Alumni Profiles
Should I get an MBA? If so, where should I go? Which program will be the best fit for me, my family and my career? These are all important questions to ask as you contemplate going back to school to take your career to the next level. Fortunately there are people that have gone through the same process and are willing to share their experiences that hopefully will be of benefit to you.
The individuals below are all graduates of the BYU MBA program and have successful careers. They have expressed a willingness to talk to prospective MBA students to help in the decision making process. The more information you have, the better decision you’ll make. Please feel free to contact any of the individuals below to find out how they made the decision to get the MBA degree, how it has impacted their lives and careers and find out what advice they would have for someone starting the process.
Name: Ignacio Araya
Current Employer: Johnson & Johnson - Medical Devices & Diagnostics Latin America
Job Title: Supply Chain Manager
City & State: Doral, FL
Class of 2005
Comments: Before my MBA I was Operations Manager in a small family-owned textile manufacturing mill in Ecuador.
I chose BYU because it offers the world's best scholarship for international LDS students.
I have become a Supply Chain Manager in a Fortune 100 company, leading improvement projects throughout Latin America. My salary has increased five-fold compared to my pre-MBA level, and I have considerably more time for my family.
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Name: Ananda Bremness
Current Employer: General Mills
Job Title: Assistant Manager, Human Resources Buffalo Cereals Plant
City & State: Buffalo, NY
Class of 2006
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Name: David Caine
Current Employer: American Express
Job Title: Finance Manager
City & State: Salt Lake City, UT
Class of 2006
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Name: Amy Chaston
Current Employer: Central Utah Clinic
Job Title: MSO Manager
City & State: Provo, Utah
Class of 2005
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Name: Dave Christensen
Current Employer: PricewaterhouseCoopers
Job Title: Senior Associate
City & State: Salt Lake City, UT
Class of 2003
Comments: Before my MBA I worked as a software developer for Tenfold Corporation. I worked on their user interface team writing C and C++ code.
I chose BYU because of their top finance ranking and the fact that I already lived in Orem and would not have to relocate.
My MBA helped me to combine my computer and business skills to work as an IT Auditor for KPMG and PwC.
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Name: James Felsted
Current Employer: Robert Bosch Corporation
Job Title: Management Trainee - International Development Program
City & State: Lohr, Germany
Class of 2004
Comments: Before my MBA I was a student in BYU's undergraduate mechanical engineering program.
I chose BYU because I was interested in the product development engineering/business curriculum. The business school has a strong reputation and I was hoping to use some of the alumni connections to arrange international work experience.
The MBA degree helped me enter a management training program in a global technology company.
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Name: Alex Hassell
Current Employer: Honeywell
Job Title: PP&C Analyst
City & State: Phoenix, AZ
Class of 2005
Comments: Before my MBA I was a mechanical engineering graduate. I was deciding whether or not I wanted to be an engineer or manager while working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. By the time school rolled around the decision was very easy to make.
I chose BYU because BYU is an excellent school that provided me with the most opportunities for the best price.
Name: Tara Haynie
Current Employer: Hewlett-Packard
Job Title: Programs Manager
City & State: Cupertino, CA
Class of 2006
Comments: Before the MBA program, I was a loan processor for a financial services company in Salt Lake that specialized in residential home mortgages.
I chose BYU for several reasons. First, I wanted to go to school with and be taught by professors who had the same value system I did. Much of the work in an MBA program is done in groups, and I wanted to make sure those I was working with were people I wanted to associate with on a regular basis. The people are the best thing about the MBA program at BYU. I associated daily with some of the brightest, most capable people I have ever met; many who are now my greatest friends. The second reason I chose BYU is because of my undergrad experience there. Many of the professors who teach at BYU do so because they really want to be there and they love teaching. Its not for the money, prestige, publishing opportunities, or anything close to it. They love BYU and the students who attend school there. They are committed to the mission of BYU and strive to live the Gospel. The third and final reason I didnt really understand until after I got there. The companies that recruit at BYU are looking for the character and qualities BYU students possess. They like the students commitment to work-life balance and family. They want employees who possess integrity and are hard-working. I wanted to work for a company that valued those same qualities. If I had gone somewhere else, I might not have realized how important that was to my career decision. I really could go on and on, but I think those are the three major reasons.
