About Jackie
Country: United States
Previous Degree: BA in Psychology and Economics
Previous University: Boston College
Q: Tell me a bit about your background.
A: I've always been drawn to the intersection of people, data, and strategy, which is what led me to study psychology and economics at Boston College. I built my career in employee benefits and human capital consulting, work that gradually shifted me into more client-facing and leadership-focused roles.
Today, I'm an Account Executive on the People Solutions team at Lockton Companies, advising clients on benefits, HR, and broader talent and workforce initiatives. I love helping organizations make thoughtful decisions grounded in insight, industry trends, and what their people truly need.
Outside of work, I'm also passionate about coaching youth hockey. It's a place where I get to mentor young athletes, foster teamwork, and stay connected to a sport I love.
As I look ahead, I want to step into a role that's even more focused on leadership and operations. I want to shape strategy, strengthen teams, and improve how we deliver our services. That's really what inspired me to pursue an MBA.
Q: Why did you pursue an MBA at D'Amore-McKim?
A: As my career progressed, I hit a point where I needed a deeper, more systematic command of the core areas of business to lead with clarity and confidence. I wanted an in-person, Full-Time MBA where I could build a true foundation in finance, accounting, strategy, and operations that I could apply immediately at work. Since I didn't study business as an undergraduate, this breadth and rigor across core disciplines were a priority, along with the flexibility to explore areas related to my work, such as healthcare management.
When researching programs, Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business stood out for its strong community, experiential learning model, and alumni network. Conversations with graduates, including a family member, and my own experience working with Northeastern co-op students reinforced the school's reputation for producing thoughtful, capable professionals. The combination of academic rigor, flexibility, and network ultimately made it the right fit.
Q: How has the MBA influenced your work?
A: Even in my first semester, I've seen a direct impact on my work. I was promoted to my first management position over the summer, and my Managing People and Organizations course gave me practical frameworks for leading a team. I use those lessons daily, whether I'm guiding my team through complex decisions or navigating client conversations.
The accounting coursework has also been transformative. I attend monthly client board meetings and used to struggle to interpret financial reports. Now I can confidently read statements, ask informed questions, and contribute meaningfully to discussions.
I also appreciate how naturally the program integrates technology into the classroom. As my company adopts AI tools, I feel better equipped to evaluate them thoughtfully and help my team adapt. Between coursework, simulations, and collaboration with classmates from varied industries, I've sharpened my decision-making and expanded how I approach challenges at work.
Q: What advice would you give to future MBAs?
A: My biggest advice is to choose a program that fits your life and goals. Make sure it's flexible enough to support your work and personal commitments, because balancing a full-time job, family and friends, and everything else you care about becomes part of the experience. Once you're in the program, engage with the professors and your classmates. The community is incredibly supportive, and the connections you build are as valuable as the coursework.
Planning ahead to manage and prioritize your time makes all the difference. For me, that meant balancing 40-60+work hours, coaching youth hockey several nights a week—always wearing my Husky gear—and staying on top of personal commitments. It isn't always easy, but with focus and flexibility, you can successfully integrate the MBA into a busy schedule.
When you're in the right program, you'll feel supported every step of the way.