Q:What skills did you build in the D'Amore-McKim MS in Innovation program that you are applying at your current job?
A:The D'Amore-McKim MS in Innovation program has taught me to approach decisions from not only a technical perspective, utilizing my undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering, but also a financial and accounting perspective. I am able to evaluate decisions and innovations from a well-rounded business perspective, as well as better understand and communicate the key items senior leadership may look for in decision or recommendation. For example, I assisted a co-worker in evaluating a profit and loss statement for a potential new technology and was able to come to the conclusion that some of the volume estimates were incorrect and that them team had forgotten to account for additional versions of the product, based off the projected revenue.
Q:What would you say to a colleague considering enrolling in the MS in Innovation program?
A:Do it! It was great program in which I was able to achieve all of my goals and I can see the difference in my ability to perform in the work place. Many points of the program are extremely fun and rewarding and you meet some really great classmates and professors—but it is a lot of work! The program really teaches you commitment and how to manage your time wisely. If bringing your career to the next level is what you want, then you can easily manage the work/life balance. Before you know it, it's been a year and you will have your degree.
Q:Why did you choose the D'Amore-McKim MSI?
A:I chose the D'Amore-McKim MSI because the program really seemed to fit my personality as well as my goals for the future. I knew I was ready to go back to school to advance my career, but wasn't sure if an MBA was the right decision. I was positive that I wanted to work full-time while earning my degree, which the flexibility of Saturday classes allowed. I was also looking to build my business acumen, industry network, and increase my confidence, all of which I have achieved as a direct result of the MSI program.
Q:What was your biggest take-away from earning your MSI at Northeastern?
A:The obvious take-away from earning my MSI at Northeastern is that I was promoted at work, while in the program. However, the biggest take-away from earning my MSI at Northeastern is this great new network of classmates. I have really enjoyed working and attending class every other week with my cohort. We all bounce project related and work related issues and ideas off of each other. It has been great gaining different perspectives from different people from different industries. Some of us even joke about hiring each other or starting a company together in the future.
Q:Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A:In 5 to 10 years I see myself in a successful startup medical device company or even my own company working directly with physicians to develop revolutionary technology that could potentially benefit a large patient population.