Student Spotlight: Unleashing Leadership Potential with the Rutgers Part-Time MBA Program

Meet Bedilia Rodriguez, a remarkable member of our Rutgers Part-Time MBA Program. With over a decade of experience in social services and nonprofit sectors, Bedilia found herself naturally gravitating toward leadership roles. Her journey led her to pursue an MBA at Rutgers Business School, where she's focusing on Finance and Strategy concentrations to enhance her managerial skills and broaden her horizons.

Why Rutgers MBA:?"I chose Rutgers MBA for its network, location, and reputation; plus, I am a Rutgers Undergraduate Alumni! The MBA with concentrations in Finance and Strategy perfectly complements my career goals, helping me understand people management, company stakes, and professional development."

Favorite Course - Advanced Financial Management:??Bedilia highlights Advanced Financial Management with Professor Rose Liao as her favorite course. Despite a non-finance background, the course equipped her with a strong grasp of financial calculations and analytics for informed decision-making. "The format of the course was different and pushed me into finding new skills within myself."

MBA Experience and Engagement:?"My MBA experience has pushed me into opportunities I could not have imagined myself in before. I have been mentored by professors on career paths and have been taught about different opportunities. I have gained a strong mentor through Team Up Mentoring – with whom we've carried the mentorship beyond the designated RBS time frame. I have met Part-Time and Full-Time students that have become networks, allies, and friends. I have made it a point to attend student club meetings and events to get to know my peers, hear about their journeys, and share quite a few laughs while doing so. In 2021 I served as the RWIB PT Vice President, and in 2022 I served as the Net Impact RBS President. The beauty of the Part-Time MBA experience is that you can shape it into what you want it to be and be as involved as you choose to be. I chose to be quite involved to learn from the MBA community around me and help me shape my own journey in and out of this program. We must always keep in mind that we are the RBS MBA community, and our engagement is what completes the program. I find myself already carrying a few things I've learned into my current full-time work." ?

Leadership Skills and Transformation:?"As an outspoken person, I have learned the power of listening. There are many personalities and experiences around us, and by staying quiet to listen, I've learned quite a bit about myself and connecting with others. I have also learned the power of teamwork and delegating."

Most Memorable Experience - Leading Net Impact RBS Chapter:?Bedelia's journey leading the Net Impact RBS Chapter stands out. The reactivation of the club was challenging but rewarding. "Our faculty advisor was Professor Jeanna Wirtenberg, who shared a wealth of knowledge of ESG-related resources and provided us time to guide and educate us. I learned so much from that experience and will always carry it with me into my career now and in the future."

MBA's Impact on Professional Outlook:?"The MBA has exposed me to many aspects of a business that can be applied in both the corporate and nonprofit worlds. As a full-time employee in the nonprofit sector, I can already see the MBA's value in my day-to-day work. I foresee a career outlook in which I am more competitive and marketable thanks to the MBA experience and program."

Advice for Future MBA Students:?"The Part-Time MBA program has pushed me out of my comfort, introducing to me new skills I wouldn't have imagined a few years ago. I would advise prospective MBA students to be clear on the reason why they want an MBA first to ensure that it is a commitment that will fall in line with that long-term vision. If committed, I recommend a future student to be as involved as possible to maximize the MBA experience. Engage with peers, speak with professors, participate in events, and fully commit to the journey. It is not an easy one, especially working a demanding full-time job along with managing personal life; however, it is one of intense professional growth, and it's for a limited time!"