Jessica Settimi
Program: Full-Time
Graduation: MBA 2013
Organization/Current title: Sr. Director Strategy & Market Development, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Q: Why did you choose the NC State Jenkins MBA program for your graduate education?
A: I chose the Jenkins MBA because it allowed me the opportunity for real-world experience through practicum based classes.
Q: How did your experience in the program contribute to your professional achievements and successes?
A: The experience with companies, working on real challenges provided a sound base for understanding dynamics across functions. Additionally the exposure to data analytics and the critical thinking skills have been critical to success.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your time in the Jenkins MBA Program?
A: I enjoyed building relationships with my MBA cohort.
Q: What are a few of the most impactful classes/lessons you learned during your time at NC State?
A: My internship/GA role with CIMS was the most impactful for my future career success.
Q: What advice would you give for prospective and current students who are interested in your industry/profession?
A: I would advise students to get as much experience (even if unpaid) as early as possible to truly understand the industry and potential career paths.
Q: Could you give a brief explanation of your current line of work, and what has led you to it?
A: I am currently running a start up business based on an innovative technology within Patheon by Thermo Fisher Scientific. My prior roles include marketing, strategic marketing, and strategy all in support of the pharmaceutical services business.
Q: What do you believe is your most interesting accomplishment since graduation?
A: I’ve had the opportunity to work/collaborate in several projects since I started my job. New technology implementation to provide better care to seniors, the development of a enterprise data warehouse, the deployment of a clinically integrated network in other state or a pilot to implement an early detection of patient’s with rising risk of opioids use disorders, which I think will help hospitals in the current battle against the opioids epidemic
Q: What do you believe is your most interesting accomplishment since graduation?
A: I successfully transitioned from professional to professional and parent.
Q: What are your goals and plans for the future?
A: My career goals include running my own business in the next 10 years.