Thought leaders are essential to disrupting industries. The old ways of performing tasks are fast becoming dated or unnecessary, and instead of aiming to update processes, thought leaders are completely changing the fields themselves.
These disruptors are experts in their fields who can make changes because they understand their industries. Ultimately, thought leaders across industries are innovators, creative thinkers, and open-minded changemakers.
Still, the question remains: How does a person become a thought leader? The best way to become a thought leader is to become an expert in your field, and mastery is demonstrated by choosing a graduate school and earning a graduate degree that's right for you.
Here are three examples of thought leaders who used their graduate educations to become experts in their fields.
Denise Brosseau
Master of Business Administration
Denise Brosseau is the ultimate thought leader. The CEO of the Thought Leadership Lab, Brosseau became a thought leader by offering advice about building trust and credibility; she learned many of the strategies that she teaches others during her Master of Business Administration program. Brosseau has worked with leaders in all career stages, including the CEOs of eBay and Bank of America.
Check out West Virginia University’s Master of Business Administration program.
Brent C. James
Master of Statistics and Medical Doctor (MD)
Brent James is a thought leader in the field of medicine, making cultural improvements in varied areas, including quality improvement, patient safety, and data systems. The Vice President and Chief Quality Officer of Intermountain Healthcare, James has been called a thought leader by NEJM Catalyst, an organization that aims to improve the healthcare system's quality and access and recognizes thought leaders who make contributions to this field.
Check out West Virginia University’s Master of Statistics program.
Dr. Arrow Wilkinson
Doctor of Education
As the principal of Walatowa High Charter School in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, Wilkinson worked at all levels in education, but he became a thought leader after finishing his doctoral degree. Now, Dr. Arrow Wilkinson has serious ambitions for his students: He believes that all students can learn to read at a college level, even before they finish college. For his commitment to tribal education and student achievement, Wilkinson has been named a thought leader by the change-making website, Thought Leaders in Education.
Check out West Virginia University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Education program.
As these thought leaders prove, a graduate degree makes you better informed about practices in your field, adept at performing research, and skilled at engaging others – all qualities thought leaders possess.
West Virginia University offers over 180 graduate and professional programs, and 17 of these that rank in the top 100 programs by U.S. News and World Report. West Virginia’s dynamic offerings and multinational student body will give you the tools to expand your reach and connect with others.
Is graduate school the next step for you? Our Graduate School Decision Guide will help you make the right decision for you. Click here to learn more and download your copy now.
