Hannah Quirk’s path to Dell Technologies started at Salve Regina

Hannah Quirk ’24, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, has gone from studying in a 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 valuable skills and embraced possibilities that ultimately led her to one of the world’s leading tech companies. As she navigates her role as an analyst and partner manager at Dell, Quirk draws from the foundational skills and values she developed at Salve Regina – a path marked by preparation, resilience and a commitment to personal growth.

A multifaceted education

Quirk’s decision to attend Salve Regina was inspired by its academic offerings and supportive environment. Initially drawn to the combined bachelor’s/master’s program in behavior analysis 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 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. “At home, I struggled with being independent, but living on campus made me feel more secure and comfortable with myself,” she said. 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 began 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 said. “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 behavior analysis, her time at Dell changed her course. “I loved the internship and was asked to come back,” Quirk said. Embracing the unexpected opportunity, she advised 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

Quirk’s time at Salve Regina was filled with meaningful experiences. 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. “Watching her pursue her dreams was a proud moment,” Quirk said.

Another highlight was her involvement in the Learning Unlimited program, which pairs undergraduate students with people who have intellectual and developmental 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 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,” Quirk said. “Through this project, I developed essential skills such as presenting, collaboration and professional attire. The experience was invaluable, and these skills have become crucial in my role at Dell.”

Salve Regina’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,” she said.