"UNC increased my value from day one."

Hendrick Ellis
MBA Executive Class of 2001
Alumnus, Evening Program
Senior VP of Finance, Bank of America

Success in business is a simple formula: You are rewarded based on the value you add to your company.

I was a financial analyst when I first considered an MBA. I always approached problems at work from a financial perspective, which limited the value I was able to add. I needed to broaden my skill set, but couldn’t leave my job to work on an MBA full time.

I knew of UNC’s solid reputation, and that their MBA for Executives would allow me to balance my commitments to work, home and school. Digging deeper, I learned UNC’s curriculum emphasizes strategy and leadership applied to real-world situations.

In the very first course, General Management and Strategy, Professor O’Neill had everyone engaged, discussing real business cases and recommending actionable strategies. This was the foundation for all other courses.

Best of all, I applied what I learned right away at work. I began examining problems from many angles – marketing, operations and organizational behavior – not just financial. I was making sound decisions with fewer data points, adding value to my company where I couldn’t before. Senior management noticed, and I was promoted while still in school and received two more promotions after graduation.

The reward has been more than a better title or salary. I now have greater confidence and communicate more effectively, holding my own in many different settings. Plus, I count some of my classmates among my truest friends.

A successful business leader is someone who has a broad knowledge of many disciplines and uses this knowledge to influence change. I look for ways to add value to my company every day. Without a doubt, my MBA from UNC has played a key role in making me a stronger leader.