MBA Candidate 2010
Full-Time Student
Concentration(s): Marketing & International Business
Industry/Field of Work: Marketing
Undergraduate Degree: Italian International Studies and Nutrition
Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Career Goal: Undecided
Club or Committee Involvement: Campus Programs Friday Night Live Marketing Co-Chairman
E-mail: mkrtschj@uic.edu
Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
I wanted to improve my credentials in order to gain credibility in the business world.
What were the most important factors for you when choosing an MBA program?
The most important factors for me when choosing an MBA program were cost and convenience. Liautaud Graduate School of Business provided both of these factors.
We all know that people pursue an MBA to increase their business knowledge. Since starting the UIC Liautaud MBA program, what has been the most unexpected gain the experience has given you?
The Liautaud MBA program has provided me with many more opportunities to interact with business professionals, whether it is through the courses provided or extracurricular groups such as the Women’s Interest Network.
Which course has been your favorite thus far and why?
Corporate Strategy has been my favorite course thus far. It is important to be able to study practical applications of business theory. Corporate Strategy provided just that.
What is your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud Graduate School of Business?
My favorite aspect of the Liautaud Graduate School of Business is the out-of-classroom opportunities. There are constantly new opportunities to become involved in, all of which are coordinated by individuals within the business school.
If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
Looking for the best coffee AND education? Liautaud MBA. This may be biased, but I love the coffee here and there is nothing better than having a good cup of Joe during class.
What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?
Become active in the student community. Joining student groups truly enhances the MBA experience as well as exposes you to a large network of individuals.
MD/MBA Candidate 2009
Full-Time Student
Concentration(s): Management, Human Resources and Information Technology in Healthcare Reform (Self-Directed)
Industry/Field of Work: Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: Biology
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Los Angeles
Career Goal: Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Hospital Administration
Organization Involvement: Subcommittee for LGSB Diversity Committee
E-mail: ejeng2@uic.edu
Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
The joint MD/MBA degree program provided the optimal situation for me to garner the academic tools necessary for my future as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Hospital Administrator.
What was the most important factor for you when choosing an MBA program?
Faculty and cost both played the most important roles.
Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your MBA?
Up-and-coming MBA program, and convenience for joint degree.
We all know that people pursue an MBA to increase their business knowledge, but since you have started the program, what has been the most unexpected gain the MBA has given you?
Networking connections.
UIC Liautaud MBA professors are continuously involved in research of new business trends and innovations. How have you felt the professors have been able to integrate their theoretical knowledge into practical applications?
Professor James Gillespie’s Strategic Management course displayed the best integration of academics and reality. Throughout the course we learned about the foundation of competitive and strategic management and applied this theory with real consultation services to two Chicago-based non-profit organizations.
Which course or professor has been your favorite thus far and why?
I have a group of favorites because each brought a different outlook to the table. In alphabetical order they are Professors John Binder, Shelley Brickson, James Gillespie, Thomas Lee, Mary Beth Watson-Manheim, Maija Renko, and Peter Thompson.
What is your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud MBA program?
Flexibility.
How would you define the Liautaud student?
Diverse and intelligent.
If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
Among Chicago’s best business educations, at a fraction of the competitive cost.
How difficult have you found it to balance school with work and your personal life?
No. Balance has always been my strong suit.
MBA Candidate 2009
Part-time Student
Concentration(s): Entrepreneurship
Industry/Field of Work: Industrial Equipment & Components, Sales
Graduate Degree: Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Institution: Bradley University
Career Goal: Successful Entrepreneur
Organization Involvement: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), ASTM D20 Plastics Sub-Committee Chair
E-mail: echack2@uic.edu
Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
After graduating with an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University, I accumulated over 10 years of Engineering and Sales experience within two fortune 500 companies. As I progress through my corporate career, I wish to gather Operations, Accounting, Marketing and Strategic Management experience and eventually would like to expand into managing business units and $80- $120 Million revenue generating divisions within Parker Hannifin. I feel a MBA from UIC will help me accomplish this career objective.
