MBA Trailblazers: Professional Profiles

CFO credits Berkeley for connections and promotions

“The Berkeley College MBA program helped expand my professional skills in various ways, including enhancing my vocabulary and my communication skills. In my career space, all the values and manners that Berkeley College taught me led me to many promotions and magnificent connections with highly educated leaders. Berkeley gave me a stable career—a career that has provided me and my family big time. This program built me into a leader that works with integrity, strategies, and an analytical personal style.

Both of my programs (BBA and MBA) opened many careers opportunities for me in the accounting and finance sectors and gave me the chance to graduate at a young age. Everyone—from financial aid, academic counselor, to my career counselor—motivated me and helped me to be outstanding in my classes and grades.

I enjoyed the true meaning of working in teams and collaborating with others at Berkeley College. I felt a sense of empowerment even from the Admissions associates and Director. Now, I’m reminded of who I was when I entered Berkeley and how I’ve grown. Semester after semester, I’ve been so proud of my academic achievement, which is all due to my amazing professors, classmates. I was the first one in my family to graduate from college, and I now hold a prestigious position in the accounting sector, earning a competitive salary. I continue to climb the ladder, using all the skills that my degree programs taught me. I would recommend Berkeley College to anyone. They don’t discriminate and they support all races and all cultures. Berkeley was a melting pot of diverse students, accepted and welcomed.”

Communication and collaboration—essential skills in the business world

“I have gained a comprehensive understanding of key business principles and strategies throughout my MBA program. The curriculum covered a wide range of subjects, including organizational behavior, operations management, and leadership. I have honed my analytical and critical thinking skills, allowing me to approach complex business challenges with a strategic mindset. Moreover, the program emphasized effective communication and collaboration, essential skills in the business world. This statement holds true to my favorite class, the Capstone. I've had the opportunity to work on diverse teams, enhancing my ability to navigate different perspectives and contribute to collective success. The exposure to case studies and real-world business scenarios has enriched my practical knowledge and provided insights into current business trends. The MBA experience has not only equipped me with a strong theoretical foundation but has also instilled a sense of adaptability and resilience. The emphasis on continuous learning and staying updated with industry advancements has prepared me to thrive in dynamic and competitive business environments.

Overall, my MBA journey has been transformative, shaping me into a well-rounded business professional ready to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to organizational success. That’s why I highly recommend Berkeley’s MBA program to prospective students.”

I love the hands-on support for its students and alumni with both volunteer and career opportunities.

“I’d recommend Berkeley’s MBA because you’ll get a good quality education from professors who can relate to our current industries. The coursework truly prepares you to hit the workforce running. I learned how to identify colleagues’ strengths and skill sets and put them in a position where they can be successful, and the company can be successful.

Now I oversee a four-member management team, 37 drivers, and a 24-vehicle fleet for City Harvest, which provides food for New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity. I love the work that we do, and my Berkeley MBA has helped me galvanize our team to work at a high level and deliver on such an important mission. I also love the school’s hands-on support for its students and alumni with both volunteer and career opportunities. Even after you graduate, you’re still Berkeley College for life.”

Click here to read more about David Brown.

Classes are focused on real-life business case studies and solutions.

“The MBA program at Berkeley College has impacted my professional career in so many positive ways. The classes are focused on real-life business case studies and solutions. As an Executive Director, I apply what I have learned in the MBA program every day. Organizational and decision-making skills are very important when managing the day-to-day operations and the profitability of the business. Berkeley College has taught me what I needed to know to succeed in my professional career.”

Hands-on realistic learning for a more strategic view.

“The capstone was the most hands-on realistic learning experience I’ve ever had. The ability to have the opportunity to look at all areas of a business and understand how they impact the overall financial results and success of a business is invaluable. This helped me take a more strategic view of my organization and the levers associated with business decisions—the “if this happens, then this will be the result.”  With the ability to take a larger more strategic view of the organization, it has allowed me to grow in my role, take on much more responsibility, and help the organization grow.”

Click here to read more about Pamela Cohen.

A life changing experience.

“One of the most outstanding courses I took in the MBA program was one that counted as most of my grade towards graduation. The Capstone project allowed me and my team to create a business and take it to a phase where it proved to be successful. This project allowed me to think outside of the box, be creative, and go through many “trial and error” phases. Being able to start my business from start to finish allowed me to get much more insight into leadership skills and better understand how my real job worked. It allowed me to understand the different skills a company must utilize to be more successful as they evolve. It also allowed me to work with others to achieve a common goal. The MBA program was certainly a life changing experience for me, and I encourage any who are considering it to take that leap! It will be well worth it.”

If you want to be the best in your field Berkeley is the smartest place to start.

