Dwight Holcomb (’11), a graduate of our top-ranked GEMBA for Asia Pacific program reflects on life since Anderson.
Q: What would you say was the career game-changer that the program provided?
The UCLA-NUS Global Executive MBA program directly influenced my decision to launch a new startup that manufactures organic companion pet products. The relevant education I gained throughout the entire program, the ongoing support and dedication of the faculty, and the vast knowledge and experience available through our global network of classmates and alumni gave me this arsenal of valuable resources to draw from to ensure success. I felt more confident than ever to take the step forward to launch my company.
Q: What did you learn while pursuing your degree that you’ve incorporated into your business?
Each area of focus provided a new and unique opportunity to improve my company. For instance, by reviewing a 2/10 net 30 discounting program we’d had in place for many years, classmates and professors helped me deem it obsolete for our purposes. After removing the unneeded discounting program, our company realized approximately $160,000 in retained revenue, which will occur in perpetuity. The benefit from this single decision came through in-class consulting and will far exceed the cost of the entire program.
Q: Which specific course would you say helped your business the most?
Although I had previously set up a board of directors, the Corporate Governance class was particularly instructive in helping me to make adjustments to the structure and strategy from a legal perspective. In the previous structure, there was a greater level of exposure. I will always seek legal counsel, but having the added knowledge I gained from this course has proven to be essential in better understanding and communicating the needs of our corporation, and making the best organizational choices.
Q: Was the Management Practicum helpful? In what way?
The Management Practicum was extremely helpful. It gave me a better understanding of how to hyper-focus my efforts in resolving a very specific set of parameters and use a consultative approach to facilitate and manage the work for our client.
Q: How will your educational experience affect your future?
The UCLA-NUS Global Executive MBA program has absolutely changed my life and transformed my future. The education has given me tools to improve my business in every discipline. The global network has helped me to acquire overseas suppliers, international distribution and company investment. If it were not for this program, I would not have the tools and invaluable resources that are available to me today.
Q: What else was valuable about the program?
You receive two MBAs from two top-tier schools, where the program has achieved a number 3 ranking of executive MBA programs globally by the Economist and a number 4 ranking by Financial Times. My class has the diversity of 21 nationalities living in every major city on every continent, and classes are conducted in four financial hubs, with site visits to significant multinational corporations.
Establishing a group of best friends and colleagues from around the globe is the most valuable outcome of the program. I have yet to arrive in a major international city without having a classmate to call on, meet for dinner, help me with connections in the region, or partner in my business dealings. You cannot find a closer group of friends with the brain trust and far-reaching connections as the alumni of the UCLA-NUS Global Executive MBA program.
No other degree offers the entire package of benefits of this program.
Learn more about Anderson's Global EMBA for Asia Pacific
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