What was the most important factor for you when choosing a MBA program?
The financial aspect played an important role. I wanted to be certain that the MBA class structure was not only flexible but also affordable.
Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your MBA?
I chose UIC over several other business schools, primarily because UIC is located less than a mile from where I live. UIC also has a great hands-on practical approach to dealing with business solutions in coursework, which is a good toolbox to use in today’s corporate environment.
We all know that people pursue a MBA to increase their business knowledge, but since you have started the program, what has been the most unexpected gain the MBA has given you?
In addition to equipping me with a new prospective on how a business is run, it has also helped me streamline several business strategies before deployment to maximize profits. It has helped me appreciate and fully realize the power of networking through events.
UIC Liautaud MBA professors are continuously involved in research of new business trends and innovations. How have you felt the professors have been able to integrate their theoretical knowledge into practical applications?
I am not able to single out one particular case study as an example, as they all have been equally in par with excellence. UIC Business Professors do an excellent job of analyzing and dissecting real world critical business situations and have been very instrumental in assisting student teams identify and gather a multi-dimensional solutions approach to business situations.
Which course or professor has been your favorite thus far and why?
Professor Joseph Cherian - MKTG 500: Introduction to Marketing.
Dr. Cherian’s passion for Marketing is beyond any imagination. He is not only dedicated to his class, but also does an excellent job of inspiring and encourages his students to constantly think and innovate.
What is your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud MBA program?
I have been a true believer in accomplishing great heights through teamwork. The level of importance offered in teamwork through MBA coursework has been phenomenal. The UIC MBA program has been very unique and exceptional compared to several other programs I was considering.
How would you define the Liautaud student?
A visionary and innovator, truly dedicated to excellence through coursework
If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
A giant leap to business excellence
What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?
With a UIC MBA, the sky is the limit in career advancement. Set specific career goals and dream big. Make progress every day towards your dream.
How difficult have you found it to balance school with work and your personal life?
Balancing school and work has been a challenge. I have noticed that eventually discipline streamlines this process of balancing.
MBA Candidate 2010
Full-time Student
Concentration(s): Marketing
Industry/Field of Work: Health and Fitness
Undergraduate Degree: Pure and Applied Chemistry
Undergraduate Institution: University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Career Goal: Strategic Management Consultant
Organization Involvement: MBA Association
E-mail: tolley2@uic.edu
Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
To help bridge the gap between my science background and my proposed endeavors in the business world.
What was the most important factor for you when choosing an MBA program?
I wanted a program that emphasized the practical application of the theoretical precepts of business.
Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your MBA?
The LGSB embodied all I looked for in an MBA program
UIC Liautaud MBA professors are continuously involved in research of new business trends and innovations. How have you felt the professors have been able to integrate their theoretical knowledge into practical applications?
Professors Barlow and Paige teach classes that are the very embodiment of integration of theory into practical applications.
How would you define the Liautaud student?
Cosmopolitan
If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
LGSB, we equip you for life. Period!
What has been your favorite networking event?
The Executive Club of Chicago Breakfast Event
MBA Candidate 2010
Part-Time Student
Concentration(s): Managerial Studies & Entrepreneurship
Industry/Field of Work: Management Consulting
Undergraduate Degree: Political Science
Undergraduate Institution: Illinois Wesleyan University
Organization Involvement: Student Ambassador
E-mail: j_kist@yahoo.com
Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
I decided to return to get my MBA for two reasons. First I wanted to gain the skills to approach business decision making in a more strategic fashion. Professional mentors and collogues of mine who had an MBA were much more successful than I was in navigating difficult business decisions. The second factor in my decision was the need to increase my business language. I increasingly found myself in situations where I understood the business dynamics, however, lacked the business language to articulate and gain buy-in from key stakeholders. These deficiencies were limiting my career growth potential and I needed to address them to continue to move up in my organization.
What was the most important factor for you when choosing a MBA program?
Receiving the best value for my money.
Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your MBA?
