Heinz College the Right Fit for Dolcich

Rachel Dolcich is sculpting a career in management.

A staff member in the Office of the Vice President for Operations, Dolcich recently became a two-time Carnegie Mellon alumna when she received her master’s degree in public management (MPM) from the Heinz College on May 18. She earned her bachelor’s degree from CMU’s School of Art in 2009, specializing in sculpture.

“Heinz was the right fit for me,” Dolcich said. “The focus on public policy and management and analytical thinking were things I  wanted. The School of Art gave me a strong work ethic, critical thinking skills and a solid background. But, I desired more of a business acumen.”

She also needed persistence to balance a full-time job with evening classes, and a husband and toddler at home.

Rachel Dolcich with her husband, Bill, and daughter, Claire.

“It was more of a marathon than a sprint,” said Dolcich, who earned her graduate degree in five years. “For me, it was a priority to make sure nothing slipped through the cracks at work or at home. The MPM program provided me with the flexibility I needed as a part-time student.”

Dolcich found many of her classes to be a big help on the job, where she has assisted with several executive searches. She specifically cited classes in human capital management, organizational growth, project management, managing the customer experience and leadership. 

“I was able to apply what I was learning in the classroom to whatever I was doing at my desk at work,” she said. “I’ve taken a lot of high-quality classes. And in some cases, I was able to bring my work perspective to the classroom, where I know those insights were valuable.” 

Dolcich (far right) was one of six staff members who received MPM degrees this spring. Joining her were (l-r) David DeBor, Jessica Walker, Erica Brandon and Mary Rose Debor. Not pictured is Cindy Sun.

In addition to her full-time job and studies, Dolcich is a member of the inaugural cohort of CMULead, a pilot program for staff aimed at fostering their development as university leaders. She said she has enjoyed meeting new CMU colleagues and gaining a new understanding of different academic and administrative units.

“Although I earned my undergraduate degree here and have worked at CMU for nearly seven years, I’ve been pleased to learn as much as I have so far. I have been able to take away so much from the sessions, especially on the topics of strategic visioning and impact,” she said.

Dolcich has benefited greatly from her graduate degree, too.

“As I went through the program, my management skills grew, and I’m now more confident in my abilities,” she said.