Meet…
9 October 2008
Students look to advance careers with skills learned in the MARA program
New students in the MARA program have shared how the skills they are learning will enhance their respective career aspirations. Students cite the flexibility and advanced technology utililized among the reasons they chose to enter the program.
MARA Student Interviews (AUDIO) [25:44 minutes; includes captioned and uncaptioned versions]
Student MARA interviews in order of interview:
- Robert McLauchlin (00:00-05:18)
- Patricia Manning (05:19-09:55)
- Regina Zurakowski (09:56-14:57)
- John Steinman (14:58-21:21)
- Deborah Bahn (21:22-25:44)
MARA student Connie Rodriguez finds online environment a plus for the program
Connie Rodriguez enrolled in the MARA program to enhance her skills as a National Program Manager and Electronic Records Manager at Ernst & Young, an international accounting firm. The field of electronic records management is a new one at her company, which has only recently identified this area as a priority. The MARA program is helping Rodriguez learn about emerging trends and best practices that have an immediate impact on the work she is doing. "I needed answers," she says, and her MARA classes are helping her find those answers and put her knowledge into practice.
According to Rodriguez, one of MARA’s most attractive features is the ability to take classes and interact with her cohort in an online environment. “I travel all over the United States for work,” says Rodriguez. “I simply couldn’t do a program in a traditional classroom setting. Recently, I attended class from my hotel room in Dallas. This environment is just so flexible.” Rodriguez points out that she works with a number of Certified Public Accountants and attorneys who value credentials, so she agrees that the MARA program will lend her improved professional credibility. This, in turn, is helping her get buy-in from her company’s key stakeholders regarding the importance of electronic records management.
MARA student Patricia Manning looks for advancement opportunities
Patricia Manning lives in a Houston suburb and works at Baker Hughes, an oil field services company. She joined the company in 2001 and currently works as a Records Specialist.
"It’s a made-up title," admits Manning, who points out that the job simply fell into her lap when the company recognized their need to develop a records retention schedule and create a records and information management system. She loves the job, but felt she needed to expand her education in order to maximize her abilities.
"I can’t tell you how thrilled I was when I heard about the MARA program," she says. She had been debating whether she should pursue an MBA or a Master’s in Project Management, or take the exam to become a Certified Records Manager. When she heard about the MARA program, the decision was clear. Manning feels strongly that the MARA program will benefit her career. "The knowledge I’m gaining is tremendous,” and the degree will give her greater advancement opportunities in the future. It also lends credibility to her position, she points out. “Having a master’s degree makes people realize that this is more than an administrative job."
Another benefit of the program is the opportunity to connect with other MARA students. "I love being able to network with others in my field and tap into their collective knowledge base."In addition to collaborating on coursework, MARA students share ideas about their professional projects. As the solo Records Specialist at her company, MARA’s cohort model is an invaluable asset to Manning.
To read more stories about our students and alumni, click here.
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