“A great reminder of the power of change and community.” The empowering effects of belonging in the Executive MBA program.
Continuing education as a full-time working professional is a critical decision every Executive MBA (EMBA) student makes, then takes on the daunting challenge to find a program, on-campus or online, that fits their unique goals and criteria. Even after acceptance, anxiety naturally crescendos as orientation approaches, and while the three days are jam-packed, students finish orientation with new friends and reinvigorated confidence of belonging in the program. Hear directly from three students about their process before, during and after the EMBA orientation.
Andrew Dillenbeck | Director of Evidence Based Practice (EBP), Hillside Family of Agencies | New York
I initially came into this entire experience, even as I was applying for the program, expecting to feel like an outsider in a foreign land. I am a clinical social worker with a background in non-profit administration, and in my experience, the business side is often secondary to the mission, instead of the primary driving force. My trepidation subsided as I interacted with faculty through the admission process, and learned how much the program could add to my “toolbox.” I started the 3-day orientation having no idea what to expect and certainly not expecting to feel like I fit in. Within a couple hours of the first day, as I was wildly shouting with my team during ice-breaker activities, I quickly realized how wrong I had been and these strangers were going to be my close companions on a 16-month wild ride.
What followed the remaining days reinforced the same feeling and continued to increase my sense that I was in the right place. It was clear that the program was going to be rigorous and intensely challenging, but was also clear that all my classmates, despite their varied backgrounds, were there because they had things they wanted to learn to enhance their knowledge and skills as well. I was also floored by the overwhelming sense of collaboration I experienced throughout, both from the team building and interactive activities with other students, as well as in the tone and demeanor of program leadership and faculty.
We had the opportunity to hear directly from alumni whose encouraging and reaffirming testimonials made this exciting and somewhat intimidating, journey seem do-able. One of the alumni had younger children (similar to the ages of my children) and had survived and graduated only a year before! The others shared a number of lessons learned and tools gained which only made the program seem even more appealing. As the evening concluded, and my incredibly supportive wife and I walked out, there were so many things that did not feel certain, like how we were going to balance all of our schedules, and how in the world I was going to make it through managerial accounting! But one thing that seemed definitively certain to both of us in that moment, was that we had made the right decision.
Kailee Polimeni | Value Stream Leader, Advanced Atomization Technologies | New York
Orientation has officially come and gone for the Executive MBA, and I’ve wondered what have I gotten myself into and why? Looking back several months when I turned 30 and began thinking about where I want to be by 35, I knew I wanted to get an EMBA. With so many programs out there, I had my work cut out for me to figure out the best program and being local, RIT’s on-campus executive program was the perfect fit! I was so excited to find a program that provides face-to-face learning, networking opportunities with other working professionals and the icing on the cake was that this program is designed for applied learning, which means I can immediately utilize classroom lessons at work within the accelerated timeframe. With an international business trip, business simulation, and capstone, I was confident this program was a well-rounded option to set me up for success.
Day one of orientation was intimidating at first, looking around the room and making small talk with strangers while eating breakfast. Of course, food and talking always pair nicely. I expected prescribed business types, but I met moms, dads, husbands, wives, all such down-to-earth people looking to grow, and everyone had such a unique backstory of how they got there! It was such a pleasure to get to know everyone over three days.
The other half of my focus was trying to understand what the heck the next few months will look like. Truth of the matter is that I still have no idea! But I know I have all of the people around me to get through it. There are so many faculty and staff invested in our success as teams and individuals. They also warned us how big of a commitment this was and how important it will be to rely on one another. I am so excited to take on the Executive MBA with this group of people and ride it out.
Kasia Samsel | Technical Program Manager at Amazon Robotics | Massachusetts
Entering an online Executive MBA program at a prestigious institution like Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) holds great significance, and my experience has been remarkable, reaffirming that change and community can be the driving forces of success.
Starting the EMBA program as an openly trans man brought its own set of uncertainties that were naturally magnified. How would I be received? Would my identity impact my interactions and professional opportunities? These were questions that weighed heavily on my mind. However, the EMBA team shattered any apprehensions I had. From the application process to orientation, I was met with unwavering support and respect, which reassured me that the world of business is evolving and becoming more inclusive.
The EMBA orientation was a multi-faceted experience that marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Walking onto campus, the air was thick with anticipation as students from various backgrounds and industries gathered to embark on this academic endeavor. From the very beginning, the event was meticulously planned, ensuring that we were introduced to the program's structure, expectations, and resources available to us. One of the most valuable aspects was meeting an incredibly diverse group of individuals. These were not just colleagues; they were a myriad of unique stories and perspectives that enriched the collective learning environment. As I interacted with fellow students, I quickly realized that we were unified by our desire to learn and grow, irrespective of our personal and professional backgrounds.
The term "incredible" barely does justice to the cohort I am privileged to be a part of. Each member brings distinct skills, experiences, and aspirations to the table, creating an environment that is not only conducive to learning but also to forging meaningful connections. The camaraderie among us has been instrumental in creating an atmosphere where we can challenge ourselves and each other to excel.
My orientation experience was a great reminder of the power of change and community. The journey ahead will undoubtedly have challenges and triumphs, but I am ready to embrace it all. As an openly trans man in business, I've learned that true success is not just achievements but the relationships we build, the perspectives we gain, and the impact we have on those around us. The Online Executive MBA program has proven to be a place where I can learn, grow, and flourish, both personally and professionally.
