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.
Sabrina Jenkins
Interim Director III – Blended Learning
Guilford County Schools
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AT GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS
Currently, I hold the position of Interim Director III – Blended Learning with Guilford County Schools. I am responsible for managing seven employees that focus on five areas: virtual learning, professional development, credit recovery, school visits, and grant opportunities for 73,000 students and 10,000 employees.
\Why were you looking to get an MBA?
I was looking to get an MBA because it was always one of my personal goals upon graduating from college. I was fortunate to have parents who owned a business in which I could assist and get firsthand experience regarding owning and running a business. Moreover, I wanted to ensure that I continued to enhance my professional knowledge and skills to promote my current business and stand out from my competitors.
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER
During my tenure as a student within the Jack Welch MBA program, I earned a promotion to Director III – Blended Learning at Guilford County Schools.
The Jack Welch MBA curriculum helped me in my career. I learned concepts that provided me with a toolkit of leadership resources to utilize in my current position and future entrepreneurial endeavors. For example, I use the resources provided in the courses to guide and enhance my leadership style including, knowing how to maneuver all personality types on my team and how to hire the right people for a position.
DID YOU FIND THE CURRICULUM WAS IMMEDIATELY APPLICABLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN.:
Yes, the curriculum was immediately applicable because I was able to use my learned concepts to select new team members that would be a good fit, not just those who had the right skillset. Also, I better understand how to lead my team, and I have a better understanding of the type of leader I am. In addition, I had a positive experience utilizing my learnings to collaborate and have authentic conversations to get buy-in from my team regarding new initiatives.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR PROFESSOR OR MEMBER OF THE STAFF THAT YOU FELT HELPED YOU TO EXCEL? PLEASE ELABORATE.
I would give the following advice to an incoming JWMI student:
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to any staff member if you have a question/concern. The entire JWMI family of advisors, professors, financial aid staff, etc., always provides excellent customer service.
- Take advantage of available JWMI resources such as writing coaches, weekly content including special presentations and recordings, and the alumni network.
- Life will throw you some curveballs that you will not see coming but keep a positive attitude and finish strong!
Please share any advice for new students embarking on the MBA journey.
Connect with Sabrina Jenkins on Linkedin
For more information on the Jack Welch Management Institute, visit us.