Sara L. Wood

Why did you choose the Executive MBA program?

RIT has a very robust program with a small, career-minded cohort. When I was looking at MBA programs, I wanted to learn with others who were at a similar place in their career and had real-world background to apply to our experience. Also, I chose the online version because I travel a great deal for work. I needed a program where I could take an exam from home or from my hotel room on the road. I was able to continue working uninterrupted while still getting a great education.

How has your education helped your career?

Before the program, I was working as a Marketing Director and had aspirations of becoming an Executive Director of an association in the near future. However, I knew I had gaps in education that I needed to fill if I wanted to be successful in that endeavor. The program not only helped fill in those gaps that I knew about, but it also helped fill in gaps I didn't even know I had. Upon completing the program, I was hired at an association management company as an executive director where I now work with three different associations. Without RIT, I likely would not have been afforded this opportunity, nor would I have been prepared for when it came around.

What has been the biggest takeaway from your experience?

We will spend our whole lives not knowing what we don't know. There is always something new to learn, and different ways to grow. The RIT EMBA program was an incredible foundation providing a framework on how to be a better leader through continuous learning.

What is your best piece of advice?

Find small ways to take care of yourself. Time is the ultimate commodity, and while you are in the program, make sure to create space for everything. Whether it be your day job, family, or personal wellness, schedule time to focus on your other priorities, even if it's just something small.

If you had to do it all over again, would you?

Absolutely. The EMBA program is an invaluable investment. I would do it all over again, but the only thing I would change is that I would eat less take out (hah!).

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