Sierra Pagh
Student Ambassador
MBA Candidate 2008
Full-Time Student

Concentration(s): Finance
Industry/Field of Work: Consumer Products, Fortune 500 Company
Undergraduate Degree: Industrial Engineering
Undergraduate Institution: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Career Goal: Financial sector
Club or Committee Involvement: Women's Interest Network
E-mail: spagh2@uic.edu

Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
I realized I wanted to have a career that I was passionate about and in order to do so, I needed to go back to school to equip myself with the right skill set.

What were the most important factors for you when choosing an MBA program?
I wanted a program that was flexible, could be tailored to fit my career goals, and had a good return on investment.

What impact has the UIC Liautaud MBA had on you?
Getting my UIC Liautaud MBA has equipped me with not only the job skills to re-enter the market but also the professional contacts to assist in my job search.

We all know that people pursue an MBA to increase their business knowledge. Since starting the UIC Liautaud program, what has been the most unexpected gain the experience has given you?
I had the opportunity to take a course in Sao Paulo, Brazil taught by wonderful professors. The course gave students a comprehensive overview of the Brazilian economy and business environment while showcasing some of Brazil's progressive firms. Additionally, I am very impressed by the networking opportunities; if you choose to get involved you can quickly build a strong network of student colleagues and learn as much from them and their experiences as you do in some classrooms.

What is your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud MBA program or the Liautaud Graduate School of Business?
The intimate atmosphere that allows you to easily connect with both professors and fellow students.

How would you define the Liautaud student?
Team-oriented, career-driven.

If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
Oh, you'll have to get that one from a marketing major.

What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?
Feel free to dabble in electives early on so you can quickly decide what you want your emphasis to be. By doing this, you will have greater flexibility in picking the right electives for your career goals.

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 of my professors have incorporated current topics into lectures, our team projects and case studies thereby encouraging us to see the applications of theories we learn. Professor Leventhal made accounting very interesting by continually tying subjects to current events and asking students how aspects of the course could be applied to their jobs.


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