Written by Kelli M. Titus
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| As a design release engineer, Daniel (MBA '08) is responsible for managing a team of colleagues and suppliers, developing a robust, safe and quality product that meets cost imperatives. |
Daniel was hired as a buyer by GM after studying mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan. Although equipped with a strong technical background, she lacked the knowledge and experience of business strategies. Daniel found that a formal education in business was necessary to help her become a successful employee. She decided to enroll in the Master of Business Administration program at Oakland University.
The MBA program at OU allowed Daniel to discover the fundamentals of business, the importance of managing information and how to effectively utilize resources while integrating global understanding and entrepreneurial thinking. Her education was nurtured by the program’s professors, industry leaders and researchers.
“The faculty at OU is absolutely amazing,” Daniel said. “I loved learning from so many professionals that worked or still work in the industry because they had a great depth of practical knowledge and experiences to enrich the classroom environment.”
While obtaining her MBA, Daniel traveled throughout Europe and India in order to learn and experience international business while gaining an appreciation for global companies. “It was inspiring to see so many people working incredibly hard with much fewer resources than we are accustomed to … all to make a better life for themselves and their families,” she said.
Daniel graduated from Oakland University in 2008 with a master of business administration degree and was promoted to an instrument panel trim design release engineer at GM.
“My education at Oakland University enabled me to feel more confident in my previous roles at GM and prepare me for my future roles,” Daniel said.
As a design release engineer, Daniel is responsible for managing a team of colleagues and suppliers, developing a robust, safe and quality product that meets cost imperatives.
“An engineering degree alone would not have adequately prepared me for this assignment because my assignment involves much more than ‘engineering,’” Daniel said.
“I also have to lead a team of colleagues toward a common vision, tap into the strengths of the various team members, consider all of the business implications of the team’s decisions, etc.”
A master’s degree in business administration is among one of the 125 master’s, doctorate and certificate programs at OU. Prospective students can explore the opportunities these graduate programs have to offer while learning about financial aid options and admissions requirements at Oakland’s graduate open house on Wednesday, June 4, 2014. Additional information is available at oakland.edu/grad/openhouse/.
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