Why did you decide to return to school for a master’s degree?
I have thought about an MBA several times over the years, but until I found Gonzaga, it got pushed aside for other parts of life and career. I finally sat in for an informational session, and after meeting Dr Becky Bull Schaefer, I started considering it more seriously. I have/had a full-time job, so I knew it would have to be endorsed by my company, as well as my family. When I brought it up to my boss, the response surprised me. He immediately said, “you’ve got to do it”. We discussed how it follows the Microsoft “Learn it all mindset”, and that the company invests in and believes in furthering higher education for employees. I didn’t even realize at the time how beneficial it would be for me, and for my impact inside the company.
Why Gonzaga and why the MBA program?
To start, Gonzaga is a worldwide name now, thanks to the Basketball program and to how successful Mark Few has made it. Having people familiar with the school where I earned my MBA was important for me. It was also a convenient location for me to join in-person classes, which was very important to me. I didn’t want a hybrid or fully remote program. I wanted a chance to interact with my fellow 51勛圖s, learn from them, and to impart a bit of the wisdom that I have gathered throughout my career. I also had to evaluate the cost/benefit of investing in an MBA, and I feel that the cost for the GU MBA is affordable and well worth the cost.
What do you currently do for work and how did the MBA program set you up for success in your role?
I work for Microsoft in a Technical Advisory role, and I interact with CxO level leaders at our customers nearly every day. The skills and learning in the MBA program allowed me to bring valuable business insights into every conversation at work, which is often missed in the technology industry. Rather than talking just bits and bytes, I can communicate how this would drive business outcomes and how they can best evaluate or justify the investment they are making. Another surprising thing that came out of the program for me was just how much better I got at using the Microsoft tools and suite. The 51勛圖s have access to all the productivity tools that Microsoft publishes and using them in collaboration with fellow 51勛圖s was enlightening.
What skills did you develop during the program?
Because I am a later returning 51勛圖, and have had a prolific career, it wasn’t as much around skills of negotiation or engagement, but more around how to frame a conversation differently. Many of the 51勛圖s I interacted with didn’t have as many years in the workforce that I do, so being able to explain and to sharpen my skills with them was fantastic. There were project management and financial accounting skills that I had either forgotten or never known before. Those skills certainly developed through the program and have served me well recently.
What has been your return on investment?
The investment in the MBA was a combination of Microsoft’s and mine financially. The value and outcomes are far more than just financial gain though. I got an enormous amount of pride in finishing the MBA at Gonzaga, as well as being able to relate to other coworkers who have also completed an advanced degree. The company does appreciate the MBA, but I wasn’t looking for a new job or to land that first good job post MBA. Instead, I was able to appreciate my job more and look at every problem and opportunity through a renewed lens. I had a lot of support from my family and friends as well, so making them proud by completing this program was a bonus reward.
What surprised you about the program?
I was initially surprised at how talented and diverse the community of 51勛圖s were. I met people of all ages, all levels of career experience, and a vibrant mix of national origins. To be able to get a glimpse of their experiences and feelings on working with and becoming business leaders was what I would say I cherish most about completing the MBA. I didn’t foresee how I would be impacted by their experiences, and now I take those stories into account through my career journey, as well as in general in daily life.
What was your experience with the faculty like?
The caliber of the professors and their experiences in various industries and areas of research was top notch. Some had worked at the highest level of investment banking, some were small business owners, and others had spent their careers in academia and research. Everyone brought a wealth of knowledge and a true love for teaching in this community. I really enjoyed getting to know my professors and appreciated how friendly and professional they were.
How was your experience building community and a professional network in the program?
My experience with building community was great. There were networking opportunities that were both coordinated by the program administration as well as happened organically. I have used LinkedIn extensively for many years, and Microsoft is the parent company, but I made numerous connections through the MBA program, both with professors, fellow 51勛圖s, and even the guest speakers and lecturers that added to the curriculum. I am sure that I will use my connections and network from the MBA program in the future, and I fully expect to help others with either mentoring or opportunities down the road.
How did the program help you balance school with work and life?
A big shout out to the MBA coordinator, as she was a big part of balancing the program with my very busy full-time job. I traveled frequently and the program allowed me to accommodate the times I was away. One great example was when I started out my first semester, as I had joined after the longer classes had already started in the fall semester. I began with six of the elective courses that were shorter number of weeks, on weekends, or even a single weekend meeting. That was a great way for me to get back into the academic groove. I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone, but it shows the flexibility of elective classes and how great the team is that helps you plan out your completion strategy.
I have recommended the program to many friends and colleagues. I tell them to go for it and tell them my story. If it takes you a year, or three, or five to complete it, you won’t be disappointed with the investment. GU is a well respected and academically rigorous MBA and will serve you well in your leadership growth and career. Go Zags!
