Hannah Quirk ’24: Her path to Dell Technologies started at Salve

Hannah Quirk '24: Her path to Dell Technologies started at Salve

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Hannah Quirk '24, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology, has gone from studying in a Salve Regina classroom to tackling high-tech challenges at Dell Technologies. What began with a passion for applied behavior analysis pivoted to technology, thanks to a well-timed internship and a willingness to seize new opportunities.

Along the way, Quirk built lasting friendships, gained invaluable skills and embraced a world of possibilities that ultimately led her to one of the world's leading tech companies.

Now, as she navigates her role as an analyst and partner manager at Dell, Quirk draws daily from the foundational skills and values she developed at Salve - a path marked by thoughtful preparation, resilience and a commitment to personal growth.

A multifaceted education

Quirk's decision to attend Salve was inspired by its academic offerings and supportive environment. Initially drawn to the five-year applied behavior analysis (ABA) program with plans to become an ABA therapist, she quickly discovered a deeper passion for psychology. Combining a rigorous core curriculum with hands-on learning, her Salve education provided essential skills for her career at Dell. "My psychology degree has been tremendously beneficial in my career," Quirk said, emphasizing how her studies shaped her ability to collaborate and approach challenges with emotional intelligence.

Equally important to her academics was the personal development Quirk experienced during her time at Salve. "At home, I struggled with being independent, but living on campus made me feel more secure and comfortable with myself," she reflected. By stepping outside her comfort zone, she discovered a sense of confidence that has become a cornerstone of her identity. "Without that push five years ago, I wouldn't be as confident as I am today. What once scared me has now become a source of happiness."

Her journey to Dell

Quirk's path to Dell was one of hard work, beginning with internships during her sophomore year. "My first key step was to think about career opportunities early," she said, emphasizing the importance of proactive career planning. Through networking and building connections, she secured an internship at Dell Technologies.

"I had connections at Dell and seized the opportunity to intern there," she shared. "In my interviews, I emphasized my desire to advocate for a key diverse population at a Fortune 500 Company and build my professional brand."

Though she initially planned to pursue a master's degree in ABA, her time at Dell changed her course. "I loved the internship and was asked to come back," Quirk recalled. Embracing the unexpected opportunity, she advises current students to "remain open-minded and never miss an opportunity."

In her first four months at Dell, Quirk embraced new challenges, from developing cultural awareness to experimenting with generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. She appreciates Dell's commitment to work-life balance, which has allowed her to manage her time flexibly and focus on personal growth.

"As a partner manager, it is crucial to collaborate with multiple teams, and Salve's emphasis on group projects prepared me well for this aspect of my role," Quirk said.

A grateful look back

Her time at Salve was filled with meaningful experiences, from lifelong friendships to transformative programs. A standout memory was a trip to New York City to watch her best friend, Isabella Birgmann '24, a theatre arts major, perform in "Children of Eden" on Broadway as part of Salve's theatre program. "Watching her pursue her dreams was a proud moment," Quirk shared.

Another highlight was her involvement in the Learning Unlimited Program, which paired undergraduates with students with disabilities. "I developed valuable skills like empathy, community engagement, and adaptability," she said, noting how the program enriched her perspective and strengthened her connection to community.

Quirk credits the small class sizes and dedicated faculty at the University with preparing her for professional success. Courses like MGT120 Management and Organizational Behavior, taught by Thomas Flanagan, associate professor in the Department of Business and Economics, provided real-world insights through projects such as researching Fortune 100 companies.

"The objective was to analyze why this company ranked among the top 100 and articulate its appeal as a workplace. Through this project, I developed essential skills such as presenting, collaboration, and professional attire," shared Quirk. "The experience was invaluable, and these skills have become crucial in my role at Dell."

Salve's holistic approach to education and personal development laid the foundation for Quirk's confidence and career, shaping a journey she describes as both enriching and transformative.

"I plan to continue learning, building connections and staying open-minded," said Quirk.