Anna Penner - MBA for Executives Student Profile - UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
Shaping Leaders, Driving Results

Anna Penner

Anna Penner

Class

: Evening MBA Class of 2012

Title

: Director of Business Development

Company

: Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina

"Higher education is something I’ve always wanted to achieve before starting a family, and I want the options an MBA has the potential to give me throughout my career."

An MBA Isn't Just for Business Anymore: The Non-Profit Perspective

“Business school isn’t just for the corporate world. Whether you work in a hospital, a school, a non-profit, or a private company – an MBA adds value. And the truth is, non-profits and private sector organizations are fundamentally more alike than they are different. I work in the non-profit sector, helping companies bring their operations to the Research Triangle Park. To do my job well, I have to understand the needs of national and global companies from a variety of industries, and liaise with state and regional economic development groups. Since my classmates come from a wide range of fields, my discussions with them have given me greater exposure to various business sectors, enabling me to address my clients’ industry-specific needs and communicate with them more confidently.

I certainly expected to connect with my classmates, but I am continually struck by how many of them have made an impact on my life in such a short time. There is something about going through this intense experience together – we’re all up to our ears in work and school and life - the bonding is fast and furious! But it’s also meaningful. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible people. And I’m 100 percent confident that the UNC MBA will help me be prepared for whatever opportunities come my way.”