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"RIT managed to do the unthinkable, make an online degree program seem like an on-campus program. Having synchronous classes with video enhanced lectures is key. I get to interact with the other students in real time."Kenneth Hurd Director of Engineering, ENSCO Avionics Endicott, NY Online Executive MBA, Class of 2019 |
Why did you choose the Executive MBA program?
Our company hires students from RIT and I have seen years of consistent high quality Engineers that have life training well beyond the lesson plans. The school has impressed me in every aspect from the recruitment of new candidates to the job fairs at the end. RIT managed to do the unthinkable, make an online degree program seem like an on-campus program. Having synchronous classes with video enhanced lectures is key. I get to interact with the other students in real time. Professor-to-student learning is one thing, peer-to-peer means I was truly engaged.
How has your education helped your career?
We just negotiated a 3-year contract with our primary customer. I arrived at the meeting with my BATNA, MESO, and Negotiation plan all worked out in advance with our pre-practiced 3-person team. We just received our best contract with this customer that we have had in over 20 years. Next on my list is our annual review process where I have 35 direct reports. I have been utilizing the management process aspects from the program ongoing and expect the reviews to go smoothly.
What is your best piece of advice?
Get engaged in the program. You can’t take this as a whim. I am enrolled on top of a full-time job and most nights of the week I get to bed around 2:00am, though I am not tired. The sheer engagement and interest I have has somehow replaced sleep and I survive on the 3-4 hours a night pattern.
If you had to do it all over again, would you?
Absolutely. Undergrad education prepares you for work, work prepares you for more work, and then life happens. The combination of work experience with the EMBA program has significantly broadened my talent scope. I honestly feel that I could take on an engineering company or turn left to a financial or even small business endeavor and hit the ground running.