I wouldnt be where I am without the MBA program. It opened doors and created a network for me to explore several different opportunities. It also provided an avenue to gain insight into different positions I had never considered before. The MBA program is an opportunity to figure out what your strengths are and how you can leverage those into a job you are interested in. I am much more focused in my career path and feel I have the network and skills to get to where I want to be
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Name: Joey Hobson
Current Employer: Kimberly Clark
Job Title: Marketing Associate
City & State: Appleton, WI
Class of 2006
Comments: Before joining the MBA program I was working for Kraft Foods as a Territory Sales Rep. I was calling on WM Supercenters, gaining incremental display volume for Krafts products. I enjoyed my job and the company; however, I really wanted to return to school and further my education thus rounding out my education to help me get into a career as opposed to just a job. I wanted to understand all of the functional areas of business and I also wanted to learn how to analyze business decisions with a more analytical framework.
I chose BYU because of its special spiritual environment. I knew that I would be learning in a place in which both spiritual and secular learning were available. I knew that my professors would have the same beliefs as me and I knew that my testimony would grow as I would also learn to have proper balance and care for my family. BYU has such a unique environment that I knew I couldnt get anywhere else.
Name: Todd Hogan
Current Employer: Internet Startup
Job Title: Founder
City & State: Carnation, WA
Class of 2001
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Name: Brian Kartchner
Current Employer: Centex Homes - Arizona Division
Job Title: Management Development Rotational Program
City & State: Scottsdale, AZ
Class of 2006
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Name: Chris Keller
Current Employer: Hewlett-Packard
Job Title: Product Marketing Manager
City & State: Boise, Idaho
Class of 2005
Comments: Before my MBA I was doing usability research and web design for a software development group designing educational courses at BYU.
I chose BYU because of its great value, instructors, career opportunities and small student base.
More than anything else I have done, an MBA has absolutely changed the course of my career and allowed me to make connections and find opportunities that I never imagined.
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Name: Cori Lindstrom
Current Employer: Honeywell International
Job Title: Talent Management Specialist
City & State: Torrance, CA
Class of 2006
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Name: Jacob Lunt
Current Employer: A Plus Benefits, Inc.
Job Title: General Manager
City & State: Boise, Idaho
Class of 2006
Comments: Before my MBA I was working for a company in a B2B sales consultant role. I called on small businesses and worked with them to streamline some of their non-revenue producing business functions. I really enjoyed my job and felt that my exposure to a number of companies was a great learning experience. However, I didn't feel that there was a good opportunity for upward mobility and decided that an MBA may provide the proper opportunity.
I chose BYU because I felt that I needed to obtain my degree from a world-class program that worked hard to incorporate ethics and integrity into the curriculum. As far as I was concerned, no school did that better than BYU. (I wasn't disappointed.) I also thought it was important to attend a school with highly educated, knowledgeable, qualified and dynamic professors - individuals that had experience in the real world but that had received their education from the nations best schools. (In this I was more then satisfied and felt that my highest expectations were exceeded many times over.) I also wanted to attend a school that attracted some of the best and brightest students in the country. (Once again, all expectations were exceeded.) Between field studies, an internship, consulting projects and the insights gained from meeting with professors, an entirely new world of opportunity was revealed to me. I was able to enjoy the opportunity of working with several Fortune 100 companies and developing my career path. I gained a much greater understanding of the available options in the world and then focused on what I really wanted to do. After I accepted my offer I felt more sure of my decision than I ever would have had I not had such a fulfilling and educational experience at BYU.
