Melanie Hampton
Student Ambassador
MBA Candidate 2009
Part-Time Student

Concentration(s): Finance
Industry/Field of Work: Accounting
Undergraduate Degree: Accounting
Undergraduate Institution: Eastern Illinois University
Career Goal: Undecided
Club or Committee Involvement: Women's Interest Network- President, UIC Liautaud MBA Student Ambassador
E-mail: mhampt3@uic.edu

Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
I have always been extremely driven and knew, even in high school, that I wanted to get my MBA. For me, it was a personal goal and this was the right time for me to pursue that.

What were the most important factors for you when choosing an MBA program?
There were so many factors that helped me decide that the Liautaud MBA program was right for me: cost, location, quality. I wanted the complete package and the Liautaud Graduate School of Business provides that.

What impact has the UIC Liautaud MBA had on you?
Being in the UIC Liautaud MBA program has connected me to the business world and, in particular, issues surrounding working women. I also find that I'm much more informed with happenings in the Chicagoland area.

We all know that people pursue an MBA to increase their business knowledge. Since starting the UIC Liautaud MBA program, what has been the most unexpected gain the experience has given you?
Once I told people I was going back to school, those who had already achieved this milestone told me that you learn so much from other students. Those real-life situations that you discuss in class are far more valuable than I had ever imagined.

Which professor changed the way you think?
Professor Benet DeBerry-Spence truly challenges her students. Coming from an accounting background, I was used to focusing solely on the numbers. Professor DeBerry-Spence as a marketing instructor forced me to look at what could be driving those numbers and how companies have to analyze the whole picture when implementing new business strategies.

Which class/professor has been your favorite thus far and why?
I really enjoyed MGMT 541: Organizational Behavior. While I love working with numbers, this class gave me the opportunity to learn about the way people behave within companies.

What was your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud MBA program or the Liautaud Graduate School of Business?
The Liautaud organizations do a great job in planning events that add to the classroom experience. From guest speakers to networking events, the student groups enhance the MBA experience and allow for leadership opportunities and involvement.

How would you define the Liautaud student?
Those enrolled in the UIC Liautaud MBA program truly want to live life to the fullest. We do it all: work, family, school, community involvement. We are making our lives happen, not waiting for them to start.

What advice would you provide to incoming MBA students?
Don't let the thought of tests and papers overwhelm you. You'll find that professors, employers and classmates are very accommodating. Everyone wants you to succeed so enjoy your time in the program.

The UIC Liautaud MBA professors are continuously involved in researching new business trends and innovations. How have you felt the professors have been able to integrate their theoretical knowledge into practical applications?
Most professors require participation in business article discussions. Professor Barry Chiswick was easily able to incorporate his research on immigration into our Microeconomics course.


CONTACT THE LGSB:

Liautaud Graduate School of Business
815 W. Van Buren (MC 077) Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60607

Phone: (312) 996-4573
Fax: (312) 413-0338

E-mail: mba@uic.edu