Terry Rachwalski - MBA - Executive Management (MBA-EM)

I knew I needed to upgrade my skills and knowledge but couldn`t commit to taking two years off work to do it. I reviewed other MBA programs and found that RRU had an innovative curriculum and style that could meet my needs and lifestyle requirements. It was a decision based on `best value`.

The key learning factor for me was the team interaction. My residence and on-line teams had very different `flavours` and both contributed immensely to my learning outcomes, though, in different ways. The course work was challenging and provided insights into subjects that I used everyday at work. The interaction between my work and schoolwork made the RRU program a powerful learning experience.

For my final project, “Product Development Plan and Template”, I reviewed the works of key authors in the field of new product development (NPD) to determine what the primary criteria are for creating a successful process and product. I took this research and determined how it could be used with the unique features of my client operation. I developed and tested a NPD template used to rate projects and assist in making go/kill/hold/recycle decisions in different product phases and different stages of the company life.

Before graduation, I received a promotion to the office of VP-Marketing, I am positive my newly acquired skills helped in attaining this new role. The program strengthened my strategic planning skills for new product market launch and the requisite financial planning skills.

The RRU MBA program augmented the skills I already had and developed knowledge in areas where I wasn`t aware of my deficiencies. I am far more confident of my skills and that translates into confidence on the job. I developed a passion for new product development through working on my client consulting project and intend to continue with studies in that area. My husband and children have been endlessly supportive and deserve a credit for allowing me to do accounting assignments instead of attending soccer games. It was exhausting but a truly exhilarating process. I am so pleased that I took the leap to do the program.

Terry Rachwalski, MBA Executive Management, VP-Marketing for Tactex Controls, Victoria, BC, board member of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.