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.
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!
Megan Lightfoot Metzger, MS LOD
As a business owner and consultant, I sought to expand my knowledge to foster the growth of both my own businesses and my clients’ ventures. For years, I thought an MBA was the natural next step, but discovering the MS in Leadership and Organizational Development (MSLOD) program felt like finding the perfect fit. Each course offered immediate, actionable insights that I could implement to enhance my businesses and support my clients.
The faculty at UT Dallas brings a wealth of expertise and real-world experience to every lesson, but what truly sets them apart is their genuine commitment to each student. Professors were always open to discussing the coursework and went beyond by offering invaluable advice tailored to my unique challenges and goals. My time at UT Dallas has made me a more effective consultant and a better person, and I’m deeply grateful for the profound impact of their mentorship and guidance.
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.
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.
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!
Jennifer Masie, EMBA 2022
Vice President, Retail Operations and Chief of Staff
I immediately began to apply the skills sets from statistics and economics at work. I can see how the knowledge and confidence has enabled me to be a better contributor overall.
Daniel Hendrickson, EMBA 2022
VP, Sr. Financial Analyst, First United Bank
The EMBA cohort means being a part of an elite group of individuals with similar drives, intelligence, and upward mobility ambitions. As a member of the cohort, I have benefited from my fellow members’ experience and industry knowledge. The EMBA program is competitive, but the cohort is out for its members’ well-being and improvement.
Business Economics has been my favorite class so far. Professor Kiser’s wealth of knowledge is absolutely world-class. Economics is not an easy subject, but he has the ability to take complex concepts and make them easy to understand.
I would recommend the UTD EMBA program as they create an environment to focus on your professional development and advance it for decades. The material and classes are fantastic, but the quality of the cohort is even more impressive.
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
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.
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.