For professionals aiming to elevate their careers without interrupting their professional trajectory, an Executive MBA (EMBA) program stands out as a powerful tool. But how exactly does an EMBA program add value to your career? Sherry Ann Mohan, a Wharton EMBA graduate from the class of 2013, provides compelling insights based on her journey. With eight years of experience in finance at Goldman Sachs, Sherry Ann sought an EMBA to fortify her finance acumen and broaden her business perspective. Her story vividly illustrates the multifaceted benefits of an EMBA, extending from immediate knowledge application to long-term career advancement.
The Strategic Decision to Pursue an EMBA
Sherry Ann’s initial motivation to pursue an EMBA stemmed from a desire to deepen her finance knowledge, which she felt had become diluted over time despite her accounting and finance background. Initially considering local EMBA programs to avoid disrupting her Goldman Sachs career, a pivotal suggestion from a senior partner broadened her horizons. He recommended considering the Wharton EMBA program, even though it was outside of New York City. Despite her initial hesitation about commuting, Sherry Ann decided to explore this option.
Her visit to Wharton for the interview and class observations proved decisive. “The train ride was easy, and there was a positive energy among the students I met,” Sherry Ann recalls. This firsthand experience convinced her that Wharton was the right fit, overcoming her initial concerns about location and commute.
Balancing Act: Juggling Career, EMBA, and Family Life
As a single mother of two, Sherry Ann faced the significant challenge of balancing work, studies, and family responsibilities. Her strategy for success was built on open communication and meticulous organization. She engaged her sons, then teenagers aged 13 and 9, explaining the commitment required for the next two years. Crucially, she organized a robust support system within her family. Her grandmother played a vital role, providing childcare during school weekends and work-related travel.
The 미리 availability of the two-year program schedule proved invaluable for planning and coordination. “I printed that out for everyone at work and home,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of shared awareness and planning. One of the early, impactful lessons from her Wharton EMBA was mastering the art of prioritization and delegation. “I quickly saw that I had to delegate at work and home to make sure things kept moving forward. That translated into learning how to leverage a team better and being more upfront in my communications to layout expectations. All of those skills helped shape me into a better leader,” Sherry Ann explains.
Immediate Application of EMBA Knowledge in the Workplace
A significant advantage of the EMBA program, as Sherry Ann experienced, was the ability to immediately apply classroom learning to her professional responsibilities. She highlights her derivatives class as a prime example. Simultaneously while taking this class, Goldman Sachs was in the process of spinning off the business unit she supported. Her role involved strategic planning for Goldman Sachs post-spinoff.
“In a meeting about the transaction, I was able to suggest that we build out a specific type of financial product to reflect this transaction. Not only was the team impressed, but I impressed myself with how I could apply classroom knowledge to add value in that transaction,” Sherry Ann recounts. This immediate application of learned concepts not only provided tangible value to her employer but also significantly boosted her professional confidence. Furthermore, she found that negotiation skills honed during her EMBA were instrumental in gaining buy-in for her ideas and driving project momentum. Learning to effectively frame problems and understand different perspectives became a valuable asset in her daily work.
The Wharton Advantage: Brand, Credibility, and Supportive Network
Beyond the immediate applicability of coursework, Sherry Ann emphasizes the enduring value of the Wharton brand. “It adds credibility and opens doors for conversations,” she states. The reputation of a top-tier program like Wharton EMBA carries weight and recognition across industries, enhancing professional standing and opening up new opportunities.
Moreover, Sherry Ann highlights the nurturing and inclusive environment within the Wharton EMBA program as particularly beneficial. “As a black woman, there are different ways that I interact with the world and the world interacts with me. Being in inclusive and supportive spaces like Wharton helps me navigate in places where there aren’t that many people who look like me. Women and diverse candidates will find that this program wants everyone to succeed,” she notes. This supportive environment is crucial for professionals from diverse backgrounds, fostering confidence and enabling them to thrive.
Career Progression and Long-Term Impact Post-EMBA
The culmination of Sherry Ann’s EMBA experience was a significant positive impact on her career trajectory. Equipped with enhanced communication and leadership skills, she proactively engaged in career conversations within Goldman Sachs, articulating her aspirations and desired next steps. “That helped me move into a position where I had more exposure to decision-makers and content that led to the role I wanted, which is where I am now,” she explains.
Currently serving as Managing Director and CFO for the consumer business at Goldman Sachs, a role she assumed in 2016, Sherry Ann directly applies the strategic and analytical skills cultivated during her EMBA. “My job is to focus on the bottom-line impact of this business to the firm in the near- and medium-term horizon. We focus on analytics around business decisions, strategies, and the path forward for broader success of this business,” she describes. Her responsibilities include managing significant assets, highlighting the scale and impact of her current role.
Sherry Ann unequivocally credits her Wharton EMBA with playing a pivotal role in her career progression. “As a CPA, I was entrenched in the language of business, but Wharton exposed me to other aspects like marketing, negotiation, and technical finance. I also learned from my classmates who brought different perspectives about business issues to class. If you want to be a leader, you have to understand others’ perspectives and have the skillset to take your career to the next level.”
In conclusion, Sherry Ann’s experience powerfully demonstrates how an EMBA program adds substantial value to your career. From providing immediately applicable knowledge and enhancing leadership capabilities to boosting credibility and fostering a supportive network, the benefits are extensive and long-lasting. For professionals seeking to accelerate their career growth and amplify their impact, an EMBA program, particularly from a prestigious institution like Wharton, represents a strategic and transformative investment.