The deciding factor for me in choosing the UIC Liautaud MBA program was the passion of the student body. During my selection process for an MBA program, I made an attempt to network and meet as many current students from each program. The student body at UIC Liautaud possessed an entrepreneurial passion similar to my own that I found very attractive.
We all know that people pursue an MBA to increase their business knowledge, but since you have started the program, what has been the most unexpected gain the MBA has given you?
How quickly the learnings apply to the workplace. It seems like almost every semester I am taking classes where the concepts that I am learning can be applied to a current business situation. These newly acquired skills have given me the added confidence I was looking for. For some reason I thought that such traits would come only after graduation but have been pleasantly surprised how every semester continues to build out the skill set I was looking for.
Which course or professor has been your favorite thus far and why?
What organizations have you become involved in? How have they benefited you?
I have been involved with the Student Ambassador program. It’s provided me with opportunity to meet and connect with some of the new students entering the program. As a part-time student, some of the full-time students that I started with have graduated and moved on in their careers and this program has kept me connected with the entire student body.
What is your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud MBA program?
My favorite aspect of the program is the access that I have to faculty. In almost every class that I have taken, I’ve had the ability to schedule an appointment with the professor during their office hours. This has given me the chance to get to know my professors on a more personal level and as a people person this has greatly enriched my learning experience.
How would you define the Liautaud student?
The average student isn’t much different from what I found when I was researching programs. There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit in most of the students that I have met. Many of the students that I have had a chance to interact with are interested in either starting their own companies or contributing to new products and services within their current firms.
If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
Where the entrepreneurial spirit learns to soar.
What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?
Dive in head first and get involved early. It wasn’t until I started my participation in the Student Ambassador program that I felt I was getting everything I wanted. When I was only taking classes I was learning the new skills I wanted however I was not meeting and expanding my network like I thought was I going to. Getting involved has introduced me to so many other people which I think is one of the most important things you get out of the program.
What has been your favorite networking event?
My favorite events have been the coffee hours at the Rebecca Port lounge. For starters I’m always up for a cup of coffee and the relaxed atmosphere encourages good conversation with fellow students.
How difficult have you found it to balance school with work and your personal life?
As a married man with a family, balancing a full-time job while pursuing my MBA has presented some challenges at times but it has not been impossible. It has required me to management my time in the evenings and weekends more than in the past. The ability to take core course on-line has helped tremendously with providing me the flexibility that I need. I would be remiss to say that I’m also blessed with a very understanding wife that I cannot thank enough for her support.
Full-time Student
Industry/Field of Work: Market Research
Undergraduate Degree: Marketing and Minor in Economics
Undergraduate Institution: Northern Illinois University
Career Goal: Successful Entrepreneur and Professor
Organization Involvement: Social Co-Chair, MBAA; Member
E-mail: stephenwkerr@yahoo.com
Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
I have had an appreciation of and a desire for a higher education since completing my B.S. at NIU in 2005. After working for several years in the Market Research industry, I quickly realized that in order to achieve my (now realized) career goals, I need to obtain an MBA and eventually a PhD.
What was the most important factor for you when choosing a MBA program?
