Sarah Sutton
Class of 2024
Hometown: Poquoson, VA
Undergraduate University: William & Mary
Class Year: 1997
Major/Minor: East Asian Studies/Art & Art History
Employer: Canon Virginia, Inc.
Position: Corporate Planning, Project Analyst
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA degree?
I have been interested in earning an MBA since my undergraduate summer study abroad trip to China. My path to beginning my MBA studies has been a winding adventure. After my undergraduate studies, I lived and worked in Kamaishi, Japan, for a few years. Then, I returned to the U.S. to earn my M.A. in Asian Studies at UC Berkeley before starting my career in the nonprofit sector. After serving in nonprofit executive leadership, I transitioned to the for-profit realm. I started a new job at Canon Virginia, Inc. Once at Canon, the timing and circumstances aligned perfectly for me to pursue my long-standing MBA goal. I was excited to leverage my years of professional experience to enhance my academic business studies and to see the value my studies would have on my professional growth. Having the enthusiastic support of my family to return to school at this stage of life was also a significant motivator.
Why William & Mary?
Ever since my undergraduate experience, William & Mary has held a very special place in my heart. This school has given me some of my dearest friendships and taught me lessons that have shaped my life and who I am today. On campus, I always felt peace, curiosity, and connection, and I have treasured the critical thinking and collective belonging that infuses William & Mary's culture. I love that I have always felt appreciated for who I am but was still pushed to explore and grow into a better version of myself. How I feel in my environment is very important to me, and William & Mary had both the physical and intellectual space where I felt I could thrive.
What appealed to you about William & Mary's PTMBA program?
William & Mary's PTMBA program stood out because I needed to continue working to provide for my family. With flexibility being crucial, I was attracted to the in-person class structure, with the option for virtual classes from time to time. Although most of my classes were held at the Peninsula Center, it was still important to me to feel like I was part of the campus community. I was drawn to the opportunity to take classes and activities at the main campus and engage with students in the Full-Time MBA program. The high-caliber faculty members and their breadth of experience in and out of the classroom were also appealing. The faculty and staff I contacted before applying were responsive and communicative, which spoke volumes about the culture of the MBA program and the university.
What highlights did you experience during your time in the program?
My connections with fellow MBA students and faculty are among the top highlights of the program. Our cohort bonded quickly, and our variety of personal and professional experiences significantly enriched our learning and relationships. In my final year, I enjoyed serving as the V.P. of the PTMBAA Board, which provided even more opportunities to foster connections with other students. My favorite memories are our time together socially, participating in W&M activities like Convocation, football games, and homecoming. The rigor of the MBA program has also been a significant highlight. I welcomed the challenge and committed to excellence throughout my studies. Professors and other students were supportive of my commitment, and I was encouraged by their support to keep pushing through the difficult classes. A capstone highlight was being awarded the Cypher Award at graduation for my commitment to the W&M core value of Belonging. I felt deeply honored to have been recognized, and celebrating all the exceptional students at W&M's annual award ceremony was especially memorable.
How have you applied what you learned in the program to your professional life?
Since I chose the PTMBA program, I could experience the practical application of what I learned daily. From the first class to the last, not a week went by that I was not pulling my day-to-day professional and community leadership experience into classroom discussions and projects and taking concepts and learnings from class to apply on the job and in community service each week. In addition, because fellow students were from different industries and possessed a variety of professional experiences, our discussions and "AHA" moments were even richer, allowing me to learn and apply more than I could have ever imagined.
What have you gained from the program?
As a student, professional, leader, and mother, I have benefited greatly. The MBA degree has added value to my professional growth because of the formal academic training that enhances my professional experience. I improved my skills and significantly grew my toolbox with formal studies in everything from finance and economics to DEI and crisis management. I am a more thoughtful and comprehensive strategic thinker, and I can now contribute more meaningfully to my professional work and community service. As a result of my MBA studies, I am more excited for opportunities to further grow in my career, continuously learn and improve, and add more value to my team and organization.
