Why did you choose this Master's program?
After being at the same company for 6 years, I felt I had adapted to the same way of thinking as the rest of my peers. I wanted to challenge myself and learn new ways to solve problems. I loved being in the classroom, but with an undergraduate business degree and an advanced degree in data science already, I didn’t think a traditional MBA program was right for me. That’s when I found MTL. MTL was uniquely focused on technology leadership, and combined with a flexible online/in-person format, it was the perfect fit for my busy life as a full-time professional and parent.

What made Brown's program different from other programs you considered?
When I came across Brown’s Technology Leadership Program, I was surprised to find a program that focused on strategy, leadership and technology. These themes are critical components that have allowed companies, like Google, to stay on the innovating forefront for the past two decades. In addition to the appeal of the curriculum, the program also included a chance for us to work on an independent project (CCP), facilitated by Brown resources and a dedicated mentor. This gave me an opportunity to pursue a passion project that I never would have found time to do otherwise.

What did you enjoy most about your program?
The three things I enjoyed the most: 1) My peers. I enjoyed learning with 40+ similar minded individuals coming from so many different industries. I’ll never forget sitting down with peers in completely different industries and finding that although we were solving very different problems, we could learn from each other. 2) CCP. I enjoyed working on my CCP project where I got the chance to combine a defining experience during my childhood with the work I’m currently doing now. In my project (Project Spotlight), I set out to build a platform that could help small business owners (like my parents) more easily navigate the complex world of online advertising, a process that has evolved so much since the early 1990s. I was also paired up with an amazing mentor who helped & challenged me throughout the way. 3) International leadership certificate. As part of the program, we got to spend a week learning from professors at a leading European university on how innovation, technology and leadership is taught from a more global perspective. As someone with a traditionally US-focused education, this international exposure was incredibly valuable as I work with colleagues from around the globe.

What was your primary academic area of interest?
Entrepreneurship, product & program management, risk analysis, and data science.

What were your postgraduate goals?
During the program, I moved into a lead role within the Google Cloud area where I have the opportunity to work on an industry changing project. This move involves working with enterprise customers, something I have never done before. I am planning to apply all the new skills I learned about technology leadership, and have a chance to not only lead my organization through difficult/new/changing times, but other large corporate companies i volved in the project as well.

What did you like most about Providence?
The restaurant scene!

What advice would you give to prospective applicants?
The program will only give you as much as you’re willing to invest. Come in with the mindset to learn: not just learning from the academic classes but also from your peers. Also come in with the mindset to share. Your active participation, your willingness to contribute your own experiences and insights, will amplify the collective learning experience for everyone.