I considered a multitude of factors when I was in the process of choosing a MBA program, which included: 1) strength of Entrepreneurship and Marketing concentrations; 2) campus location (Chicago); 3) price; 4) faculty and industry connections; 5) strength of alumni relations; and 6) social/professional atmosphere, ranked respectively. Overall, these factors, after applying specific weights, led to the most appropriate decision. After applying and being accepted to several MBA programs in Chicago, I ultimately chose the UIC Liautaud MBA because it offered everything I was looking for at a very reasonable price. More specifically, I was immediately drawn in by the strength of the Entrepreneurship concentration, and eventually won over by the faculty. The reassurance, or confidence, that my career goals are within reach. Coming into the program, I already had a decent amount of business knowledge as a result of my undergraduate studies and work in the Market Research industry. However, at the time, my career goals, although clearly defined, seemed very far off. Being a little over halfway done with the UIC Liautaud MBA, I can now safely say that I am well on my way to achieving these goals. Organizational Behavior taught by Dr. Barlow. This class was structured such that you would read exhilarating material from differing sources, analyze it, and then state how you could use the information in your life. I was incredibly impressed with not only the practical applications of the knowledge learned in this class, but also the constant personal introspection that allowed me to evaluate how I was going to achieve my goals. I was recently elected as the MBAA social co-chair for 2009-2010. Although new to this role, I have directly benefited from the role via being able to represent the social/ professional networking needs of the entire UIC Liautaud MBA student population. It is, without a doubt, that these needs are becoming more and more relevant in the competitive business landscape. The year I spent in the program, before becoming elected, allowed me to assess how I could use my specific skill set, and what skills I needed to sharpen, in order to effectively put together the best events possible. Through this, I have gained, and will continue to gain, invaluable leadership skills. The faculty is comprised of extremely knowledgeable and genuine professors. I have definitely felt challenged in the last year, but in a good way, since it has and will continue to, allow my professional development. Also, the professors have always made me feel welcome, positively affecting the student atmosphere. A very hard working, determined, motivated student with a constant thirst for knowledge, who will effectively change the way the world does business. “The UIC Liautaud MBA: Make your MBA matter.” Get involved in as many student organizations/activities as possible. Meet as many of your professors and fellow classmates. Take the most challenging courses. Explore what the entirety of the program has to offer, because it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Overall, make the most out of our MBA. Set yourself up to enjoy the benefits of your MBA for the rest of your life. The How Chicago Does Business event at Piece Pizzeria and Brewery. It was such a great experience, because we had a chance to hear firsthand from a highly successful entrepreneur what it really takes to penetrate and flourish in a hyper-competitive industry. I have had relatively few problems with this. Going into the program, I understood that obtaining a MBA would be a significant time commitment, and I actually even left my previous job to make sure I could more narrowly focus on obtaining my MBA. I know that leaving your job is not feasible for everyone, but I think that prospective students should be ready to commit a decent amount of time each week to their classes. In the end, you will prosper from the additional work you put into your MBA experience. As for my personal life, my family and friends have been very supportive.
Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your MBA?
We all know that people pursue a MBA to increase their business knowledge, but since you have started the program, what has been the most unexpected gain the MBA has given you?
UIC Liautaud MBA professors are continuously involved in research of new business trends and innovations. How have you felt the professors have been able to integrate their theoretical knowledge into practical applications? Do you have any examples? Overall, I feel as though the UIC Liautaud MBA professors have done exceedingly well in this category. An example of this would be Dr. Barlow, who was my Organizational Behavior professor. He has such a wealth of industry experience, and was always able to effectively apply managerial theory to the course of everyday business.
Which course or professor has been your favorite thus far and why?
What organizations have you become involved in? How have they benefited you?
What is your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud MBA program?
How would you define the Liautaud student?
If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?
What has been your favorite networking event?
How difficult have you found it to balance school with work and your personal life?
MBA Candidate 2010
Full-time Student
Concentration(s): Entrepreneurship
Industry/Field of Work: Marketing
Undergraduate Degree: Hispanic Studies
Undergraduate Institution:McGill University
Career Goal: Start my own business
Club or Committee Involvement: Student Ambassador, WIN, MBAA Marketing Chair, UIC Hillel
E-mail: lauraklibanow@gmail.com
Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
While I was living in Tel Aviv, Israel I decided to start my own business. I spent nearly six months developing my idea into a business plan. While every task was complicated, conducting my research and communications in Hebrew presented a unique challenge. Once I acquired some financial backing, I decided to leave my job and pursue the venture full-time. As the planning process progressed, it became apparent that while the concept was sound, my lack of experience and inadequate financial backing would make its execution extremely difficult. I found I would need to simultaneously take on multiple roles, but I lacked the expertise to perform all these functions on my own, and did not have the sufficient resources to hire additional employees.
