M.B.A. Program Influences Alumnus to Pursue Doctorate Degree Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Meet Andrew McIntyre
Currently pursuing: Ph.D. in social and comparative analysis in education at the University of Pittsburgh
Degrees earned: M.B.A. with a concentration in international business, 2009, Point Park University; B.A. in psychology, 2002, and M.S. in human resources, 2005, La Roche College
Hometown and current residence: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Interests: Spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, and cooking
What did you decide to pursue an M.B.A. degree?
One of the ways to move into the corporate world is with an M.B.A. I learned a lot in my M.S. degree program, but I felt an M.B.A. would round out my business knowledge.
How do you incorporate what you have learned in the M.B.A. classroom into your doctoral work?
The M.B.A. degree program directly influenced my research interests and the area I am pursuing for my doctorate degree. What I learned in my M.B.A. courses, especially those taught by Dr. Kraniou, Dr. Maharaja, and Dr. Sidky, pushed me in the direction I want to take my career. The courses greatly interested me in a research area known as "knowledge spillover effects" and how universities contribute to regional growth.
How would you describe Point Park's M.B.A. professors?
They are extraordinarily knowledgeable and very accessible. They were always willing to take the time to discuss complicated topics and make them relevant to all students in the classroom. Dr. Kraniou in particular was a great mentor to me. He gave me the advice and support I needed to get into a great Ph.D. program.
What do you think makes Point Park's M.B.A. program unique?
Because it's a smaller program, Point Park's M.B.A. instructors can truly get to know their students. Also, being that Point Park is in the heart of the city, it makes for a vibrant, urban campus. Point Park also has a strong number of international students, which gives the University a clear advantage.
What are your future career goals and how has earning an M.B.A. prepared you?
My goal is to work in the academic world as an instructor or administrator. I'd prefer to work in a smaller school where I would get to know the students well. Point Park's M.B.A. program greatly prepared me for my doctoral work and has allowed me to compete with students from all universities.