The assignment that turned into a job offer

When Shabana Momin, MSN, RN, CMSRN, enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Leadership and Administration program, she had a clear goal: to transition from bedside care to a leadership role. What she didn’t expect was that a single class assignment would help make that goal a reality before she even graduated.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston in 2018, she began her career in a hospital and advanced to the role of charge nurse. With aspirations of moving into leadership, she returned to pursue her MSN in August 2023, completing the program in December 2025.

One assignment stood out. As part of a course requirement, students were asked to create a LinkedIn profile following a detailed format. She approached it with focus and determination, aiming for a perfect score.

“I didn’t think much of it at the time,” she recalled. “It was just an assignment, and I followed the rubric exactly to make sure I got a 100.”

After submitting the assignment, she moved on, not thinking any more of it. But a few days later, something unexpected happened.

“I don’t check LinkedIn often,” she said. “But one day I logged in and saw a message that had been sitting there for three days.”

That message was from a recruiter inviting her to interview for a clinic director position.

She went through a rigorous interview process, including multiple rounds with executive leadership. The organization operates several clinics nationwide, and a member of the executive leadership team flew from New York to meet her in person in Houston.

“They offered me the position, and it just worked out perfectly,” she said. “I had a leadership role secured before I even finished my master’s.”

For her, the experience was a powerful reminder of how unexpected opportunities can arise.

“Imagine if I hadn’t created that LinkedIn profile, no one would have known what I had to offer,” she reflected.

After facing multiple rejections while applying for leadership roles, this opportunity felt especially meaningful.

“I had applied to so many positions and kept hearing the same thing – that they were moving forward with internal candidates,” she said. “Then this happened. It felt like everything aligned at the right time.”

Now serving as a clinic director, she encourages current students to take every assignment seriously.

“Sometimes your résumé isn’t enough,” she explained. “Recruiters are looking at online profiles. Someone might come across your profile and see your potential before you even apply.”

She also credits her success to the faculty who guided her throughout the program.

“I would love to thank each and every faculty member,” she said. “They are truly wonderful and played a big role in preparing me for this next step.”

As she gets ready to walk the stage at commencement this May, she is already looking ahead to future possibilities, including a potential return for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

“If I decide to pursue my DNP, I’m coming back to Cizik School of Nursing, no question,” she said. “I know I will get a degree that is truly worth it.”

Merve Erten