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.
Tamarra Parker
Human Resources Scheduling Coordinator
Discover Financial Services
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA Human Resources Concentration
PLEASE SHARE MORE ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBLITIES.:
I currently work with hiring managers and recruiters to assist with scheduling interviews for internal and external candidates. Throughout the interviewing process, I am the liaison for the candidates to ensure that their experience with us is excellent.
WHY WERE YOU LOOKING TO GET AN MBA?:
In obtaining my MBA, I received a promotion. I can immediately apply what I have learned in class to my everyday tasks at work. Being a better leader and teammate has made the most significant impact on my growth. It has always been a goal of mine to further my education. My aspiration grew with my current employer is to grow within the company. My best bet was to obtain my MBA and work my way up within the company.
HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE JOB, FAMILY, AND WORK? WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU IMPLEMENT TO GET IT DONE?:
This online journey helped me navigate my work because it forced me to put my current and previous positions under a microscope. I had to hone in on making what I was required to do efficient and removing some redundancy from the job. My family played a significant role in helping me stay on task, ensuring I took study breaks so I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR PROFESSOR OR MEMBER OF THE STAFF THAT YOU FELT HELPED YOU TO EXCEL? PLEASE ELABORATE.:
Dr. Mercie Lopez was the best professor I had throughout the JWMI program. She was kind and encouraging; she ensured that each student felt like her only student. She was a big supporter and always told you that you could do it even when you thought you couldn’t.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN THE PROGRAM?:
The most rewarding experience in the program was seeing my assignments come to fruition. I could implement the changes I thought would help the company on paper; seeing it work in real-time was a great feeling. Knowing that what I learned could make a significant impact, I couldn’t have asked for a better reward from the program.
IN JUST A FEW WORDS, DESCRIBE WHAT “LEADERSHIP” MEANS TO YOU.:
Leadership is the ability to carry yourself with open arms and eyes to see how you can help those around you succeed. Take the time to process the changes you want your company to make with those affected the most. Putting people first in all aspects of the company will gain loyal employees who will be on your side.
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS EMBARKING ON THE MBA JOURNEY.:
Embrace every assignment, think outside the box, and attempt to effectively and immediately affect change. But remember that your changes will only work if you are willing to change too.
Connect with Tamarra Parker on LinkedIn
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