Get to know Executive Education from the voices of the people who know best.
What better way to see how Executive Education at UT Dallas can help you achieve your goals than to hear directly from the people who have experienced it themselves? Executive Education alumni and current students, as well as faculty and staff members, have a lot to say about what you can expect from becoming a part of an Executive Education program. Our students work hard with their classmates and walk off the stage, diploma in hand and ready to advance their careers.
Student Experiences
Current Executive Education students and alumni share their academic experiences, outcomes and insights. Read their stories and discover how Executive Education programs have made an impact on their professional and personal lives.
The Academic Experience of a Lifetime
Experiences as an EMBA student
The classes expose students to many topics that you may not think about every day. I have been able to apply theories and practices from every class I have taken in this program to my job. I am very pleased with the program and the confidence it has given me.
My Experience Going Through the EMBA Program
What has your ROI been?
I am able to make better strategic decisions, both professionally and personally. I can clearly and critically assess problems and have found the courage to make the tough calls. I now prioritize my work and can motivate the team towards a common goal.
How the Executive MBA Helped My Career
Investing in my future
At work I’ve acquired a new professional certification and been allowed to completely re-write my job description into one that fits who I am and rewards me for all the effort I’ve put in, both at work and at school. Next step – here I come!
The Transition From Surviving To Thriving
The “reshaping” process
The first semester brings the heat that softens your current form to allow for reshaping. As you progress, previous course content is skillfully woven into the curriculum, providing you with a sense of comfort while slowly building confidence.
Student Testimonials
Executive Education students, alumni, employers and partners talk about their invaluable academic experiences at the UT Dallas Jindal School of Management, providing advice, perspective and vision.
Rob Stogsdill – MS LOD Coaching
The MS LOD program gave me knowledge and skills that I use on a daily basis in my leadership position in a Fortune 40 company. I’ve been coaching people for over a decade. The executive coaching program gave me insights, skills and the experience I needed to take my coaching to the next level. It really helped me set my clients up for success.
Imraan Husain, GLEMBA ’17
Director, Articulator Dental Management
This was the most valuable decision I have made to advance my career, and my life. The WebConference meetings provided the convenience of continued engagement regardless of time zones. The program will add value to your life, in as many aspects as you choose
Curtis Clark
My experience during the Supply Chain EMBA program was very rewarding, both professionally and personally. I experienced a terrific camaraderie with my fellow classmates who shared a desire to learn. Dr. Rajamani has a passion for what he teaches and for helping students realize the difference they can make in the workplace. With students from many different industries and cultural backgrounds, I was able to broaden my perspective on the global nature of supply chains. I made this investment in myself.
Sean Seabrook, MS LOD
The UTD MS in Leadership and Organizational Development is a transformative experience. The coaching certificate provides leading industry training for coaching and the ICF exam, and the organizational consulting certificate gave me practical tools and resources to develop a consulting practice. The MS degree gave me the knowledge to grow as leader and drive change in today’s fast-moving business environment. Professors in the program have corporate backgrounds, bridging academic theory with practical application, and the program is accredited in a business school which also enhances its value and the learning experience. The program expanded my network and I’ve made some life-long friends along the way. The value and experience is outstanding!
Jake Henne, EMBA 2021
World Wide Technology, Client Manager SLED
As a military veteran who spent 7 years as an active duty Army officer, serving exclusively in light infantry units, I had a lot to learn as I transitioned to civilian life in June 2018. I undertook immense self-study and networking primarily via LinkedIn, but I ultimately knew that I would need to refine my business skills and prove myself. Earning an MBA was always something I was interested in, even while on active duty. However, after leaving the Army, that desire heightened immensely. I was fortunate to be accepted in to the UTD EMBA program and will be forever grateful. It has been challenging in many ways, but I have learned so much about how to think about and analyze the bigger picture, and how to communicate and collaborate with professionals from all walks of life. As a type-A personality, the EMBA program has truly challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally. #UTD #UTDEMBA #Veteran #JSOM
Andrew Svatek, EMBA 2022
Director of Operations, Svatek Consulting
When researching EMBA programs to pursue it was clear early on that UTD’s EMBA was the perfect fit for me. The elite faculty, diversity of the program, and relevant and evolving curriculum were huge drivers in my decision and made it a no-brainer. I always anticipated an academic journey that would challenge me personally and professionally, but what I did not anticipate was the unbelievable camaraderie and support of my cohort that was established on the first day of orientation. I have learned as much from my classmates as I have from my professors, and I know I will leave UTD with lifelong friends and a world-class executive education. I am so grateful for the opportunity to earn an EMBA at UTD JSOM
Ashwin Prakash, GLEMBA ’20
Head of Data Science and Analytics, HCA Healthcare
The application of learnings from Operations Management and Strategic Management courses helped make an immediate impact in my job, merging the lines between school and work while providing an instant return on investment for my employer.
