It isn’t hard to see why Eileen Cherry Clark, who entered the MBA program in January 2003, has gained respect as a leader among her classmates. Named Business Development Manager for Baxter Credit Union (BCU) in Dec. 2001, Clark carries a resume that includes undergrad recognition as Outstanding Marketing Student of 1988, a number of impressive sales awards during nearly a decade in sales, an ongoing entrepreneurial venture (Cherry Vending), and a blooming career at BCU that began in 1997 when she started as a part-time Call Center rep while caring for her ailing father. As energetically as she recounts the many benefits she has received through her various positions at BCU, she is no less dynamic a spokesperson for the benefits of the Lake Forest MBA program.
"I am enthusiastic about Lake Forest because of their service-oriented spirit," asserts Clark. "The instructors work in their fields of expertise and encourage class discussion so we can learn from real-life experiences. I enjoy the interaction and teamwork involved in doing class projects. I also appreciate the networking opportunities. Since starting school last January, I’ve made some very good friends as well as initial contacts for future business sales. Most importantly," she emphasizes, "I am excited about being able to apply immediately so many of the lessons I learn in class. Every class I have taken so far has given me practical skills that are enhancing my effectiveness at work!"
While attending Executive Communications, her first class at Lake Forest, Clark had to prepare to speak publicly in front of Baxter’s HR Generalist Council. She developed a PowerPoint presentation for that event and rehearsed it by delivering it as her final presentation in Executive Communications. "The feedback I received from my Lake Forest instructor that Saturday was priceless!" she recalls. "On Monday, I adjusted my presentation and delivered it at BCU to a very impressed audience of VIPs who took note of me!"
Clark easily traces "Learn it Today, Use it Tomorrow" experiences from every class she has attended to date. In Financial Accounting, where students learn to analyze annual reports, Clark mastered accounting terms and concepts that immediately helped her become more participative at BCU’s weekly management meetings. Following her Research Methods class, which teaches students correct methods to conduct surveys, Clark developed and conducted two separate surveys for her BCU department that have been deemed credible and effective. Her capability in proposal writing was enhanced significantly after learning lessons from Critical Thinking as well as Economics.
"One course that has helped me both professionally and personally is Negotiations," says Clark. "Being able to apply the win-win approach, knowing how to ‘expand the pie,’ and understanding several other key negotiating skills, I am now able to work with others more successfully than ever before. The class has been particularly helpful in showing me how to deal with clients and pursue new prospects in a way that attracts more business." Clark has also been able to apply Lake Forest's teamwork approach directly to her work. "Thanks to teamwork at Lake Forest, I have learned a great deal in a short amount of time about relating to other BCU departments," notes Clark. "Lake Forest has helped me think more strategically and develop the executive skills I need to reach my future career goals."
Why is Lake Forest such a good fit for someone as ambitious as Clark? "BCU and Baxter have a long history with Lake Forest," she replies. "Mike Valentine, our president at BCU, went there, among many others. Lake Forest has an excellent reputation based on the career successes of its alumni."