International MBA (IMBA) Program
Ask Moore ALUMNI
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Justin
Forecasting & Analysis Coordinator
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Brief job history: After graduating from Lipscomb University in Nashville, I moved to Washington, DC where I worked for then junior Senator Bill Frist from Tennessee. From there, I moved to Tata, Hungary, where I taught English at a public high school. After 2 years in Tata, I moved to Budapest to start my own translation agency, which I ran until returning to the US to begin the IMBA program in the French track. Post graduation, I returned to Budapest with GM to establish their used vehicle operations in the central and eastern European region, eventually managing a team of seven and operating across 10 countries. Most recently I have been transferred to GM’s UK and Ireland regional headquarters on a 3-year developmental assignment where I look after the forecasting and business analysis for the Saab brand for the entire ‘region’ and after all brands for Ireland.
Why I chose IMBA: Having worked abroad for several years, I knew that I wanted to continue to work internationally, but lacked the skills and credentials to move to the next level. Also—although I had always done well in math—I didn’t have a strong quantitative background and knew that I would need to boost my “hard” skills in order to take this step. An MBA seemed the natural choice. Clearly an international focus in the curriculum was a top priority for me. Upon examining the Moore School curriculum more closely, I felt that the quantitative – qualitative mix and the mandatory internationally focused internship were a good fit to build upon my experiences. After visiting the school (as well as several other top-ranked institutions throughout the US), I realized that there was no better place for business education with an international focus than the Moore School.
Where I interned: General Motors Central and Eastern Europe, Budapest, HUNGARY. I developed and introduced an export wholesale financing platform for GM dealers in the central and eastern European region in conjunction with our partners at GMAC in Germany. I’m proud to say that the product is still in use today.
What impacted me the most during the IMBA Program: Although I achieved my earlier stated goal of gaining quantitative analysis skills, (which I am putting to good use in my current position!), I would have to stress the camaraderie of the IMBA program among staff, professors, and fellow students. The Moore School is a special place characterized by a genuine sense of familial cooperation rather than by cutthroat competition. Don’t misunderstand me, there is a sense of urgency and pride in the work that goes on, and we come out ready to succeed, but throughout the process, you are encouraged to think of life as more than a ‘zero-sum’ equation and this is something that shouldn’t be discounted.
How IMBA has added value to my career: I came away better trained to analyze problems quickly and make and present decisions thoroughly, concisely and precisely under immense time pressure. Being able to do this is 95% of one’s success in today’s business environment. The international internship led to full-time employment upon graduation. I have been with GM since graduation. Furthermore, the credential of an IMBA and the contacts I made there have opened doors for me throughout the world.
Other thoughts: For those looking to continue their education, anyone who already realizes that there are influences on day-to-day business life that come from beyond our borders should look very closely at the Moore school; anyone who thinks they may be looking to make a move into international business should pay a visit to Columbia, South Carolina; anyone who thinks otherwise should reconsider.