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Having grown up in Manila, Philippines, and immigrating to the United States in 2024, Ram Chico's career has wound its way through customer service, finance, recruiting, operations, management, and healthcare supply chain. Currently a UVA Health employee, Chico is simultaneously pursuing his bachelor's degree at UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Chico shared his experience with us as a student and UVA employee:

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

Chico: A little over two years ago, my wife and I immigrated to the United States and started a new chapter in our life. Outside of work and school, I enjoy traveling with my wife, and one of our goal is to visit all Disney castles which is now down to the last one: Paris. I also love playing video games, and Batman.

What has your career journey looked like so far?

Chico: My career journey has been pretty diverse. I started in customer service and finance, and over time, I gained experience in operations and team management. I managed teams, developed people, and worked on improving processes and services. I also worked in healthcare supply chain services, which gave me a better understanding of how healthcare inventory operate.

When I immigrated to the United States, I started another chapter in my career. I eventually moved into a different area of healthcare. I now work at UVA Health on the clinical side, which gives me a different perspective from my previous experience in healthcare supply chain. I'm still learning and adjusting to this new environment while continuing to grow professionally.

What program are you currently in at UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies?

Chico: I'm pursuing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Healthcare Management.

When I joined UVA Health through its Earn While You Learn program to train as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), we had our classes at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC). Being back in a learning environment made me realize that I actually missed going to school. It reminded me that I still enjoyed learning and wanted to go back.

The following year, I decided to apply to UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. I came across the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program with a concentration in Healthcare Management, and I thought it would be a good fit for me.

I have experience in management, and now I'm gaining experience on the clinical side of healthcare. I thought this program would allow me to combine both experiences. Even though I'm not currently in a management role, I want to continue developing those skills so I don't lose that part of my experience. I also believe that learning more about healthcare management will help me with my future career progression.

What has been most challenging in the program?

Chico: One of the biggest challenges for me has been getting used to taking classes from home. Online classes are extremely convenient, but I'm still not used to having school and home in the same place. I'm used to having a separate environment for work or school, so studying at home with all of available distractions at my disposal has been an adjustment.

I'm continually learning what routine works best for me and how to create an environment where I can focus on school while managing the other things going on at home.

What have you enjoyed the most in the program?

Chico: I've enjoyed being back in an environment where I'm constantly learning. I've especially enjoyed the discussions with other students because everyone brings different experiences and perspectives.

I also like being able to connect what I'm learning in class to things I've experienced throughout my career. Sometimes, when we discuss something in class, I realize that I've actually dealt with something similar at work before. That makes what I'm learning more meaningful because I can relate it to my own experience.

How do you think completing this program will impact you and/or your career? 

Chico: I think completing this program will be a big confidence booster for me. Earning a degree from a prestigious university like UVA would mean a lot to me, both personally and professionally. It would give me more confidence in myself and in what I can achieve.

As an immigrant, being a student here is also an opportunity to learn more about American culture and society. Through my classes, I'm learning not only the subject matter but also how things are taught in American universities, how people share ideas, and how to communicate with people here in the U.S. I believe these experiences will help me grow both personally and professionally.

I also hope the degree will open up more opportunities for me to combine my experience in management with my experience in healthcare. I want to continue learning, developing my skills, and preparing myself for future career opportunities.