M.B.A. Classes Prepared Manager to Effectively Communicate with IABC Members Globally Thursday, November 19, 2015
Meet Micayla Felicion-Davin
Job title: Chapter Relations Manager
Employer: International Association of Business Communicators
Degrees earned: M.B.A. with a concentration in Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management, Point Park University, 2013; and B.A. in History from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2009
Hometown and current residence: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High school: Pittsburgh Carrick High School
Hobbies/interests: Reading, traveling and going to concerts
LinkedIn: Micayla Felicion-Davin
Why did you choose Point Park to pursue an M.B.A. degree?
Point Park was a great fit to earn an M.B.A. because they offer a conveniently located campus and a flexible program. It was important for me to be able to maintain a full-time job while attending classes at Point Park, and the weeknight courses and fast track schedule gave me the opportunity to do so.
How have your M.B.A. classes helped you in your role as chapter relations manager of IABC?
The real-life approach that Point Park faculty used within their classes was really beneficial in preparing me for my current position at IABC. I have the opportunity to work with communications professionals around the world, and the M.B.A program provided me with a variety of perspectives on managing business relations. The course work focused around international business has been invaluable to my position because it prepared me to better communicate with all of our members globally. The instructors taught us a lot of best practices which I apply to my career and can take back to IABC chapter leaders.
Who influenced you during your time at Point Park?
I learned so much from my professors at Point Park. The Organizational Behavior course I took, which was instructed by Dr. Helena Knorr, had a strong influence on me. It was really interesting to learn how the behavior and culture of a workplace can impact the success of a business. I really appreciated learning some of the techniques that successful companies use to positively shape their organization.
I also learned a lot from the other students in my classes. My instructors were very open to opportunities for idea sharing, and it was really beneficial to learn about what was impacting other professionals and businesses.
What did you like best about grad school at Point Park?
I appreciated the small class sizes at Point Park because it allowed me to get to know the other students and fellow professionals in my classes. I had most of my classes with many of the same people, so we were able to build a solid support network that made grad school more fun.
What are your career goals?
I really enjoy working for an international membership association and with IABC's individual chapters, and would like to further enhance my skills within the industry. I plan to continue building my leadership skills and learning new practices that can help me to grow as an association manager.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Attending Point Park provided me with the opportunity to advance my career and grow professionally. I really valued the real-life approach used within the classroom that could be applied to my career. The M.B.A program was flexible, and while the courses were challenging, the instructors were considerate of the fact that many students also worked at full-time jobs.
Photo by Victoria A. Mikula, junior mass communication major