Each week, JWMI profiles students and alumni in its new featured series “Winning Voices.” Learn about our diverse community and what sets our program apart from those who have experienced it. For more great “Winning Voices” content, click here.
Paul Weaver
Sr. Project Manager
Alcon
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALCON.
I lead a cross-functional team of approximately 20 professionals and am responsible for the execution phase of global packaging and rebranding campaigns at Alcon. I meet with my team each week to review the status of projects, discuss issues and communicate the next steps. I have learned to lead by asking questions, looking ahead, planning phases, and holding others accountable. I look critically at processes, ask questions, and am not afraid to challenge methods that are not producing results.
WHY WERE YOU LOOKING TO GET AN MBA?:
I decided to get an MBA to develop a deeper understanding of business and best practices. As an experienced engineer, I realized the MBA would give me the knowledge and skills needed to advance my career and provide new leadership opportunities outside of an engineering environment.
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My ability to lead and my level of confidence have increased significantly. The Jack Welch MBA curriculum has led me to a deeper understanding of the internal processes necessary to lead, execute, manage change and understand organizational culture. The communication and presentation skills gained in the program have significantly improved my credibility as a leader.
I was hired as a contract engineer to develop a second source for a strategic product line. Within six months, I moved into a project manager position leading a new program with greater responsibility. Since then, my responsibilities and income have increased. I am a project management consultant leading the execution phase of a global project for our facility.
DID YOU FIND THE CURRICULUM WAS IMMEDIATELY APPLICABLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN.:
I found the JWMI curriculum immediately applicable in every course. Formal knowledge of operations, people management, and leadership have been crucial to understanding the operations and engineering environment in which I work. I have achieved success in my career by learning to communicate better with my stakeholders. While projects can go sideways, managing expectations and effectively communicating can dramatically impact outcomes.
LOOKING BACK AT WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT AN ONLINE PROGRAM WHEN YOU FIRST EMBARKED, WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL IMPRESSION NOW? DID IT MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS VIA DQ BOARDS, EOP VIDEOS, FACULTY ETC?:
I have been thrilled with the online curriculum. I read and learned at my own pace each week and engaged with classmates and professors through the discussion question board process. The Expert of Practice (EOP) videos were excellent and engaging. I interacted with my professors frequently throughout each course to test my knowledge, discuss their experiences, and ask questions. The Jack Welch MBA curriculum was rich and very rewarding.
HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE JOB, FAMILY, AND WORK? WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU IMPLEMENT TO GET IT DONE?:
We made it work by establishing a schedule. I typically worked Sunday through Wednesday for a few hours in the evening each week. Occasionally I had to work on a Saturday to complete a big project. We learned to adjust to my school schedule as a family.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR PROFESSOR OR MEMBER OF THE STAFF THAT YOU FELT HELPED YOU TO EXCEL? PLEASE ELABORATE.:
My professors in the program were outstanding. They were very experienced, friendly, and readily available to discuss course materials or assignments.
In my Business Communications class, Dr. Chesler had a profound effect on the development of my confidence in business communication and my writing skills.
In my Business Analytics and Capstone class, Dr. Anderson was extraordinary. His role was that of a mentor or coach. He helped me develop my ideas to build a real-world analytical model for my final Capstone project.
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