Executive MBA Program adds value, confidence

For Lindsay Neese, MBA ’10, the Executive MBA Program at William & Mary was an opportunity to expand her knowledge without taking a break from her promising career. The EMBA Program is designed for experienced professionals, just like Neese, who cannot interrupt their careers to pursue an MBA - making it the perfect fit for the Charlottesville, Virginia native.

“[William & Mary] has a great reputation, it was a good financial value compared to some schools in the state, and I was impressed by the faculty backgrounds and rankings,” says Neese, “I could continue to work and grow professionally and still maintain my contacts.”

Neese knew she would have the ability to gain knowledge in the classroom and immediately apply it in the workplace.

“I didn’t compromise leaving the workplace for earning an MBA,” she says, “I wouldn’t be where I was today, if I didn’t do the program [while working].”

The 20-month program was a bit of a whirlwind for Neese as she learned how to manage her studies and climb the career ladder.

“At first you are in shock and you are trying to figure out how you are going to fit it all in,” she explains, “Once you make it through two or three semesters, you’re in survival mode. You realize you can do it and there is an end in sight.”

Neese also credits the built-in support systems for her success in the program. She found the program administration and her study team instrumental in helping her navigate the program.

“William and Mary made it very easy to be successful,” Neese recalls, “After the first semester you develop a close relationship with the people who are going through the same thing you are.”

Neese mentions she acquired many tools as a result of completing the program including time management skills, as well as learning to set priorities. She gained an awareness of her strengths and weaknesses which prepared her to step out of her comfort zone personally and professionally.

“I left a job that I really loved to pursue a career I thought I needed” says Neese, “The program made me more willing to take risks”.

Neese is now the Marketing Manager for the North Carolina-based Wake Forest Baptist Health. She develops and implements strategic marketing plans for several service lines, gaining exposure to areas she did not experience in her previous position. She credits the MBA with not only adding value to her resume and contributing to her skill-set, but also making her more willing to step out of her comfort zone.

“In my line of work, it’s easy to get pigeon-holed into healthcare” she explains, “The program exposed me to broader business topics that I was able to translate and apply to a sector that is notorious for being ‘behind the time’ from a business perspective.”

Neese knows that the preparation she received in the EMBA Program has put her on track for bigger and better opportunities, but for now she is happy that her MBA degree helped her get where she is now. For those interested in the program, Neese offers a little advice.

“It’s not going to be easy, but you can totally get through it,” she says, “Everybody wants you to be successful!”