The number of days Kristin and her EMBA cohort spent abroad in China and Vietnam on their International Seminar trip.
Why Kristin chose Rider
Although Kristin already had a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in quality assurance & regulatory affairs from Temple University, she decided to further her knowledge and credentials with a graduate business degree.
She chose Rider for its small class sizes and proximity to both her home and previous job at CoreLab Partners, Inc. (formerly RadPharm). “I’m someone who always wants to learn something new. I thought Rider’s Executive MBA program could give me the ‘big picture’ understanding of business that I wanted to acquire,” says Kristin. “I was also drawn by the international seminar and professional coaching program.”
I thought Rider’s Executive MBA program could give me the ‘big picture’ understanding of business that I wanted to acquire.
Associate Director, Critical Phase Program Management Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
Rider's impact on Kristin's success
“I can’t say enough about the program and my professors,” says Kristin. “It was an exceptional learning experience.”
Although she had never taken a business class in college, Kristin was able to keep up with outside readings and follow up with her professors. “Not having a strong business foundation was definitely a challenge, but the program is designed in a way that students without a background in business can be successful and those with a business background are still challenged,” she says.
“Rider’s EMBA program gave me a higher comfort level with the language and process of business. Most of all, I gained valuable perspective about what drives various stakeholders,” adds Kristin. “This enabled me to be more effective at leading teams and influencing change within my organization.”
Continued success
During the 19-month EMBA program, Kristin was promoted at CoreLab to Director of Global Clinical Operations, a position she held for three years. In 2013, she left the company to assume her current job as associate director, critical phase program management at the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Kristin feels the degree played a role in her success: “My Rider EMBA demonstrates that I’m a fast and dedicated learner who does what is necessary to succeed.”