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Poole College of Management 
Jenkins MBA

Erin Buckman

Program: Professional Evening MBA
Graduation: May 2013
Current title/organization: Change Management, Credit Suisse
LinkedIn Profile

Q: What areas of focus in the Jenkins MBA program helped set you apart in the market?

A: The program offers opportunities to gain knowledge in technology and entrepreneurship – taking an idea, commercializing a technology, knowing what you have to do to turn a cutting-edge idea into a marketable product. In my position, we’re obviously a part of IT and part of the process of change and technological evolution. Other students focused on entrepreneurship, and even though that isn’t a part of my career path, it does change how I see possibilities.  And it helps me to push the envelope a little more, to be more agile.

Q: How has the Jenkins MBA improved your future career outlook?

A: I feel that, through the NC State MBA program, I found what I’m passionate about. It was through the MBA program and the completion of my Black Belt that I realized IT process improvement is an area that I love.  In my job, I’m taking pain points, making people’s lives better and saving the company money – it’s been a good experience and it’s something I enjoy.

Q: What about the Jenkins Professional MBA sets it apart from other MBA programs?

A: There’s the focus on technology, and the options available for coursework.  There’s the location at Research Triangle Park, which gives you an opportunity to network with classmates and share experiences with colleagues from other companies in the area.

Q: What advice would you offer to professionals looking to advance their careers with an MBA?

A: Set goals at the start of your educational experience. But, even prior to that, think about what you want out of your MBA. This program is a chance to get more technical skills, more business skills, but for me, it was also an opportunity to leverage the rich contacts I was making and build out my network, both me and my classmates.  NC State did a great job of meeting all of my needs. Not just any other MBA program out there could have done that.