“Choosing Berkeley was the best decision for me. I had a lot of great professors who prepared me for the corporate world both in the Bachelor’s and Master’s program. The professors who have great business knowledge challenge you to think outside the box which has helped me further my career aspirations in Human Resources. If you want to be the best in your field, Berkeley is the smartest place to start.”

A pivotal role in enhancing my skills and contributing to my career.

“The MBA program at Berkeley College has played a pivotal role in enhancing my skills and contributing to my career. The curriculum has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of financial management, a crucial aspect of my role at HP, Inc., where I manage all the internal finances for our large multinational clients. Through courses focused on thought leadership and strategic management, I've gained the knowledge and expertise needed to be the client's advocate, driving meaningful growth in the relationship with my firm. The MBA program has equipped me with the strategic mindset necessary to navigate the renewal cycle of client relationships effectively, ensuring a healthy P&L for the business. It also encouraged an entrepreneurial mindset and approach to problem solving, which has helped accelerate the growth of businesses that I've opened.

The capstone course proved instrumental as it simulated the business landscape, allowing me to apply and integrate the diverse set of skills acquired throughout the program. This final course, centered around launching a new brand in the competitive PC/laptop tech industry, served as a culmination of my MBA experience, synthesizing all aspects of the program into a real-world business scenario. It turns out that I would be able to apply much of this experience directly to my now-real-life job in the same industry. Outside of my 'day job,' it's also helped me navigate the complex business environment as I launched two businesses and applied for patent protection on two products that my company is looking to bring to market. Hopefully I can update this with more detail in the future once the patent is granted. 

Having undergone this transformative MBA journey, I wholeheartedly recommend Berkeley College. The program's practical approach goes beyond traditional classroom learning and provides a holistic understanding of business dynamics. The emphasis on financial management has been invaluable, directly translating into my ability to manage the finances of my business, as well as those of others. The program's integration of thought leadership and strategic management has been instrumental in shaping me into a client advocate, contributing significantly to client satisfaction and business growth for all parties.”

Click here to read more about Daniel Fiorica.

Two promotions, now in a leadership role.

“Since I first enrolled in the Berkeley College MBA program, I’ve received two promotions, and am now in a leadership position at Affinity Federal Credit Union. The program helped skill me to take a pragmatic and strategic approach to the projects and business decisions I encounter every day in my career. It has helped me become a better manager for my team and broaden my perspective to understand how other business units function, such as our project management and operations teams, allowing me to be more effective in cross collaborative initiatives and projects. The Berkeley College MBA program was a great and worthwhile experience overall, from the quality of the curriculum to the relationships built with my professors. The personal and professional growth enabled by this program far exceeded any of my expectations.”

Opened many doors and opportunities that have paved the way for me.

“The Berkeley College MBA program has helped me tremendously and looking back today, I believe it was one of the best decisions I have made thus far in my career. The program has helped me build and expand my corporate knowledge and credentials for my career. It has opened many doors and opportunities that have paved the way for me to be in a unique position to basically decide my career path. This wouldn't have been possible without me taking this milestone. Therefore, I recommend students considering Berkeley's MBA program to pursue it because it will only set them up right for the corporate world and career path.”

The leadership and managerial skills have been directly applicable to my role, enabling me to lead effectively, make informed decisions, and contribute to the success of the company.

“Graduating from the Berkeley College MBA program in 2022 has proven to be a pivotal point in my professional journey. The program's forward-thinking curriculum and innovative approach to business education provided me with a comprehensive skill set that seamlessly aligns with the demands of today's dynamic business landscape. From the engaging instructors to the hands-on approach of the school itself, Berkeley College fostered an environment that encouraged critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and effective communication – all essential attributes for success in the corporate world.

The MBA program's emphasis on practical application of knowledge has been particularly instrumental in my career progression. The coursework, enriched by real-world case studies and collaborative projects, equipped me with the ability to navigate complex business challenges with confidence. The faculty's dedication to ensuring that theoretical concepts were not only understood but also practically implemented, set Berkeley College apart. The culmination of this immersive learning experience paved the way for my appointment as the Vice President of Operations at Pro Construction & Management Group LLC. The leadership and managerial skills honed during my time at Berkeley College have been directly applicable to my role, enabling me to lead effectively, make informed decisions, and contribute to the success of the company. I am grateful for the transformative experience and highly recommend Berkeley College's MBA program to aspiring professionals seeking a program that goes beyond the theoretical, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the competitive business landscape.”

Click here to read more about Erick Gill.

I needed a flexible program that would allow me to work full-time, while also tending to my family.

