The military teaches you to work in a critical environment, which is my core competency. I used to work on nuclear reactors on an aircraft carrier. There were many long days, a lot of hard work. Now, I manage over 60 megawatts of IT, and growing, capacity at my facility.

Taking the Executive MBA classes helped me build my knowledge and understanding of business topics. At work, I am able to either apply the knowledge, intelligently discuss the topic, or understand what is happening, then decide what needs to happen.

The amount the professors are willing to help is incredible and the online classes offer a ton of flexibility. The Saturday class sessions are also forums where you can ask questions and get instant feedback.

I expected to make professional connections, I didn't expect to make as many friends as I have in the program. Their different backgrounds lend to a more flavorful debate and conversation on the topics we cover. My cohort and professors have changed my everyday perspective and how I approach problems or situations at work.

The program is definitely worth it. I have had a great time doing it and I don't expect that to change.

After graduating with an undergraduate degree in Spanish, I moved to San Diego, and in 2005 I started in business and sales. I really didn't have a business background, so I had a lot to learn.

Five years ago, I started at Trimble in sales management, moved to sales operations and I am currently the Product Marketing Manager. I began looking at Executive MBA programs to broaden my skillsets and experience so I can be a general manager or a business area manager someday.

As soon as I put in an application for the Denver Executive MBA, I got a call back, and that mattered. They really wanted to understand what I was looking to do and make sure it was the right program for me.

I love that classes are online and in the classroom. It let me plan work trips around class. I am also a very social person. I like the networking aspect of it and learning from other people.

Before I started, there were aspects of conversations or reports at work that I didn’t completely understand and now I do. The Executive MBA has really set me up to move up in the company.

There is never an ideal time to do it, but you will be done in under two years. You will gain so much experience and so many friendships. It is worth it.