Melissa Smith, MBA '07

Working in information systems auditing, I quickly hit the top of the learning curve and discovered that I wanted to be one of the decision-makers leading businesses, rather than auditing the results. Earning an MBA was the natural next step for me.

Many of my colleagues recommended the BC MBA Program because of its educational reputation and incredible alumni network. And, having grown up in New York City, I knew wanted to continue my graduate work at a world-class university in an accessible city like Boston. However, I’ve found that the school has offered me so much more.

The learning has been extraordinary. What’s unique about the BC MBA experience is the opportunity to immediately put classroom learning into action. For instance, the Business Plan Project and Consulting Project had me in a team working for real business clients on a variety of strategic issues that cut across industries and across disciplines such as strategy, marketing, and finance.

I now have analytical frameworks and skills to analyze businesses and industries as well as the confidence to adapt and succeed in a variety of situations. I’ve also formed incredible relationships at BC. A key factor in my success has been the open and welcoming environment. From classmates and professors, to the administration and alumni, doors are always open here. The small class size is a huge advantage since students from different backgrounds openly share their ideas; it makes the learning that much richer.

In my quest to find a job, I made a dedicated effort to work with the Career Strategies team on my career goals. Networking with alumni, attending industry events, and refining my interview skills were just a few components of a comprehensive career search plan that we developed. And, it’s paid off. The BC MBA has prepared me well for my next step: the Leadership Development Program at Johnson and Johnson.