jdean3 - Tales of Transformation

[Excerpt from my calendar] After trying to get the support to enter a graduate program at SMU and extend my stay in Dallas until I’ve completed, I was informed I had no choice but to move again.  I could not stay in Texas even though I had only been here 18 months and we were doing so well.  I was told the choice was to move to San Francisco or Denver, but I would be forced to relocate for the 6th time in a matter of months. It was a disappointing development and perhaps had political implications (a changing of the guard in the local management ranks).  The good news, however, was that I was told the Company would support my desire to enter a MBA program and suggested that I look at Duke’s GEMBA program (Global Executive MBA) since it is a highly transient program that doesn’t rely on a physical location for participants.  WOW, was I pleasantly surprised.  This was a gift beyond my wildest dreams!

[added link 9/6/09]  http://www.fuqua.duke.edu/programs/duke_mba/global_executive/#tab1

The program is fascinating and I would recommend it to anyone desiring to further their education while on the job.  It is not an easy undertaking, and you will be forced to drop every other non-essential item in your life for 19 months.  You must not only have a supportive company willing to take up the slack for your participation, you had better have an incredibly supportive spouse and other family members.  Don’t underestimate the amount of time and energy this endeavor will require.

It remains one of the most worthwhile adventures I’ve ever undertaken.  Key “take-aways”  (outside of the obvious MBA related education) from this experience that are worthy of mentioning 10 years later:

• Decision Models.  Personally, this was the single greatest class in the program.  It brought to the forefront a realization that decisions can and should be quantified and made with supporting data.  This was especially enlightening given my experience to date with decision making (in a corporate setting) was far more emotional.  I was also introduced to the incredible power of Excel.
• Power of the Internet and technology in learning.  Clearly the use of technology was transforming the way we received an education.  Duke was on the leading edge and I could see the direct correlation to so many facets of my own company’s activities. It was also clear that with persistence anyone could learn just about anything they desired given the connections to resources that the internet provided.
• Importance of face-to-face interaction in a global environment.  I am convinced, however, that we can not replace the value and necessity of personal interaction in the global growth of any business.  Technology can reduce the need for relocation and it can improve the quality and speed of communications, but the value of human interaction can’t be replaced.

I have written letters of support for two other Ford employees to enter this program, but I know of 8-10 others at Ford who have also completed the program since I attended.  They, too, have great things to report about the value of the program.  The network of professionals that you acquire as part of the program is also incredible.  Unfortunately, it has led to most of the participants changing jobs (I may be the last one standing at Ford).  Nevertheless, I would recommend this MBA program to anyone.