Taking off for a global career in India

Sari, we’re not home! We’ve moved! I never dreamed I’d be writing to you from our new home in Chennal, India! I made my first trip to India only three months ago before committing to a new job that required moving my family here.

When I entered the Program, my career goal was to have an overseas assignment, but I didn’t expect to be handed a guaranteed promotion. Instead, I saw earning an MBA as an investment in myself; I took responsibility for the long-term payback.

I attribute my success to making a conscious effort to apply what I was learning in the Program to my job. Whenever possible, I used class papers and projects as an opportunity to analyze or solve a problem at work. For example, my Strategic Economics course project allowed me to apply game theory and linear regression to solve a critical supply chain issue at work, which I shared with my manager. This allowed me to demonstrate new skills that could add value to my organization.

As a result, I received two promotions while still in school. The first was from 6 Sigma Black Belt to Order Fulfillment Systems and Processes Manager. The second promotion was to 6 Sigma Master Black Belt, which also brought new challenges. This role required frequent travel and initially required a good bit of formal training. The first six months were especially challenging, but it was manageable for that limited time.

Now that I have graduated, the payoff continues. On January 1, I received a third promotion to my new role as Supply Chain Manager for Caterpillar’s Indian operations. Luckily, the emphasis the EMBA Program places on global business, including elective courses such as Global Leadership, helped me appreciate the importance of understanding the local culture wherever I work.

Of course, I could not have done this alone. My husband demonstrated incredible support by giving up his career and staying at home with our daughter. This was not an easy decision for either of us, but we felt that such an endeavor would be more difficult when she is older. I’ve also benefited from great mentors. I believe that doing the best job I can for my manager and organization motivates them to do the best they can for me too.

Completing an MBA program while working fulltime, moving to India, and raising an infant — none of these are easy, but the rewards are worth it!

PS: The family photo below was taken outside the front gate of our new home.