Early Career MBA: Student Profile

Energetic, creative, ethical, exceptional, friendly, mature, hard working, insightful, leader, professional, reliable, respected, team player --- these are words references used to describe the entering class of 2007.

Willamette's Early Career MBA students come from around the world and throughout the United States to prepare for the next step in their career. They represent a diversity of experience and age common in organizations.

The incoming students have shown a history of success and leadership in academics, careers, music, sports, volunteerism, leadership and more. They are a very diverse group, but they also share many experiences and values.

Some have experience or internships in large businesses and many have entrepreneurial experience with small family businesses. In fact, some have already established a successful businesses - and at different times in their life - with some establishing their business after related work experience and some starting their business immediately after graduation from high school!

Others have worked for government and not-for-profit organizations such as the Institute for International Education, AmeriCorps-Vista, Teach for America, the military, and one was a research assistant for the Executive Office of the President at the White House. One was a vessel captain for Argosy Cruise Lines, one flew in an F-18 with the Blue Angels, one is a journalist who interviewed Al Gore, and one is a composer who produced music and voice overs for commercials.

They have traveled the world and many of are fluent in at least one second language. Many have volunteered their efforts to assist people with disabilities and recovery from natural disasters such as the Tsunami, floods, and Huricane Katrina.

Surveys tell us the entering class of 2007 chose the Willamette Early Career MBA for the hands-on learning experiences of PaCE, internships, consulting projects, student investment fund, data mining, etc.; quality of the faculty; integrated curriculum; opportunity to pursue an area of interest; excellent career services, reputation, accreditation; the wonderful lifestyle of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest; and the collegial atmosphere of our MBA program.

* The Willamette Early Career MBA is designed for students seeking an MBA early in their career as they prepare for their first professional position, career change or advancement. The distinct experiential format of the program builds the knowledge and work experience students need for career success.