Tag Archives: alumni

Catching Up With Solu Nwanze, MBA ’12

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Texas MBA Alumna Solu NwanzeSolu Nwanze is a member of the Texas MBA Full-Time class of 2012.

What have you been up to since you graduated from McCombs?
I have since moved to the Bay Area where I have been taking advantage of the activities the Bay has to offer. Oh, I did go back to Austin twice already! It is really difficult staying away.

Why did you want to get an MBA?
I wanted to educate myself on the broader business sphere which I felt would be a great asset for my forward looking career goals.

With all of the other options out there, why did you choose the Texas MBA?
I selected the Texas MBA program for three reasons: 1) I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to McCombs during the Diversity Forum weekend 2) The technology leadership program, offered through the Information Management Department, is a highly regarded one among its peers 3) I got tired of snow shoveling in the Northeast!

How did our program impact your career and personal life?
The Texas MBA has made a great impact in my life. I am now a polyglot with regards to business domains. I have also expanded my global circle of close friends.

Can you name a favorite moment you had on the Forty Acres?
Haha, which one do I pick. I’d go with graduation day, when Fernando G., our very own recorder of great MBA moments, took an active snapshot of the entire MBA 2012 class on his way down from the graduation stage after he had just completed his walk. That action took us by surprise, and the entire class leaped and screamed in excitement. That is the level of selflessness and camaraderie that exists on the Forty Acres!

What have you been doing with your “extra” time now that you aren’t having to spend it studying and in class?
Outside of work, I am engaged in volunteer groups and the Lean/Agile community. On the weekends, you may find me playing tennis, dancing salsa, or completing handicraft projects. I leave some room for generating and testing ideas!

 

Catching Up With Reid Bond, MBA ‘12

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Texas MBA Student Reid Bond

Reid with son William and daughter Charlie during his first semester in the program.

Reid Bond is a member of the Texas MBA at Houston class of 2012.

What have you been up to since you graduated?
Since the program wrapped up, I’ve relocated to North Carolina within my same company. I took a role as an Automotive Sales Territory Manager. The new job is in a part of our organization that is heavily marketing focused, which is what I wanted to become more involved in after my MBA. While the job is still evolving, the move has been great for me and my family.

That’s great to hear. What was your previous role?
I was formerly an Account Manager with Exxon’s Chemicals business.

Why did you decide to return to school and get an MBA?
When I decided to get an MBA I ran through all the payback scenarios, i.e. time and expense vs. future employment opportunities. What it came down to in the end was a personal decision to better myself with the hope of seeing a financial payback in the end.

How did this program impact your life and career?
The biggest impact has been in the way that I think. I think like an investor and a manager. I understand the big picture and how different pieces fit together.

In addition to that, the friendships that I formed will last me a lifetime. The people in our program impacted my life greatly. I think the caliber of students is one of the best things that the program has to offer. It’s one thing to learn from professors, but it’s another to see and hear the experiences of those in the class and form lasting friendships with them.

What have you been doing with your “extra” time now that you aren’t having to spend it studying and in class?
Most of my extra time over the past few months has been spent moving and getting my new house in order. I’m able to spend more time with my family which has been phenomenal. We had our third kid my last semester, so there’s no lack of need for my time. I think when you really look at it, it’s not overly difficult to find the time to dedicate to the program. And when it’s all done, there’s no problem filling the new time with new activities.

Anything else you’d like to share?
People often commented to me that they didn’t see how I did full-time work, full-time student, and full-time father. There were many parents in the program and obviously all were employed. In the end, it was an investment for myself and for my family. We will all benefit from the time dedicated to the Texas MBA program. Despite the energy required to do everything, I don’t regret my decision one bit. I actually miss my time in school as a chance to continue to learn and sit at the feet of great people – students and teachers alike.

Catching Up With Scott Anderson, MBA ’10

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Texas MBA AlumnScott Anderson is a member of the Texas MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth class of 2010.

What have you have been up to since you finished our program?
Prior to graduation, I transitioned into a Product Management position inside of a large networking company. Shortly after graduation, I was promoted as a leader on a Product Management team that is responsible for over $1B of revenue per annum. As a PM, I have had the opportunity to: renegotiate royalty structure and rate (increasing product flexibility while reducing COGS), develop and execute a product lifecycle plan (delivering more subscription value while reducing sustaining cost AND improving customer satisfaction), and drive multiple strategic product initiatives.

What made you want to get an MBA?
As a software architect, I was empowered to solve a given set of problems. I wanted to broaden the scope of my impact on product direction and asset utilization. I also wanted to improve my career opportunities and position myself for short and long-term growth.

Why did you choose the Texas MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth?
As I examined my top criteria, the Texas MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth was the obvious choice for my MBA.