Mohammed Omer, GLEMBA ’19
It’s about the experiences of exchanging skill sets and perspectives.
Bill Disario
I can confidently say that earning my MBA in Supply Chain Management at UT Dallas later in life has strengthened my business knowledge base, even after working for several decades in mid-level operational and supply chain roles. In addition, having a specialized MBA has enabled better promotional and advancement leadership roles as well as higher level compensation opportunities. I would highly recommend this program for anyone looking to take their Supply Chain career path to the next level!
Vinay Rao, EMBA 2021
ERP Specialist Advisor NTT Data Services
As an engineer, who made decisions mostly based on data, I was most impacted by courses like organizational behavior, c-suite leadership, and performance transformation. I also enjoyed all the finance and economics classes. These topics helped broaden my perception of what I can do for my company and community.
Alberto Gutierrez Algren
Immediately after graduating, I was able to transition to higher position. I am very certain that without the MBA and PLSCM expertise gained through UTD and this program, I would not have had these opportunities for advancement. Additionally, I was able to utilize that knowledge, to become part of two start-up business opportunities, which I would not have even considered for fear of the unknown before earning my MBA.
Denis Zub (EMBA 2022)
Just one year ago, when COVID-19 have not even appeared in top-1000 Google searches and flying anywhere on Earth was a five-minute decision, I was sitting in my chair thinking of the next career steps. The only thing I knew then was that I needed inspiration, rethinking, rebooting if you will. Boiling in your day-to-day problems, solving your pre-determined pattern of tasks, and being eventually stuck in your narrow life-box with a boring forward-looking prospect was not the life I wanted to live.
Tamer Elshamy, GLEMBA ’19
Sales Director, Fawry Banking and Payment Technology Services
An exceptional experience mixed with both cutting edge knowledge and great personal skills improvement.
Veronica Sanchez, MS LOD
I was initially drawn to the Master of Science in Organizational Development program by its reputation for providing deep, practical insights and fostering leadership skills in a collaborative learning environment. The program not only met but surpassed my expectations by delivering rigorous coursework that broadened my understanding and expertise in organizational development. What truly enhanced my experience, however, were the remarkable peers I learned alongside, whose perspectives continually enriched our discussions, as well as the dedicated mentors, professors, and faculty members who invested wholeheartedly in my growth. This journey has been immensely rewarding, and I am excited to apply my skills and knowledge to continue to drive success and inspire others.
Michelle Miller, EMBA 2015
Research Operations Manager, CBRE
The executive coaching experience was very helpful in guiding my understanding of my strengths and weaknesses and helping me build a plan to leverage them or overcome them, respectively. My executive coach and I continued to work together after the structured part of the program was over as my coach’s expertise in career transitions was very helpful as I evaluated, negotiated, and executed my next career move.
Darrick Fitzgerald, GLEMBA ’18
Managing Consultant – Supply Chain Management Reverse Logistics Team, Verizon Wireless
GLEMBA was not just a learning experience, it was a life experience. GLEMBA was not a career pursuit, it was a life pursuit. Even today, tenets from the program impact how I think, how I approach a problem in my career and how I craft my emails. Was I promoted after I finished my degree? Yes.
Erinn Marks, GLEMBA ’19
I searched for an online program that was a WIN-WIN. I was able to pursue my MBA and enjoy the last of the wonder years with my children.
Tu Huynh
The Executive MBA in Product Lifecycle in Supply Chain Management has been a tremendous value for me. The knowledge and insights that I gained from the program have helped me be confident in evaluating new business opportunities and understanding supply chain risks in order to maximize the return on investment on our project portfolio. The Executive MBA in PLSCM improved my ability to make many critical decisions for my role in the Digital Business Transformation Office where I am interfacing with many business partners and suppliers on behalf of Comerica Bank.
