By, Julia Kryzan
After working as an engineer, Ian Barreto decided to obtain his MBA for Professionals and Managers (MBA PM) through USC Marshall. During his time in the program he cultivated invaluable relationships with fellow students, and faculty. Ian speaks about balancing full-time work, part-time MBA programs, and his new role as a father and shares his insights to new prospective students about the program’s benefits.
The responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school and why did you choose to get an MBA?
I was an engineer supporting new product development in the medical device industry. I wanted to be an engineer and lead innovation through the design and development of new products. After many product launches and working closely with cross-functional teams, I learned more about the work of the marketing team and their key responsibility to understand the “why” behind each product. This work was very exciting to me and I began making my pivot into marketing. A part of that journey was going back to school to pursue my MBA.
MBASchooled: Why did you choose USC Marshall’s Part-Time MBA Program?
Going to school full-time was not in the cards for me so a key criteria in selecting a program was a part-time option so I could continue working full-time. I learned that USC had a strong part-time program (MBA PM – MBA for Professionals and Managers) with a cohort based in Orange County close to where I worked. As a Southern California native, USC is a household name for its academics, athletics and the Trojan network. After meeting some alumni, speaking with the staff and attending information sessions, I knew USC Marshall was the place for me.
What has your experience been like thus far? What are some of the favorite aspects of your experience?
My experience so far has been wonderful. I have had the chance to immerse myself in the program and student life of USC Marshall. Prior to COVID-19, I had the chance to connect with many current students and alumni at various events, including networking sessions and programs offered by our Marshall Graduate Student Association for the Professional and Manager Program, MGSA.PM.
Some of my favorite aspects as a student include leading an implicit bias workshop as a Diversity and Inclusion Core Representative in the MGSA.PM and DJ-ing at a USC Marshall tailgate. From an academic standpoint, I have had a chance to engage with world-class faculty, including many professors that lead their own firms. They provide a real-world lens on the topics we are learning in class.
MBASchooled: How have you grown and developed since you started the MBA program?
Since starting my MBA, I have made my pivot from engineering into marketing as an associate product manager. I have been able to apply many of the concepts from the classroom into my day-to-day work in real-time. I also started my most exciting role to date – becoming a father. My daughter Quinn was born in April 2020, in the middle of quarantine.
MBASchooled: What do you hope to do before you graduate?
I hope to connect with as many of my MBA.PM Class of 2021 cohorts as I can. I hope to learn about their future endeavors and reflect back on our three year journey through the program.
MBASchooled: How has the experience been through COVID-19?
The experience through COVID-19 has been tough. Zoom fatigue is real so adding a three-hour lecture after a full-day of Zoom calls at work was a challenge. There were some silver linings though. My commute from Orange County to Los Angeles was eliminated. This gave me more time between work and class allowing me to have dinner with my wife and daughter before logging into my lecture. Also, I had the chance to connect with various classmates on a more frequent basis through virtual coffee chats.
MBASchooled:How have you been able to pivot and manage through both navigating changes to your job, as well as changes to the MBA experience at Marshall?
My support network including my mentors, management team, colleagues and classmates were essential in making my pivot and managing changes to my job and MBA program. My marketing mentor Jenna made the transition from engineering into marketing earlier in her career. She was a wonderful sounding board and provided me great guidance in order to pivot into my current role. Additionally my manager Darrell and the rest of my management team has been very supportive of my MBA. As a member of our global marketing team, there are meetings that coincide with lecture and my team has helped provide coverage while I’m in class. In return, I squeeze a few hours early in the morning or on the weekend to complete any open tasks. Lastly, I have some great colleagues and classmates that have helped me in my journey. I have a small group of go-to people that I lean on especially when clarifying deliverables, brainstorming new ideas, and gathering key information like on project deadlines.
MBASchooled: Anything else you want to add?
I highly encourage any mid-career professionals that have considered pursuing their MBA to go for it! Your diverse experiences offer so much both professionally and personally to the program, your peers, and the business community. There is an MBA program out there for you whether it is online, part-time, full-time or executive. The MBA experience is life changing. You will quickly develop a community of people that support you and help you thrive!