MBA brand: If I was going to invest the requisite resources into an MBA, I didn’t want to ever regret the brand that is on my diploma. The Texas MBA is an elite brand that is globally valued. Don’t get too caught up into whether this degree costs a bit more than that one. You are only going to do this once.

Flexibility: I needed to be able to continue to work as I am the sole provider for my family.

Networking/Alumni: Dallas/Fort Worth program has a rich mix of amazing talent to share the MBA experience with. Also, having the access to the alumni database can be a great advantage when applying for a job. (Story: I recently got a call from a graduating Evening MBA student who was interviewing at my company for a product management job. I spent some time giving him background, roles, and responsibilities for product managers at my company. He can now prepare how to articulate his knowledge, skills, and experience as it relates to my company’s needs.)

Defined Term: Trying to schedule a part-time MBA around work would be horribly difficult. It would take multiple years to complete. I wanted a program that I knew I could complete in two years. Be aware of opportunity costs! Time is money!

How did your experience in this program impact your life and career?
I was truly amazed at the breadth of impact my MBA has had on my life. Attaining a Texas MBA was a critical, foundational component of my career transition plan. It has also changed the way I view so many things! I tell prospective students to try to be open to the experience. It’s best not to go into the program rigidly trying only to extract X, Y, and Z. It is better to be open, learn, and be changed from the experience.

What have you been doing with your “extra” time now that you aren’t having to spend it studying and in class?
Work and family life has filled in most of the gaps. My girls are into gymnastics and equestrian. I am also noodling on a startup idea…

Anything else you’d like to share?
For prospective students: You know if it is time… do it! You will be stretched (I promise). But it is very doable.

For current students: If you are going to transition jobs, create a solid plan to do so. Some things are out of your control. Do whatever you need to to make it happen! Take on a MBA+ project (or two). Dig deep and come up with a little extra (it can make all the difference!).

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My-Take Co-Founder Speaks With Texas MBA Marketing Students

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My-Take co-founder Rich Armstrong, MBA ’92, recently stopped by McCombs to touch base with a few former professors and to speak to a class of current Texas MBA marketing students about his experiences. My-Take caught up with Rich for a brief Q&A following the session, in which he offered the “very energetic, inquisitive” McCombs students a few bits of advice:

MY-TAKE: Having worked at Fortune 500 companies, and now leading your own business, how did you advise students in terms of choosing between a corporate career versus entrepreneurial endeavors?
ARMSTRONG: Do what makes you happy. It’s not bad to have experience, but there are upfront challenges to both. From the corporate end – there are a lot of things that can be learned. We never could have started this business without our corporate experience and a lot of My-Take’s success came from the people Todd (Todd Hoskins, My-Take’s co-founder) and I know. Plus you could have the best idea in the world, but there’s a whole process of selling it and the skills you need to be versed in to make the business happen. With an entrepreneurial path – I control my own destiny. It really comes down to what you want out of life.

MY-TAKE: What is the one thing that you wanted to make sure you impressed upon the Texas MBAs?
ARMSTRONG: Stay positive in whatever you’re doing. Rarely is there a straight line that gets you there, but stay focused on your end goal.

MY-TAKE: How can students best prepare themselves to succeed in the current environment?
ARMSTRONG: Get some experience on the job, whether you do an internship or work full-time first. Network and don’t let opportunities pass you by. Be proactive with folks.

Visit the My-Take website to read the entire Q&A with Texas MBA alum Rich Armstrong.

Catching Up With Kalin McKenna, MBA ’11

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Texas MBA Alumna Kalin McKenna atop Lion's Head in South AfricaKalin McKenna is a member of the Texas MBA Full-Time class of 2011.

What have you been up to since you finished our program?
I have been living in Seattle and working as Marketing Manager for Windows Phone focusing on the US market.

That sounds awesome. Are you enjoying it so far?
Marketing for Windows Phone has been a lot of fun, the last 14 months have flown by. I feel so lucky to come to work with smart, driven, and passionate people every day. Phone has been particularly exciting because it is such a fast moving space. This month marks my second OS release since starting at Microsoft and my third big device release. It has been a complete whirlwind, but I love it. Continue reading →

Catching Up With Tania Rodriguez, MBA ’11

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Texas MBA Alumna Tania RodriguezTania Rodriguez is a member of the Texas Executive MBA at Mexico City class of 2011.

Tania, why did you decide to pursue an MBA and why did you choose the Texas Executive MBA at Mexico City program?
Mexico City is an amazing place to invest as well as a recognized business center. I was born there, and when I found out about the Texas Executive MBA at Mexico City program, I realized that I could combine one of the best business schools in America with a start-up opportunity – what a deal! I found it extremely important to attain a first world graduate education in English since my first language is Spanish and my current business has a global approach.

The MBA at Mexico City is exactly the same as the Executive MBA in Austin – same professors, same classes, same agenda, etc. It was a secure way to raise my education standards and skills in a very competitive professional world. Continue reading →