Matthew Mansfield
As a working professional in the MBA program, I could apply key learning concepts in real-time. I didn’t wait for graduation to return the knowledge to my employer.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I am a husband and father of 2-year-old twin boys. My favorite hobby is reading, but I also enjoy working out, listening to metal music, birding, and collecting spinning tops. I am a mechanical engineering supervisor currently working for Corning Incorporated. I have ten years of manufacturing and supervisory experience across multiple industries, including materials science and defense/aerospace. I am also a former military officer with nine years of NY Army National Guard service.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “I want to further my career in engineering management or project management track. Also, fulfilling the educational requirements to sit for the PMP exam. I want to take and pass the PMP exam. I would also like to lead my first project with a budget greater than $1MM or lead a fully staffed team of engineers supporting production.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “My primary concern was completing an online program while raising infant twin boys. This was truly a family commitment, and I wouldn’t be here without my family’s patience and understanding. That said, the program is very manageable if you have a family that supports you.”
Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program?”
A: “My primary expectation was that I would be teaching myself everything. I was definitely incorrect with this assumption. Online learning still required a lot of personal motivation, but Norwich’s program was structured in a way that promoted collaborative learning. The heavy emphasis on group projects reinforced learning points, and the instructors were always readily available. In fact, I don’t think I waited longer than 24hrs for instructor feedback throughout the entire 18-month duration of the program.”
Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling into one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “My advice for potential future students: don’t wait. I thought I was taking a huge risk with online learning, but Norwich exceeded my expectations. With too much hesitation, you may never commit to any type of program. Online learning is challenging but also fun and completely manageable. And Norwich has a program that far exceeds other schools.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “As a working professional in the MBA program, I could apply key learning concepts in real-time. I didn’t wait for graduation to return the knowledge to my employer. Looking forward, I know this program equipped me for success as a leader and project manager.”
Q: “Please tell us about a time in which you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “During the Norwich program, I saved my company $15MM by leading an emergency capital project to replace a failing piece of equipment. Without this equipment, a single production line would have completely stopped for up to three months. Norwich’s project management program emphasized the scalability of the project management approach, helping me understand what was truly important to get the project done as quickly as possible. Hint: a project manager’s number one priority is risk management.”
