Jim O’Connor, EMBA Class of 2019

Email: jlo34@psu.edu

Hometown: Dallastown, PA

Undergraduate School: Finance, University of Massachusetts

Professional Background: Senior Manager of Marketing Operations at The Hershey Company with ten years of professional work experience.

Why did you pursue a Smeal Executive MBA?

I chose the Smeal EMBA program for two reasons: Reputation and Access. I pursued a number of other highly regarded EMBA programs. After speaking with colleagues who had Smeal EMBA’s, it was universally agreed upon that the Smeal has a caliber of professor that can teach anywhere in the world. In addition, the program is unique in that the professors stay overnight at the conference center, creating an unprecedented level of access.

What is your life like with the Smeal EMBA? 

My wife gave birth to our son two weeks after I started the Smeal EMBA. And already with a one-year-old daughter at home, it certainly gave me pause to consider my future in the program. Yet I couldn’t be happier with my decision to push on. You make time.  You focus on what you want to get out of it, and you make time. Depending on the coursework, I spend anywhere from 2-10 hours a week on the program outside of the classroom, and it pushes you to a new level of planning and time management.

Describe a transformational moment you have had since joining the program?

My transformational moment was during the initial residency week.  Professor Gioia teaches a course on management.  He instills principles focused on leading people and driving change that immediately allowed me to become a more effective leader and enabled me to take on a large promotion just five months later.

What advice would you give an incoming student/prospective interested in getting an MBA? 

Clearly define what you’re trying to solve with an MBA, and focus on it throughout the program.