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.
Rachael Johnson
Project Manager
SKF USA Inc.
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AT SKF USA INC.
I work in the Service Delivery division for SKF. As a vibration analyst, I started working for the company and earned my ISO Category III certification for machinery health diagnostics. I always knew I wanted to work on projects and made it my five-year goal. Recently I was promoted to working on projects full-time as a Project Manager, still in the Service Delivery division. I work with relaunching our Connected Technologies products to a broader market segment and manage contract implementations with our strategic accounts. I love the team I work with and this company. We want to see everyone succeed, and we are constantly learning from each other.
WHY WERE YOU LOOKING TO GET AN MBA?:
I never thought I would continue my education after high school. During my senior year, I decided to join the Navy after receiving my rejection letter from the Naval Academy. I waited to use my Post-911 GI Bill until I figured out what degree I wanted to pursue. I found a program that allowed me to earn my B.S. in Technical Management, with a concentration in project management. When I finished my degree, I realized that I wanted to continue my education, so I looked for an MBA program. I found JWMI while waiting on an answer from Syracuse University, so I decided to apply. From the moment I started the program, I knew I had made the right choice! I took the opportunity to learn as much as possible. I still may continue my education post-MBA (but after a short break)!
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
As I worked to grow my career, I developed myself in a way that would help me stand out. In 2020, I was offered a position on a new account as a vibration analyst. In late 2021, I was offered a position as a full-time project manager. The offer was a lateral promotion, and I took that time to leverage my continuing education, which helped me earn my newest advancement.
When I think back to the beginning of my journey with JWMI, I still cannot believe how far I have come. Before working for SKF, I thought I would work as an aircraft mechanic for the rest of my life. I never imagined what an MBA could do for my career and life. I work in a career that I love, with an excellent team, and best of all, I can share what I’ve learned from the program with others in my company. JWMI changed my life, and I will be forever grateful for the experience.
DID YOU FIND THE CURRICULUM WAS IMMEDIATELY APPLICABLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN.:
Yes, the curriculum was immediately applicable regardless of my role as vibration analyst or project manager. Each class seemed to happen at the right moment in my career. JWMI helped me build a toolbox, and I leveraged those tools to advance my career. I found unique ways to apply my learnings in my job the very next day.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR PROFESSOR OR MEMBER OF THE STAFF THAT YOU FELT HELPED YOU TO EXCEL? PLEASE ELABORATE.:
For me, a few professors stand out: Professor Curry, Professor March, and Professor Sorrano.
Professor Curry was my first professor in the program, and I learned so much about myself and conflict management from him. I still utilize the lessons I learned from that class nearly every day. It changed my perspective and helped me build confidence.
Professor March was a fantastic mentor. I learned I was being furloughed while taking her class due to iron mine idling. I struggled because I had never taken a break from work, and I didn’t know how long the mine would remain idle. Professor March kept me focused and helped to keep me motivated during a very stressful time.
Professor Sorrano was my last professor in the program. He made sure he was available to all his students and helped me strategize my final assignment. Working with him and utilizing his feedback, I realized how much the Jack Welch MBA program helped me personally and professionally.
And now, at the end of my MBA journey, thanks to this program and its professors, I am a confident professional who can step up to any challenge, put myself in new situations and ask for more responsibility.
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS EMBARKING ON THE MBA JOURNEY.:
You get back what you put into this program, so I would encourage anyone starting the MBA to make the conscious decision during your very first class, Leadership in the 21st Century, to give it your all. You won’t regret your decision.
Connect with Rachael Johnson on Linkedin
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