Despite all the time, effort, and emotional resources I invested, it became increasingly clear that it would be a mistake to continue with the plan. One of the key reasons I decided to pursue an MBA is because it will provide me with the tools to succeed in future entrepreneurial ventures. I have confidence that when the next opportunity presents itself, I will be ready to capitalize on it.
What were the most important factors for you when choosing an MBA program?
ROI. When I was choosing an MBA program, I wanted one that would provide me with a valuable education and at the same time, not saddle myself in loans post- graduation. In addition, I wanted a school that would provide me opportunities in the long-term.
We all know that people pursue an MBA to increase their business knowledge. Since starting the UIC Liautaud MBA program, what has been the most unexpected gain the experience has given you?
Networking opportunities. I make a concerted effort to attend all events that seem interesting to me. Through these events, I have connected with individuals who have opened my mind to new opportunities.
Which course or professor has been your favorite thus far and why?
I took Organizational Behavior in Dr. Barlow’s class with the CMBA students. There were students from Taiwan and China on my management group project team whom I had the opportunity to work closely with. I learned a lot about their cultures and I hope I can visit them one day soon in their home countries. This summer I am participating in the “Doing Business in Brazil Program” in Sao Paulo. Although the program hasn’t yet begun, I already know it will be fantastic.
What is your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud MBA program or the Liautaud Graduate School of Business?
UIC Liautaud offers the opportunity to meet students from both diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Every individual brings a unique element to the student body. The faculty and staff are helpful, extremely down to earth, and very approachable. They want students to succeed. In addition, the backdrop of metropolitan Chicago provides a perfect environment for students with numerous opportunities.
If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
"Adding value to your career and your life."
What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?
Take advantage of all opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom. There are many important speakers and events available to students. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these individuals.
MBA Candidate 2010
Part-Time Student
Concentration(s): Finance
Industry/Field of Work: Consulting
Undergraduate Degree: Finance
Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Career Goal: Undecided
Club or Committee Involvement: Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Chicago, CFA Society of Chicago - Finance Advisory Group, Student Ambassador, MBAA President
E-mail: rwostrat@uic.edu
Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
Just like many young people in corporate America, I have gone through a couple of job changes. I have always known that the field of finance is where I want to be, but the exact area of finance that I want to work in for the rest of my life is something I am still trying to figure out. I know that when my time here at UIC is done, I will have a much better idea of where I want my career path to go.
What were the most important factors for you when choosing an MBA program?
The financial aspect of pursuing an MBA was a large factor in my decision, as was class structure (semesters vs. quarters) and location.
We all know that people pursue an MBA to increase their business knowledge. Since starting the UIC Liautaud MBA program, what has been the most unexpected gain the experience has given you?
It has really changed the way that I look at how a business is run. When I analyzed companies before I got to the Liautaud Graduate School of Business, I took each part of a company and broke it down. I would look at things like sales, marketing and product development as their own separate area of the business. I am now able to look at a company and effectively see how all of the different aspects of the business affect each other, not just how they work on their own.
Which course or professor has been your favorite thus far and why?
Professor Mark Shanley - MBA 500: Corporate Strategy. Before taking this class, I don't think I have ever had a professor that truly seemed passionate about what they do. All you have to do is sit in on one of Professor Shanley's classes and you can tell that he is the type of guy that truly cares about the topics he lectures on. During my undergraduate degree, I would find it difficult to pay full attention to my professor for a 50-minute class. Professor Shanley spoke for over two hours during every class and he had my attention the entire time.
What is your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud MBA program or the Liautaud Graduate School of Business?
I really enjoy the fact that UIC maintains such a great campus atmosphere. There's something about walking around the quad with other students and grabbing a cup of coffee in the student cafeteria that sets it apart from other schools.
If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
"Your future, our guidance."
What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?
If you are going into the part-time program because you have a full-time job, make sure you are fully committed to the decision. It is a tough challenge to balance work with school, and there are certain sacrifices that have to be made. There will be significant changes in your work life, family life, and social life; be sure you can handle them.
