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.
Tim Troyer
Sr. Mgr.-Workforce Planning & Analysis
Verizon Communications
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA
PLEASE SHARE MORE ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBLITIES.:
Leading the Bill to Cash Resource Management Teams, comprising Command, Short-term forecasting, Scheduling, Intra-day, and Attendance teams. Ensuring we have the right people in the right place at the right time.
The teams manage the workforce in real time by adjusting and pulling levers to address variance from the forecasted models at the internal and vendor locations.
WHY WERE YOU LOOKING TO GET AN MBA?:
To prove to myself that I had the tools and knowledge to be in the C suite. Demonstrate that I have the commitment it takes to be a lifelong learner and the drive to complete what I start.
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
When I started this program in 2020, I had one team with two supervisors and twelve team members responsible for the command center in Consumer Finance, managing call center productivity. Using the tools provided in each cohort during this program, I now have five teams, four supervisors, and thirty team members.
DID YOU FIND THE CURRICULUM WAS IMMEDIATELY APPLICABLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN.:
I found almost everything we learned applicable n my job. During my tenure in the program, I have grown academically and professionally. The materials we covered throughout the program gave me the knowledge and communication skills to initiate strategic conversations in my company. My span of control at work has doubled in size, and my teams are more engaged in strategic discussions and initiatives.
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?:
The faculty’s professional experience, the video content, and the engaging discussion far exceeded my expectations. Each DQ was a topic of your choice, so it did not feel like work but a conversation with expert advice and input from not only the instructors but also your peers.
HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE JOB, FAMILY, AND WORK? WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU IMPLEMENT TO GET IT DONE?:
I approached this program as I grew in my career. It comes down to how you spend your time to succeed. I compartmentalized my job, family, and work and allocated my time to be successful with all of it. The faculty and your fellow students are there to help you be successful.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR PROFESSOR OR MEMBER OF THE STAFF THAT YOU FELT HELPED YOU TO EXCEL? PLEASE ELABORATE.:
Honestly, all the professors in this program are excellent. With each class, I would look my professor up on LinkedIn and was excited to learn based on their successes. I have to say that Greg Dardis started me off in the first class of the program energized, and Gayla Napier elevated my mindset as a leader to finish it out with the capstone! Every professor from each class contributed to my leadership toolset.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN THE PROGRAM?:
The ability to learn today and use it tomorrow! Having the professors and peers available to discuss tools and tactics was very rewarding, and you make friends for life throughout this program.
I learned something valuable in each module. I think the most important thing I learned is that I am capable. All that is required is to sit down and do the research. My communication skills and tactics have improved immensely throughout this program. The tools I have acquired will serve me and those I lead for the rest of my life.
IN JUST A FEW WORDS, DESCRIBE WHAT “LEADERSHIP” MEANS TO YOU.:
Model how to achieve goals, enable others to grow, foster success, and deliver quality.
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS EMBARKING ON THE MBA JOURNEY.:
You can do this! The tools you receive in this program will help you build an executive-level toolbox that is useful throughout your career. I now have my very own searchable library of digital and print media that I can utilize at any time to assist me in my leadership journey.
Connect with Tim Troyer on LinkedIn
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