Jacob Heller, MS LOD
The MSLOD program with the Strategic HR concentration gave me the knowledge and confidence to achieve my career goals. The curriculum helped me reframe how I approach business leaders daily to achieve my intended results better. The program provided both breadth and depth of understanding while also giving me the tools to dive deeper and learn more independently when needed.
Khaled Hallak, EMBA 2021
Bank of America, Officer, Syndicated Loan Closer
I joined the EMBA program at UT Dallas with aspirations to hone my business acumen and skillsets gathered from academia and real-world experience through both entrepreneurship and large corporate ventures. The EMBA program did not polish my current understanding; they shattered my foundation and rebuilt my business knowledge with the most cutting-edge academics through a prestigious curriculum and world-renowned professors. Throughout the rigors of this program, I quickly learned the importance and power of my cohort. With an ocean of information flowing towards you, it is impossible for one person to absorb and process on their own. I formed a tight bond with some of the brightest executive minds across an array of industries. In this program, we did more than just dissect and examine case studies from historic events; we were able to consult with real corporations in efforts to aid with ongoing and current issues. Our impact was evidenced when select corporations successfully implemented our recommendations. This program is far from easy, it will push you to new heights and you will need to reintroduce yourself to your family and friends upon graduation. On the bright side, the leaders of this program, Pamela Brady (Program Director) and Connie Imhof (Program Manager), are such genuine and caring people, you will feel like a part of a new family throughout the duration of this program. If you are looking to expand your knowledge and grow your network, the EMBA at UTD comes highly recommended.
Executive Education Alumni Spotlights
Read the success stories from JSOM alumni who earned their degrees from the Jindal School of Management. These alumni are current professionals who share their insights about their experience and life after graduating from UT Dallas.
Darla Chapman Ripley, EMBA’97
Associate, Dave Perry-Miller & Associates Real Estate
Darla Ripley places a lot of importance on maintaining all networks, regardless of industry or location.
Charles Gillis, MBA’04
Executive Director, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, PC
Technology and an evolving mindset about work-life balance is completely changing the legal services profession.
Sarah Hagan, EMBA’11
CFO, Omnitracs
Hagan, a Dallas resident, joined Omnitracs, LLC, in April 2016, after a successful 11 years at Sabre Corp., where she held senior leadership positions in accounting and finance.
Sid Keswani, MBA’09
President, Pandora Americas
As president of the Americas region, Sid Keswani is responsible for PANDORA’s markets in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America.
Joseph James, MBA’10
Entrepreneur
James, who completed his Executive MBA degree in 2010, manages two startup businesses. At 2020 Commercial, he provides commercial real estate sales, leasing and development services. At Mango Farms Digital Marketing, he and his staff provide web and mobile application development and manage digital marketing for clients.
Will McIntosh, EMBA’06
Senior Manager, Advisory Services, Ernst & Young LLP
McIntosh, a senior manager in Advisory Services at Ernst and Young’s Dallas office, measures his success by the quality relationships he has developed with clients and coworkers throughout his 15 years in the management consulting and financial services industries. He assists leading banks and lenders in solving various management problems and improving their operations in order to better serve customers and meet the demands of other key stakeholders.
Executive Education Articles
Discover how Executive Education faculty are researching, publishing, speaking and engaging in the business community. The authors of these articles also include accounting students, staff and friends.
How to Write an Admissions Essay for an Executive MBA Program
The power of your personal story
Each individual has a story to tell, yet when it comes to the admissions essay, many essays fall short because the applicant fails to effectively convey their story. The beginning of the essay should capture the reader’s attention.
What Makes a Good EMBA Candidate?
An Excellent Career Investment
When I am asked what makes a good executive MBA candidate, several thoughts come to mind. I’m looking for mature working professionals that are ready to invest in accelerating their career.
The Importance of a Relevant Curriculum
Curriculum is Key for Students
Creating and maintaining a relevant curriculum is key for students to achieve the maximum return on investment (ROI) in an executive MBA program. Emerging technologies are becoming an integral part of our business environment.
Difference Between EMBA and PMBA
What is the difference between EMBA and PMBA?
UT Dallas offers five paths to earning an MBA. Each MBA requires 53 credit hours to complete, and all are accredited by AACSB, which is the gold standard for business schools. Tuition, curriculum and admissions are different for each of these MBA options.