UNC Kenan-Flagler

 

Sean Crane

MBA for Executives, Weekend Class of 2003
Senior Vice President, Operations
The Fresh Market
Greensboro, NC

Sean Crane

Why earn an MBA?

"I was hired by The Fresh Market to lead their accounting department, but I wanted a larger role within the company. To do that, I needed to learn to manage uncertainty and contribute at a more strategic level. The company’s owners offered to send me to the executive MBA program of my choice to build these skills."

Why UNC?

  • Curriculum flexibility: "AT UNC, I could choose from more than 40 elective courses and take as many as my schedule would allow. I initially planned to take most of the quantitative courses, but the company owners steered me toward courses focused in strategy, uncertainty, human resources, and real estate, which would be more valuable in a senior executive role."

  • Electives after graduation: "UNC allows me to continue my business education even after graduation. There’s always more to learn, so I stay involved by taking additional elective courses with the current weekend and evening students. UNC’s professors have also invited me back as a guest speaker to share my business experiences."

  • Strategic focus: "I learned to think cross-functionally and challenge our company’s business model. I picked up useful analytical tools to help me see strategic opportunities we’d been missing. The Program prepared me to dive deep into other industries to better understand their business. This helps me negotiate deals that are favorable for all parties."

Career impact

  • Talent source: "Companies today are competing for strong management talent. I hired several cohorts from UNC’s MBA for Executives Program. I know they received the same quality business education I had. I continue to look to UNC for future managers and leaders."

  • Career acceleration: "The Program helped me develop the broad-based knowledge the company’s owners expected of me. I’ve been promoted to Senior VP and my functional responsibilities have continued to increase. In addition, I sit on the executive committee that steers the company. Thanks to UNC, I have the knowledge and skills needed to help propel my company’s growth from a regional to a national specialty grocer."

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