{"id":24586,"date":"2014-12-05T11:11:55","date_gmt":"2014-12-05T16:11:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/?p=24586"},"modified":"2016-05-19T16:07:56","modified_gmt":"2016-05-19T20:07:56","slug":"women-share-how-an-fiu-mba-gave-them-new-insights-and-a-path-to-career-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/2014\/12\/women-share-how-an-fiu-mba-gave-them-new-insights-and-a-path-to-career-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Women share how an FIU MBA gave them new insights—and a path to career success."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"pmba\"<\/a><\/p>\n

From giving up apologizing to taking up golf, the business world can hold many challenges for women–and an MBA can provide a toolkit for turning those challenges into opportunities.<\/p>\n

That was the message from six Florida International University (FIU) College of Business alumni as they shared experiences and advice at FIU\u2019s first Women\u2019s MBA panel. Held at FIU Downtown at Brickell on November 16, 2014, the event was designed to allow FIU Business graduates from diverse backgrounds to show women like them how to navigate both career and personal success.<\/p>\n

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The panel was moderated by COB faculty member Susan Clemmons, who kept the conversation engaging and relatable.<\/div>\n

\u201cThis event was part of our commitment to helping women reach their full potential and develop opportunities in the business community,\u201d said Mike Langley, recruiting manager for Professional MBA programs. \u201cWe want to remain Worlds Ahead in attracting diverse, high-quality candidates.\u201d<\/p>\n

Insights from participants in the forum: <\/em><\/p>\n

\"Paulette<\/a>
Paulette Acevedo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Paulette Acevedo, (PMBA \u201914), Assistant to Deputy Mayor Alina Hudak, Miami-Dade County:<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a great mentor in Congress\u2014she was the only Hispanic female Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate. She reviewed my resume, and explained that I was missing business experience. She asked if I had ever thought about getting my MBA. Now that I have the degree, I understand the MBA\u2019s advantages. Even in government, it\u2019s so helpful when pursuing leadership roles.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Erbi<\/a>
Erbi Blanco-True<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Erbi Blanco-True (PMBA \u201910), Consultant, True Consulting Group:<\/p>\n

“As the only female on the trading desk at an investment firm, I worked long, hard hours, but struggled to attract clients. That\u2019s because the deals weren\u2019t getting done at the office–they were getting done on the golf course. So, I decided to take golf lessons. I was horrible at the game \u2013 but I learned that sometimes you have to play \u201ctheir\u201d game to succeed in \u201ctheir\u201d world. By being fearless, I earned clients\u2019 respect, and their business.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Janine<\/a>
Janine Carro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Janine Carro (PMBA \u201912) Realtor Associate, EWM Realtors:<\/p>\n

“Seven out of the top 10 residential real estate agents in my company are women. I am often told by men that residential real estate is a tough industry to work in because sellers and buyers can be emotional in the decision making process. I think this has something to say about a woman’s emotional intelligence and ability to manage behaviors during business negotiations and transactions.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Darlene<\/a>
Darlene Fernandez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Darlene Fernandez (PMBA \u201914) Administrator, Dalco Electric, Inc:<\/p>\n

\u201cIn law school, I was taught to research and analyze, study, and think independently. It\u2019s very isolating. FIU\u2019s MBA engages you in a much different way–you learn from both your professors and classmates. I\u2019m a single parent with two kids at home, so finding the time was a challenge. But if I can do it, others can do it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Melanie<\/a>
Melanie Garcia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Melanie Garcia (PMBA \u201913) Senior Manager of Business Development, The Latin GRAMMYs:<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore I received my MBA, I found myself apologizing for things my male counterparts would never even consider apologizing for, like a late email. The MBA gave me a whole new level of confidence. I\u2019m a businesswoman and I\u2019m confident in my abilities. And I\u2019m unapologetic about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Camila<\/a>
Camila Valdez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Camila Valdez (PMBA \u201913) Senior Marketing Manager LATAM, Citrix:<\/p>\n

\u201cIn business it\u2019s all about taking the conversations to the next level and gaining credibility. The MBA at FIU strengthened my skills and allowed me to better manage those business conversations. I went from marketing a specific product in certain countries to managing the entire Latin America region with a team of very skilled professionals reporting into me.”<\/p>\n