Keith Mahoney
OneMBA Class of 2008, UNC
Resource Training, a division of The Warranty Group, USA
General Manager
Career Goal
I work for a global strategy company with offices in 33 countries. I’m responsible for maintaining high-level client relationships and retaining talent in the eastern United States. My goal is to expand my work to include more global clients.
Why OneMBA?
When I was researching business schools, my priority was to find a global MBA program. I looked at the top schools in the New York area, and while they are strong academically, I found their global programs lacking. To me, taking U.S. professors and students and offering the same MBA courses overseas doesn’t qualify as a global curriculum. My take is that’s a field trip. I wanted to hear local professors and executives describe what it’s like to do business in Europe, Asia and Latin America. That learning is invaluable. In my search, I found OneMBA is far and away the best at offering that.
Corporate Sponsorship
My company is owned by a Canadian-based corporation that doesn’t have a tuition reimbursement program. I get minimal financial support – a few thousand dollars a year – but senior management is tremendously supportive in granting time off for residencies and weekend classes.
Value of the OneMBA Network
One of the greatest values of OneMBA is the global network we build. I know if I have a problem at school or work, I can call any one of the 100 global executives in my OneMBA class and know they are going to lend a hand. That surprised me. I don’t think you’d find that level of cooperation at the ultra-competitive programs I considered.
Immediate Application
Because of OneMBA, I am more aware of current trends, priorities, and regulations around the world. Even though I’m only one year into the Program, this has made a significant difference. During strategy sessions at work, when a topic comes up that we’ve attacked in class or in a global team conference call, I’m able to say, “Hey, have you thought about it from this perspective?” I’m performing at a higher level, and I’m contributing more. If you ask my immediate boss, I think he’ll agree.