Smith Alum Talks EMBA, International Work Experience

For Robert H. Smith School of Business EMBAs, gaining global working experience is nothing out of the question. One EMBA, Alain Desvignes, served as director of operations at Zürich water-treatment company Ozonia, French development organization SUEZ Group and was also responsible for the operations across Asia while earning an EMBA at the Smith School in Beijing.According to the Financial Times, Smith’s EMBA program currently ranks as tenth in the country. The curriculum is based on a strong foundation in each business discipline with foundation courses including: financial accounting & managerial accounting; data analysis and decisions; financial management; leadership and human capital; ethical leadership; managerial economics; global economics; strategic management; operations management; marketing strategy; corporate strategy; strategic information systems and integrative business simulation.

The program also devotes plenty of time into leadership development—the true mark of a successful executive. The Smith Leadership Development and Executive Coaching Program gives Smith EMBA students the relevant, real-world management and interpersonal skills required to succeed at the executive level.

Desvignes recently spoke with the Smith School to discuss his work experience as well as his general experience in the program.

Desvignes was asked why he chose the Smith School’s EMBA over other options. He outlined two main reasons for doing so.

First, it’s a knowledge-based program and top-ranked in the United States. Rather than a watered-down MBA degree, I wanted a program that was the real deal so I could actually learn fresh ideas and leadership skills, which I could then immediately apply to my job. The business knowledge, including strategic management, business development, marketing and finance that I gained at Smith were incredibly beneficial for helping me both succeed in the workplace and make changes to my community.

Second, pursuing an EMBA is my way of cultivating my perseverance. I want to train my mind so I’m prepared to overcome all challenges that may come along in life. It’s similar to running a marathon.

Desvignes was then asked how did the EMBA program impacted his long-term career goals.

With the tools and techniques I learned at Smith and the entrepreneurial spark I acquired from my classmates, I want to pursue my entrepreneurial interests or move up to the C-suite in my current firm in five years. This program enhanced my credibility to manage the many facets of my job and prepared me to be a more well-rounded person.

Finally, he was asked what he considered the most valuable part of his EMBA experience.

I truly appreciate the comprehensive business foundation I’ve built at Smith. The program is well thought-out. The professors are top notch. And the alumni network is broad and diversified.
Now that I’ve graduated, my life feels enriched. I’m sure I’ll consistently apply the knowledge gained to my work and leverage the network Smith provided me, as well as continue to help and be helped by the Smith alumni community.

regions: Baltimore / Washington, DC

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