Boardroom: Washington, D.C.
Position while enrolled: Deputy Director, Laboratory Operations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Previous studies: PhD in biomedical engineering, University of Florida
“I considered a few programs and did a lot of research. When I visited Cornell… I sensed a vibe of inclusion—of collaboration, not competition. Once I experienced this, I stopped thinking about other programs.”
I am a creative person and I have always had a desire to start a business. In fact, after graduate school, I did start a biotech company. My partner and I had strong technical skills but lacked business knowledge. To be more successful the next time, I have to have a stronger understanding of business. Earning an MBA was the right path for me to gain that knowledge and expertise.
The network. I considered a few programs and did a lot of research. When I visited Cornell, I found warm and welcoming alumni, students, and administration. I was impressed by the presence in the D.C./Virginia/Maryland area. I sensed a vibe of inclusion—of collaboration, not competition. Once I experienced this, I stopped thinking about other programs.
When I applied to the program, one of my biggest concerns was being detached. Would there be a lack of networking opportunities outside of the residential sessions? As a student, I was pleasantly surprised. The boardroom format is amazing! The residential sessions did lead to those first connections that were maintained through the boardrooms on camera. Within my boardroom, the experience provided a chance to create strong bonds. Some of my boardroom classmates are now some of my closest friends. The program format is very different from a full-time MBA experience, but it is very impressive.
For me, it was automatic once I got started. The program is very rigorous and there is great value in time management. We’re all working professionals in the program, but the professors don’t go easy on us. Time management is critical, and planning is important. While in the program, I had a lot less free time and had to get in the right frame of mind. You have to do that to be successful.
One of my most memorable experiences was in the Business Decision Models course with Professor Paul Roman. We did a simulation exercise that was quite fun. We were running a detergent company looking to make the most profit. We had to consider a number of different factors like the product mix, pricing, and marketing to create a strategy.
I thought that I was an introvert and that I would have trouble networking. While in the program, I’ve received feedback that I’m actually a natural networker. I connected with every person in the program. Also, when thinking about doing the program, I asked myself if I could really do this. Once I was in it, I was surprised to find how resilient and flexible I could be. I found a way to make it work. We all did.