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Randy Rivera
2006 MBA Graduate, Rutgers University
University previously attended Cornell University
Degree obtained BS in engineering
Country of origin Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, United States
Age 28
Career History
Randy Rivera worked three years at Motorola, amassing a reputation for excellence in people skills, product development, and project management. A consummate team player, Randy was often sought for challenging assignments with tight deadlines. His inclusion on a team provided assurance that the finished product would meet or exceed specifications and be delivered on time.
During my last year of employment at Motorola, I began to research different MBA programs. In a technical field, I had begun to feel constricted. I wanted to broaden my experiences. To advance into management, I would need solid skills outside the areas in which I was working.
I selected schools that had earned reputations for competitiveness. Literature and recommendations from associates led me to Rutgers. The Rutgers Business School was competitive. The degree was valued. It seemed that I would receive more than I would put into the degree. In business terms, my return on the investment would greatly exceed both my investment and expectations.
Both my research and discussions revealed that I did not have to have a business background. As an engineer in a technical field and with the experience and belief that I could master anything, I looked for programs that would move me from one level to another. I was looking to make a career change. I wanted to understand the concepts of business. I wanted to learn new skills.
Having a quantitative academic background and working in an environment that valued quantitative precision, I knew that I was prepared to handle the technical aspects of the MBA program. I have found that in the program I use my quantitative skills in an applied fashion. The concept is similar to the way in which my work experience required me to apply such skills. Yet, I find that I depend upon my skills in statistics.
Forecasting, or making projections, requires statistical evaluations. Engineering required careful calibrations. The courses required me to make assessments using the statistical skills. In addition, the courses required me to make individual and group presentations. I use both my quantitative and presentations skills in my internship. I have found these two experiences very fulfilling and challenging. I have learned a lot about business and managing. I am enhancing my skills and developing more confidence.
Rutgers offers a very diverse population. Classroom discussions, group projects, and daily interactions force you to consider the assessments and comments of other students from their perspectives. Each person brings a unique set of experiences and understanding. I quickly found myself looking at situations from the perspectives of others. In case analysis and discussions, such behavior became routine and automatic. It enlivened the discussions and allowed all of us to envision different outcomes.
The student body offers a variety of extracurricular and co-curricular activities. I participate in the finance club and Hispanic MBA association. In addition, I attend events and programs sponsored by other organizations. The activities both enrich my social life and broaden my interests and networks.
Our MBA program is rigorous and challenging. The program is well positioned geographically. It offers growth and solid academic value. Overall, our program offers a good mix of learning, application of newly acquired skills, networking, and access to both private and public sectors of corporate America. In addition, it is in the mix of various cultural offerings of the cities, suburbs, and rural areas. Can you believe that the Garden State, New Jersey, offers rural areas not far from the bustling highways that traverse our state?
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