I was amazed by the number and depth of options available to me when I graduated. I was nearly shocked to discover the responsibility companies were willing to put in my hands and was thrilled by the potential compensation. I knew a MBA would open new doors but I had no idea how many and certainly didn't anticipate the splendor behind each.
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Name: Spencer Millerberg
Current Employer: Wal-Mart Stores
Job Title: Marketing Manager
City & State: Bentonville, AR
Class of 2006
Comments: Before my MBA I worked in Houston, TX for a transportation consulting firm. I oversaw the logistics and marketing needs for ExxonMobil and other such oil companies.
I chose BYU because it afforded me the opportunity to choose where I wanted to go. If I wanted to work 90 hour weeks and make $300 K, I would have the opportunity; however, the low cost of the tuition made it so I wasn't tied down by student loans and could choose a career where I could work reasonable hours and make sufficient to sustain my family's needs and wants.
BYU has completely altered my career path and launched me into a marketing career I never dreamed of having. I received job offers from many incredible companies. In the end I decided to work for Wal-Mart marketing and am loving my job.
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Name: Eric Moessing
Current Employer: The Ensign Group
Job Title: Health Care Administrator
City & State: Santa Rosa, CA
Class of 2004
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Name: Jeremy Mordock
Current Employer: Bank of America
Job Title: Performance Improvement Consultant: Executive Development Programs
City & State: Charlotte, NC
Class of 2006
Comments: Before my MBA I was working for Wells Fargo Financial in Wyoming and Utah as a Branch and Credit Manager.
I chose BYU for a few different reasons, 1) the Organizational Behavior/Human Resources track had a good reputation, and the curriculum was of great interest to me, 2) the atmosphere of being at BYU, and 3) the low cost of education at BYU.
Business school has opened up paths I wouldnt have had access to before. BYU attracts some of the top recruiters in the country, and I interviewed with many Fortune 100 companies. Because of the recruiting opportunities, I interned with GE and now work for Bank of America in the corporate offices. Additionally, going to school at BYU helped me re-align my priorities for the future, especially when it comes to balancing a career with serving in the Church and local community.
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Name: Emily Moss
Current Employer: VitalSmarts
Job Title: Senior Consultant
City & State: Provo, Utah
Class of 2006
Comments: Before my MBA, I attended medical school at the University of Utah and then worked for the National Library of Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While there, I primarily wrote consumer health information pieces about HIV/AIDS and managed the library's HIV/AIDS drug database.
I chose BYU because it was a balance blend of quality education, affordable price, and good location. I was impressed by the faculty's dedication to and interest in teaching. I also believed that I would have more options coming out of BYU because I wouldn't be overwhelmed by heavy debt payments on student loans. I would be able to choose the path that was best for me, without having to factor in debt obligations.
Coming in, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and had several ideas. However, it never occurred to me that I would end up working as an organizational development consultant! That wasn't even on the horizon until I took a class that introduced me both to the field and to a local firm. I was suprised to discover that it was a perfect fit for me.
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Name: Gretchen Olson
Current Employer: Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc.
Job Title: Associate, Equity Research
City & State: New York, NY
Class of 2004
Comments: I graduated with a History degree at USU and worked as a congressional intern for Senator Bennett in Washington, D.C. Then I served a mission in Donetsk, Ukraine.
BYU was the only program I applied to. I was not interested in an MBA unless it was from BYU. The school has an amazing reputation and I loved the environment.
The MBA program completely changed my life. Prior to my involvement, I had no idea how interesting the world of finance was. Because of my MBA, I was able to get my foot in the door at a top-tier investment bank, and a degree from BYU has garnered considerable respect. Not only that, but I developed many strong friendships during the program; the networking opportunities were tremendous.
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Name: Pablo Peñaloza
Current Employer: Zions Bancorporation
Job Title: Vice President, Financial Institutions Group
City & State: SLC, UT
Class of 2005
Comments: Before my MBA I was Surfing in the North Shore of Oahu. I paid the bills working for a consulting firm advising companies in Southeast Asia.
