Where were you working before HBS?
I was working at a medical communications company based in Wakefield, MA. I started working at this company directly out of college as a Client Services Program Coordinator. I was in that position for a year before moving into a Program Manager position. At this job I managed promotional and educational pharmaceutical programs and primarily focused on the event management of CME symposiums held at venues throughout the US.
How has your career developed at Harvard or HBS?
I started at HBS in 2007 as a Program Coordinator in Executive Education. My team's portfolio of programs included a variety of Focused, Global, and Custom programs. I stayed on this team for 3 years before moving to the Program for Leadership Development (PLD) team in 2010. At the end of 2010, I was given the opportunity to step into the Program Manager role on the PLD team while my manager was out on maternity leave. In March, a Program Manager position opened within our department and I was promoted.
How does HBS compare - positively and/or negatively — to your previous place of employment?
A major benefit of working at HBS has been the tuition assistance that they provide. I am currently enrolled in a graduate program at the Harvard Extension School and am working towards getting my Master's degree in Management. I enrolled in the program in September 2009 and will complete my degree in January 2012. The tuition assistance provided by HBS has been a huge help in making this accomplishment possible.
What is special about working at HBS?
My colleagues at HBS are fantastic! I've been so fortunate to be surrounded everyday by people who not only inspire and motivate me, but who are also fun to work with.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of HBS?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, snowboarding, and sailing. I love to travel, and try to plan at least 1-2 big trips a year. This past year I traveled to Greece and Puerto Rico with friends.
What HBS accomplishment are you most proud of?
My biggest accomplishment to date at HBS is being promoted to Program Manager.
What opportunities have you had at HBS that could have only happened here?
I have travelled to some incredible places while working at HBS. I've had the opportunity to run Executive Education programs in China three times, visiting both Beijing and Shanghai. I also was given the opportunity to go to Mumbai, India to run the Real Estate India program in July 2010. India is the most amazing place I have ever been to and it was an experience I will never forget.