?

I know I do best when I have a set schedule, so I plan time for my studies very intentionally. I set aside certain days or blocks of time where I know school is my priority. This not only helps me to stay focused on my schoolwork, but it also allows for planning around “life’s craziness”. Homework due in two days? Study! But on that third day, plan to do something not related to school, if possible.

Can you share a specific moment or course that significantly impacted your academic journey or career goals?

It’s not so much a specific moment or course, but more so a way of looking at the world. I think it’s important to stay curious, to be willing to grow, or change, or to challenge yourself to do hard things. I never imagined I would get one masters degree, yet here I am working on my second! Opportunities can come from a “random” suggestion from a friend or family member, or it could be a request from a colleague or a manager regarding a project or team that needs assistance – take it all in and adjust your goals accordingly!

How do you balance your online studies with work, family, or other commitments, and what advice would you give to other students facing similar challenges?

Honest answer? I have learned to accept there often *isn’t* balance! Some weeks I am a better student, some weeks I am a better friend or family member, etc. I think it’s essential to show yourself some grace when trying to “do it all”… you can’t do it all, but nobody can! One thing I have learned, though, is I need to make time to get out in nature, to move my body, to eat well, to get sufficient sleep, to stay connected to my loved ones – everything else is much more likely to fall into place when I am making sure my fundamental needs are taken care of properly.

What skills or knowledge have you gained through OU Online that you’ve been able to apply immediately in your personal or professional life?

It sounds funny, but something as simple as learning to ask for help can be powerful. It might be asking for help with a homework assignment, but it also might be asking for help in other areas of life, too. (Grocery pickup, errands, chores, etc.) I am naturally very independent, but I learned quickly that I don’t have time to get overwhelmed in this program. Things are moving fast, so if reaching out to either the TA or to Tutor.com can get me from “stuck” to moving again, I am all for it! Besides, nobody accomplishes everything on their own – there is no shame in asking for help when you need it, and who knows, maybe in asking for help, you’ll end up helping someone else in return!

Genevieve’s journey reminds us that growth happens when we embrace curiosity, ask for help, and give ourselves grace along the way—principles that serve us well beyond the classroom.