I chose BYU because people treated me very well at BYU. I enjoyed the application process. I received a great financial aid package. I had other options. I made the right choice.
A BYU MBA has affected my career path by giving me new perspectives and opening many doors (offer letters). It made me a more productive and valuable employee. It gave me new tools and expanded my network. It even increased my self-esteem (not an easy task, since I was already somewhat cocky). Great experience, but not for everyone.
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Name: Chris Pressler
Current Employer: YRC Worldwide Inc. (Parent Company of Yellow Transportation, Roadway Express, USF)
Job Title: Project Manager
City & State: Overland Park (Kansas City Metro), KS
Class of 2002
Comments: Before my MBA, I was working as a claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance. It was the only job I could find coming out of Utah State with a Bachelor's in finance in August 2002. Not many companies were hiring for August. I worked there for two years to get work experience so I could apply to MBA programs.
I chose BYU because I felt pretty good about my undergraduate performance and chose to apply to top 50 MBA programs in the western United States. I chose BYU first of all because of the reputation. I knew I'd get a good education and that the education would be respected by employers later on. Other things that were bonuses for me include standards of the church and proximity to my pre BYU location (Orem).
I was able to find companies all over the United States to interview with. I have been able to find a great company and make a much better living to provide for my family. I am into management at this company and have greater access to senior leadership than had I chose to stay with State Farm.
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Name: Trent Read
Current Employer: Wachovia Securities
Job Title: Investment Banking Associate
City & State: Charlotte, NC
Class of 2006
Comments: After getting my undergrad at BYU, I worked for Deutsche Bank in Baltimore, MD as a financial analyst in their consumer and business services investment banking group. After two years of investment banking, I decided to try something new. I worked as a senior financial analyst at Honeywell in Phoenix, AZ. I then returned to BYU to get my MBA.
I chose BYU for various reasons. First, I knew I could get whatever job I wanted out of BYU and do so for a fraction of the investment required for some of the bigger name business schools. Second, I loved BYU as an undergraduate and knew for a fact that I would enjoy it even more as a graduate student. Third, I have a high level of regard for the strength of the BYU alumni network and the willingness of BYU alumni to help each other out. Finally, I knew that at BYU I could make a difference and exert force to make it an even better program. I felt like BYU was on the rise and I could help accelerate that process. I believe I did that through my involvement in student government, the BYU Business Plan Competition, and as a founding member of Cougar Capital.
My choice to attend BYU was absolutely the right choice for me. My current job in investment banking was secured through the BYU alumni network. I have the same job as my coworkers from Harvard, Wharton, Chicago GSB, etc. and at a fraction of their student debt load. GO BYU!!!
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Name: Trent Savage
Current Employer: Procter & Gamble
Job Title: Human Resources Manager
City & State: Cincinnati, OH
Class of 2003
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Name: Kelly Stephenson
Current Employer: Kimberly-Clark
Job Title: Associate Brand Manager
City & State: Appleton, WI
Class of 2005
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Name: Jeremy Telford
Current Employer: Woodside Homes of Southern California
Job Title: Project Manager
City & State: Temecula, CA
Class of 2005
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Name: Matt Willden
Current Employer: Honeywell International
Job Title: HR Generalist
City & State: Morristown, NJ
Class of 2006
Comments: Before my MBA I worked as Special Asst to VP at Leucadia National Corporation and managed a retail/wholesale greenhouse.
I chose BYU because of its stellar reputation in Organizational Behavior and HR, and because I believe fully in its mission.
My BYU MBA has opened some very large doors that never would have been open to me before. I love my new work at Honeywell and have been set on a great career path - Not to mention getting a chance to truly go forth to serve. Its been great.
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Name: Eric Workman
Current Employer: The Dow Chemical Company
Job Title: Marketing Manager
City & State: Midland, Michigan
Class of 2002
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