Get to Know Jordan

• Program format: Online
• Graduate certificate: Supply Chain
• Program start date: Spring 2022
• Graduation date: Spring 2024
• Employer: Pfizer CenterOne and External Supply
• Job title: Director, Project Management Lead
• Current location: Raleigh, NC

Life Before Jenkins MBA

• Undergraduate education: NC State, bachelor’s in biomedical engineering
• Full-time work experience: 12 years
• Full-time employers: Hospira, Pfizer
• Industries: engineering, pharmaceuticals
• Roles: process engineer, manufacturing technical services, process transfer lead, program manager, senior manager, director and program manager lead

Why a Master of Business Administration (MBA)?

What skills or opportunities were you hoping to gain?

I entered the MBA program after spending five or six years in highly technical roles. I wanted to contribute to broader business discussions and pursue larger leadership opportunities, but I needed more exposure to finance, accounting and supply chain. The MBA gave me a structured way to build that business acumen while continuing to work.

“I began my MBA at another university, then transferred to NC State because Jenkins offered greater flexibility and value.”

Why Jenkins MBA?

Why did you choose the Jenkins MBA program?

I began my MBA at another university, then transferred to NC State because Jenkins offered greater flexibility and value. The online format let me combine remote coursework with selected evening classes, and the curriculum gave me room to choose courses aligned with my career goals. Jenkins also made the credit-transfer process straightforward, so I continued the degree without losing momentum.

Looking Back on the Jenkins MBA Experience

Which experiences outside the classroom proved most valuable?

Two global study experiences stand out. For a marketing innovation course in Germany, our group met with senior leaders from Siemens and BMW and discussed strategy and how their organizations operate. I also studied in South Africa, where learning alongside classmates and experiencing the country firsthand challenged some of my assumptions. Both trips gave me access to perspectives and conversations I would not have gained through coursework alone.

Career Outcomes

What career opportunities has the degree helped create?

The degree influenced my career before I graduated. While leading operations at a Pfizer facility in Sanford, I pursued a global supply chain role based in Raleigh. I used the supply chain coursework I had completed through the MBA to demonstrate my readiness for the position, and the program directly supported my move into that role. Since then, coursework in finance and accounting has helped me contribute more effectively to broader decisions, including capital investments and cross-functional business discussions.

“I used the coursework I had completed through the MBA to demonstrate my readiness for the [global supply chain] position, and the program directly supported my move into that role.”

Looking Ahead

What professional goals are you working toward now?

My long-term goal is to lead a manufacturing site. The strongest site leaders I have worked with treat the operation like a small business. They take care of their people, manage resources responsibly and balance day-to-day execution with the organization’s larger priorities. I see that role as demanding and rewarding, and it is the direction I hope to pursue as I continue building my leadership experience.

Get in Touch

Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn.

Learn More

To learn more about the Jenkins MBA program, including tuition, curriculum, career opportunities and more, please submit the form below.