From 25 years in role to trajectory-changing EMBA admission
How she pivoted from a tech-focused role to an executive leadership position in higher education MBA Protocol.
Want to design a pivot like this?
Before MBA Protocol
My current title is Executive Director, HRIS, and I work in Higher Education. I have been in my position for over a decade and have been with the institution for over 25 years. I had actually planned on staying in my position and retiring early (i.e., early 50s)
Why MBA, why now
I had attended a Women in Leadership conference through Columbia Business School that was sponsored by my department. It was an incredible experience to see the impact that these women in leadership have made in their industry and organizations. That experience showed me that I still had a lot to contribute and it inspired me to pursue an EMBA so that I can accelerate my path to the next step. Eventually, my ultimate goal is to be part of the Executive Leadership of the university focused on operations.
I wanted to have a solid grounding in the business fundamentals. I feel like this is the missing piece to helping me be a more well-rounded leader.
Why MBA Protocol
I was looking for MBA consulting firms to work with as I wanted to give myself the best possible chance of getting into business school. I stumbled upon Angela’s videos on the sister channel, Career Protocol. I loved the colorful videos, the upbeat music, and the UNICORN! The videos were fun and serious at the same time. Angela has solid frameworks that really helped me get to my core story.
I don’t particularly enjoy talking about myself and I feel that MBA Protocol really helped me find my voice.
The work we did together
MBA Protocol helped me home in on my story and helped me convey that authentically. My coach, Heather, was especially a great resource. It’s been over 25 years since I was on the other side of the interview table and Heather did a mock interview with me that shifted my perspective. It allowed me to be less nervous and be confident in myself and what I accomplished.
Heather really cared about me and helped me communicate my story. She was able to plug in the gaps in my essays or help me convey it in a different way that made things land much more emphatically. She was always willing to answer any questions I had and was very supportive through the entire process. When I shared feedback that I got from Angela at the LFG huddles, she incorporated those into our one-on-one sessions. She was also willing to help my supervisor with the recommendation for the program. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders and I am very grateful to have her as my coach.
I had my interview with an alumni and it was an incredible conversation! It was so easy-going, I had forgotten I was interviewing for a few moments.
MBA Admission Results
I only applied to one school – Columbia – and I was admitted to the EMBA Class of 2028!
Her advice to other pivoters
It’s a big decision – not just for you but for the people around you. Make sure you have your support team behind you (spouse, family, and friends) to help you through the rough parts and celebrate with you through your successes.
Sheila’s Success Statistics
- Admits: Columbia EMBA
- Pre-MBA: 25 Years in Higher Information Systems Leadership
- Post-MBA goal: Executive Leadership at her firm (beyond just info systems)