Karen Atty, MBA'20, is taking over our Instagram account on Monday, March 25. Atty was asked to reflect on her journey to D'Amore-McKim, her experiences here, and what she hopes her fellow Huskies remember as they forge their own paths forward.
Q: What program are you enrolled in and what year are you graduating?
I am enrolled in the Part-Time MBA program and will graduate in 2020.
Q: Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up and why did you decide to come to the U.S.?
I was born and raised in Cotonou, Benin and came to the U.S when I decided to get my Masters degree. I believe coming from a developing country has instilled in me a passion for business development and entrepreneurship, two skills that I want to build my career on.
Q: Why did you decide to enroll in the Part-Time MBA program at D'Amore-McKim?
I was exploring many different MBA programs and a friend actually told me about the D'Amore-McKim Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. As an international student with little knowledge of operations within U.S. based companies, I realized it would make more sense to start with a five-course program that would give me both relevant business experience and a credential right away. The first five classes of the graduate certificate and the MBA are exactly the same, same material, and same teachings but on a shorter period.
I did some research and took the opportunity to visit a classroom and experience a campus tour. At the end, I didn't think twice and knew this is where I wanted to get my MBA from.
Q: How do you believe the program is influencing your work experience? What do you most hope to gain from studying here?
It's definitely adding a lot to my resume but also building in me skills such as teamwork and communication. All the classes that I've taken have made me feel that way because participation is highly encouraged. Using all these resources and skills I'm learning, I want to be able to lead an organization and my teams effectively.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of your studies?
I enjoy yoga, going for brunch, or just writing for my blog that I started to share my experience as a graduate student. I also recently realized I'm a ‘'growth mindset person'' and now I spend more of my free time reading and learning about self-development.
Q: What did you do before you came to Northeastern University?
After receiving my bachelor's degree, I completed an internship at the biggest retail store of my country. The CEO of the company then offered me a position in a new store they opened as a business account associate, where I was issuing invoices for businesses, managing orders and assisting with customer service.
Q: What has defined your D'Amore-McKim experience so far?
My experience at D'Amore-McKim has transformed me. I am developing managerial skills, but as a woman I've also become more confident, and able to express myself in many ways and lean in.
Q: What would you say to a prospective student considering D'Amore-McKim for their business degree?
When it comes to your career, you should seize opportunities and avoid mistakes. Choosing the D'Amore-McKim certificate program was one of the best choices I have made. The campus offers many resources, including a diverse community and professors that are always available to listen, talk, and help. I spent my two terms working on case studies based on real companies and situations. At a certain point it began to feel like working in a company rather than studying.
Q: What do you hope fellow Huskies remember as they forge their own paths forward?
One particular thing I love at Northeastern is the sense of community here. You can feel it everywhere because everyone is doing their best to help us succeed and achieve our goals. This is something I will never forget. I hope my fellow Huskies keep this sense of community throughout their lives by helping others and giving back.