“Berkeley College helped me to achieve, what I thought was, the impossible! When I started on my journey to a graduate degree, I was uncertain, but determined. I knew that an MBA would help me to achieve my career goals, however, I needed a flexible program that would allow me to work full-time, while also tending to my family, which included my infant daughter. Berkeley’s virtual option allowed me to stay connected with my professors and classmates, while giving me the flexibility that I needed to be successful. This is by no means an easy program. However, Berkeley makes the impossible a reality! I highly recommend this program and I am so honored to be considered alumni!”

Wonders for my self esteem.

“Earning my MBA has done wonders for my self-esteem and had an impact on my son and his future. I set a goal for myself and through hard work and determination, I conquered it. My son watched the process and now believes he can do anything he sets his mind to as well. To me, that is one of the best results from earning my degree. I am forever grateful for Berkeley College and the support they have shown me since my very first physical day on the Woodbridge campus back in 1995. Chase your dreams and reach for the top. Berkeley will help you get there and so will your fellow classmates and alumni.” 

A deep understanding within various business functions, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategy .

“I can say the experience provided me a deep understanding within various business functions, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. Professors facilitated thought-provoking learning not only via case studies and traditional methods, but also through their own experiences which brought real-world insights into the classroom. What I found most valuable was that throughout the program, was that we were encouraged to take chances and think outside the box. This was done by challenging us to expand our mindset to understand that there is not always one right answer to each business challenge, and how we could utilize information and resources to uncover the best solution for the business and its stakeholders. I can confidently say that the MBA program has provided me with the tools and resources necessary to become a more well-rounded, strategic, and adaptable business professional.”

It taught me how to be a better leader.

“The skills I obtained from the MBA program helped me reap immediate benefits. It taught me how to be a better leader by gaining skills in leadership, strategy, finance and change management.”

The confidence to open my own business.

“I run my own lending broker shop with over 21 employees working for me. I wouldn't have had the confidence to open my own business without finishing the Berkeley College MBA program.”

Think beyond the obvious scenario to come up with alternatives.

“In the world of technology and business needs, the pairing of solutions is critical to a company's success. This MBA program taught me how to think beyond the obvious scenario to come up with alternatives. The Berkeley College MBA program is an excellent program for those looking to stretch their mind and expand their career. A huge plus for me and it helped me achieve my position. Thank you, Berkeley!”

Click here to read more about Melvin Montalvo.

You are not just a number. You are seen as someone with potential and with a greater purpose.

“I highly recommend Berkeley’s MBA program to students who are considering furthering their education. Berkeley’s great staff made classes relatable and at times entertaining. You are surrounded by others who share the same vision and aspirations as you. Teachers were very understanding of both the outside world and the world you enter once you take your seat. You are not just a number in Berkeley’s MBA program, you are seen as someone with potential and with a greater purpose.”

The MBA has allowed me to work in three different sectors since earning my degree in May 2020.

“Pursuing my MBA at Berkeley College was a significant benefit and investment for me. This degree allowed me to work in three different sectors (Social Services, Healthcare, and now Advocacy) since earning my degree in May 2020. The professors at Berkeley College taught me how to do real deep critical analysis in real time. I complained but I also loved it. Because of the same class assignment/projects, I continue to utilize the lessons I learned to this very day. Having the ability to improve your professional skills, while increasing your earning potential, and expanding your professional network is a blessing. I'm so happy I earned my MBA at Berkeley College. Berkeley's team is Incredible—everyone in each department is there to work with you, and that's what touched my heart.”

Significant strides in my career.

“In the early days of my career, I was an efficient employee, but my work was mostly reactive. However, after acquiring my MBA, my perspective changed completely. By applying the strategies and knowledge I gained from my MBA program to real-life business scenarios, I began viewing my work from a more strategic lens. As a result, I was able to proactively make meaningful business decisions based on creative analysis and the use of technology.

Since obtaining my MBA, I have made significant strides in my career and have held exciting roles such as Operations & Technology Relationship Management, Business Intelligence Management, and Business Analysis Management for my company's Product Development team.

I highly recommend the MBA program to anyone looking to enhance their current skills and broaden their horizons. The program challenges you to think outside the box from a worldly perspective and gives you the confidence to question everything. These questions can lead to research, which can ultimately bring about meaningful changes.”

The importance of rational decision making in business.

“The Berkeley College MBA program taught me how to become a more well-rounded and strategic thinker and equipped me with the knowledge to make better business decisions that add value to my performance as a business leader.

I had two favorite MBA courses. I especially liked the value from Managerial Economics course, which taught me the importance of rational decision-making in business. The Operations Management course was also a favorite because it highlighted how critical operations is to an organization’s survival, regardless of industry.

I highly recommend the Berkeley MBA program to anyone that is interested in challenging themselves to add more value to their career and to the teams that they lead.”