Q:What's your most interesting memory from your time at Northeastern?

A:Our group had a huge project due at 8 a.m. the next day which we had “finished” a day or so earlier. However, about 8 p.m. the night before, I wasn't feeling 100% confident in the product we were submitting. So, I drove to each team member's house, picked them up (bribing them with fresh take-out!) and we worked until 2 a.m. to perfect the project. If I recall, the overtime effort paid off with an A grade! More importantly, it taught me something about what's possible when the pressure is on and a team is committed.

Q:What is your current profession and what led you there?

A:I am currently leading State Street's Digital Experience Product Offering team (and love it). The team's focus is on improving the user experience strategy, design, and execution across our global applications.

My path to my current role did not start with a design or technology focus. Rather, it started with a corporate residency at State Street Corporation during my MBA in one of State Street's business lines focusing on operations transformation. Upon graduation, I joined State Street full time and since then, I've been fortunate to be asked to take on new challenges and operate in a number of different capacities and business lines. About a year ago, I raised my hand for a new challenge and stepped into a new world of user experience design, product strategy, and offering management.

Q:How did D'Amore-McKim prepare you for this career in the global business world?

A:D'Amore-McKim helped prepare me by providing a great education complimented with the right experience to put the theory into practice. The relevant things I learned during my first year of the MBA program, I deployed during my six-month residency with State Street, which allowed me to make the right impression and secure a full time position. The program has a fantastic curriculum that provides the right base for students to capably chase their career ambitions.

I also learned that you have to be open to new opportunities as they come. The support of the MBA career office for me and my career—even to this day—is invaluable!

Q:Did you participate in any student clubs? If so, could you please tell us about your experience and how it added value for you?

A:Together with some other students, I founded a local chapter of the national “Net Impact” club focused on sustainability.

Q:What would you say to a prospective student considering D'Amore-McKim for their business degree?

A:Go! It's the best education plus practical experience you can find! Choosing to attend D'Amore-McKim was one of the best decisions of my life.