| Director Computer Sciences Corporation EMTM 11 - Class of 2004 |
What was the nature of your job before you decided to join the EMTM program?
I started my career in 1983 at a time when PCs were first hitting the desktops in the workplace. By the time I joined the EMTM program, I had close to 20 years experience in the IT industry under my belt. Over that time, I held a variety of technical positions ranging from management of large-scale deployment projects, to supervision of projects leading to Y2K compliance, standardization, and application fall back scenarios for major financial institutions like Swiss Bank Corporation and JP Morgan. I also held various management positions both at Crown Publishers, where I was Manager of Micro Computing, and later at Computer Sciences Corporation where I rose to Senior Account Manager responsible for all aspect of client relationship from new business development through contract negotiations and service delivery.
What made you decide to go back to grad school? Why the EMTM program at Stevens?
While I had worked in the information technology area for a long time, my undergraduate degree was completely unrelated to the field. I knew that advancing my career beyond my current job would require a commitment to building a better foundation that would enable me to work effectively at the intersection of business and technology. And with the workplace bar being constantly raised, I was determined to stay competitive.
I had the advantage of having a close working relationship with someone in our HR/Training department who had personal experience with Stevens. She convinced me that pursuing an advanced degree was a valid developmental path to investigate. After researching Stevens and its academic programs, I determined that their EMTM program filled most of the holes in my formal business education. Coupled with its emphasis on technology, I felt the program was a perfect match to my needs.
What value did you derive from the program?
The program provided me with tools, techniques, methodologies, and challenging opportunities to think like an executive and act as an entrepreneurial business leader. It broadened my range of thinking and I started to lead more strategically. My general business knowledge increased dramatically. The program helped me to build my confidence, fostering personal and professional growth. With my fellow classmates, I also learned how to effectively network with other professionals outside my company and industry.
I could not really describe the value I derived from the program without mentioning the most valuable skill that is taught, practiced and honed in the program: Executive communication. The program was worth it to me for just two of the many tools the EMTM program provides: the one-page memo and the two-minute presentation. Knowing with confidence that any idea or recommendation can be presented smartly, succinctly and logically was empowering. So a special thanks to Don Merino and Gary Lynn. I might have struggled to present my thoughts in under a page and state a position within 2 minutes, but when I finally did, I understood the power of the exercise. It serves me to this day.
What changes have occurred in your professional life since taking the program?
Soon after starting at Steven’s, I was promoted to Director at CSC. During the 2nd semester, I was given an opportunity to participate as a primary team member for a strategic business development initiative, which was a great success for the Managed Hosting Services group. I have continued to support the hosting program at CSC, developing hosting solutions for established outsourcing accounts, as well as for new hosting customers. Currently I have a dual role at CSC as Business Development Executive and Account Executive in the Managed Hosting Services group. I also participate on the Council for Women in Leadership. I think I can state with confidence that I achieved and even surpassed my original objectives for getting an Executive Master in Technology Management degree: I have a solid foundation in the business of technology, I am keeping pace with the proverbial bar in the competitive workplace, and I am firmly on a real career track.
