Willamette University: Many paths, one MBA experience

Beyond the Peaks: How Willamette's MBA Forges Unconventional Career Paths

The Pacific Northwest conjures images of towering evergreen forests and dramatic coastlines. Yet, beneath this natural splendor lies a dynamic economic landscape, fueled by a burgeoning tech sector, a vibrant startup scene, and a deep commitment to social impact. This fertile ground for professional growth is precisely what drew Chloe Bui from Vietnam, seeking to pivot from her pharmacy and sales background into a more strategic leadership role.

Bridging the Gap: The MBA as a Catalyst for Change

Bui's realization that she needed enhanced management and strategic acumen led her to pursue an MBA, a decision that ultimately brought her to Willamette University. The Atkinson Graduate School of Management, with campuses in Salem and Portland, stands as a distinguished institution within Oregon's higher education ecosystem. Its MBA program, holding accreditations from AACSB International and NASPAA, consistently earns accolades as a top-tier offering, not just within the state but across the entire Pacific Northwest.

A Foundation for Diverse Ambitions

The Atkinson School's full-time MBA programs are meticulously crafted to accommodate professionals at various junctures of their careers. Among its established offerings is the JD/MBA dual-degree program, a four-year journey designed to equip graduates for leadership positions spanning law, business, and public service. Bui, however, opted for a more contemporary path, enrolling in the innovative MBA/MS Data Science Dual Degree Programme.

The initial transition to graduate studies in a new country presented Bui with a significant challenge. However, she found solace and support in the Atkinson School's intentionally small class sizes. This intimate learning environment fostered strong bonds among classmates and facilitated rich, engaging discussions.

“It was easier to build strong connections with classmates and engage in meaningful discussions,” Bui shared. “I also had many opportunities to interact closely with professors, whether during class discussions, office hours, or project work. This environment made it easier to ask questions, share ideas, and receive guidance when needed.”

Navigating the Professional Landscape

Beyond the classroom, the Atkinson School's Career Management team proved to be an invaluable resource for Bui. Advisors provided crucial assistance in refining her resume, honing her interview techniques, and navigating the complexities of job searching as an international student.

“Advisors like Katrina, Ruthie, and Carly helped me improve my resume, prepare for interviews, and navigate the challenges of searching for jobs as an international student,” she explained. “I especially appreciated how they regularly shared job opportunities that matched my interests and career goals. It kept me motivated throughout the job search.”

Alexander (Alex) Weirauch, an MBA alumnus from Germany, echoed this sentiment, having been drawn to the Atkinson School by its faculty. His initial interview with Alex Subert, the associate dean at the time, convinced him that the program offered the ideal blend of academic rigor and a supportive, familiar West Coast atmosphere.

This strong faculty connection extended well beyond graduation. Weirauch recounted a late-night predicament months after completing his MBA, struggling to build his first map using the R programming language. He reached out to Dr. Walker, who, despite the late hour, readily joined a two-hour Discord call to guide him through the process. The resulting animation later became a key component of his PhD application.

Cultivating Essential Career Skills

Through Willamette's Career Development Centre, MBA students are immersed in programs designed to build critical career strategy, interviewing, and negotiation skills. This holistic approach ensures graduates are not only academically prepared but also professionally adept.

The Tangible Impact: From Classroom to Career

Today, Bui serves as a Senior Budget Analyst in the Business Analyst Department at Oregon State Hospital, a role that represents a significant departure from her pharmacy background. She credits her MBA coursework with providing a robust understanding of underlying financial processes, which has dramatically improved her communication and collaboration with colleagues.

Courses such as Practical Application for Careers and Enterprises (PACE) and Managing Individuals, Teams, and Organisations (MITO) were instrumental in sharpening her problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, her data science classes equipped her with the comprehensive skills needed to manage data from its initial collection through to its final analysis.

Experiential Learning: A Cornerstone of Success

Practical experience is deeply embedded within the program's philosophy, and it played a pivotal role in Bui's professional development. During a Data Analyst internship with the Community Development Corporation of Oregon, she leveraged demographic and geographic data to construct interactive maps and visualizations.

“The experience helped me develop important professional skills, including resource allocation, data storytelling, communication, teamwork, and adapting to organisational culture,” she stated. This hands-on experience provided a real-world application of her newly acquired skills.

Weirauch charted a different course post-graduation, pursuing a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. He firmly believes that his MBA experience was a critical factor in securing his current position and in his ongoing success in obtaining funding for his research.

“I am certain that my MBA skills played a huge role in me landing my current position and succeeding in continuously securing funding,” he asserted. He also feels his unique background allows him to bring a fresh perspective to his field.

“Atkinson was the first place where I truly excelled academically and received strong encouragement and support,” Weirauch reflected. “It also helped me solidify my values and how I communicate them with peers, employees, and supervisors.” The comprehensive experience at Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management empowers graduates to forge distinct and impactful career trajectories, leveraging data, specialized skills, and invaluable real-world experience.