Margaret Dickinson

Hometown: West Newbury, Massachusetts
Current Title/Employer: Vice President, PB Optimize, Fidelity Investments

Why did you choose Cornell?

“It goes without saying that the Cornell name is an unparalleled institution, both within the Ivy League network and throughout the world. But, going through the admissions process really kicked my interest into high gear. It was really great and unlike any other school that I looked at. It was so personalized and the team was so responsive and willing to work with you. This experience really set the tone for me and has continued since I’ve gotten here.”

What was your first impression upon arrival?

“It is gorgeous. I went to a really small school for undergrad, so coming to this campus, I was really in shock and awe. You really get a feel for the institution, what it stands for, and the reputation from the moment you step onto the campus. I don’t know if it is the buildings or architecture—it is hard to put into words—but as soon as you are on campus, you feel it. This residential session is my third time back to the campus and I still feel it.”

What has surprised you most about the EMBA Metro NY program?

“The diversity of the class and the fact that you learn so much from all the incredible professors with amazing backgrounds and pedigrees. But, I think it is that you learn equally as much from your classmates, which I didn’t anticipate coming into the program, but has really enriched my experience.”

What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself from this program?

“I’m capable of more than I thought I was. I remember the first couple of weeks when I started this program, I underestimated the amount of work and how difficult it was and I thought to myself, ‘This is crazy, what am I doing? How am I going to manage this between work, and school, and life in general?’ But, I realized after the first couple weeks that I can handle a lot more than I thought I could and you just start to figure out how to manage everything. Something I’ve taken away is just better time management and setting higher expectations for myself.”

What makes the EMBA Metro NY program unique?

“The true connection you build to Cornell and your classmates, which comes in a couple different ways. With the residential sessions here, you get that full-time MBA program with the executive feel, yet you immediately get a connection to the school.”

What do you hope to accomplish with your Cornell degree?

“I hope to expand my horizons. You don’t know what you don’t know and one of the reasons I picked this program was to get more exposure to people in other fields and areas within those fields.”