Tanner Williams earned his undergraduate business degree at Paul College in business administration with an option in marketing. He was particularly interested in learning more about other topics such as data analytics, negotiation tactics, and leadership styles. The accelerated one-year MBA provided him the opportunity to sharpen his understanding of business management and management styles.
Tell us a bit about yourself, and why you wanted to get a graduate degree?
I'm from a small town in Upstate New York and loved my time at UNH as an undergrad. I studied business with a concentration in marketing before deciding that I wanted to pursue my MBA at some point in my career. With COVID-19 taking over last spring, I decided to apply and see where I stood. When I was accepted over the summer, I knew that it was the right time to return to school and complete the accelerated program.
Are you currently working, and where?
I am currently searching for a summer internship. I have a handful of good leads and feel confident I'll close on one in the next month or so.
What are you hoping to learn to help you advance or pivot in your career?
I was looking for the MBA program to really sharpen my understanding of business management and management styles. I focused on marketing during my undergrad, so I wanted to learn more about other topics such as data analytics, negotiation tactics, and leadership styles. I've taken a broad array of classes that has really helped me to grow my business knowledge in general and look forward to completing my final classes this term.
Why did you choose UNH and Paul College to get your graduate degree?
I chose UNH because for the past few years this place has become my home. I have made a lot of terrific relationships with classmates, advisors, and professors, which I took advantage of and asked advice from when making my decision. I love being in Paul College and being around the people that have made it into what it is today. I couldn't pass up the chance to get a great education and spend one more year with my closest friends.
Have you had a favorite class and/or professor, and what made them outstanding?
Currently, I am taking Creating Winning Strategies with Professor Andrew Earle and I love it. Professor Earle is one of the most prepared professors that I have had, and he delivers material with such high energy, it's almost impossible to not stay engaged. As I mentioned earlier, business strategy and management is something I was particularly interested in when starting my MBA. The material we are studying is all applicable to current news, and I have gained a lot of insight from Professor Earle as to how current business leaders think and act in today's world.
Have you learned/discovered anything during your program that’s surprised you? If so, what and how do you think you will apply it professionally?
The MBA program really put an emphasis on teamwork, as we were assigned to teams for every class throughout the year. Throughout the year and working with my team, I really found an appreciation for clear communication and what it means to be a good teammate in the professional scope. This is definitely something that will carry over into my professional career and that I can apply to group projects in the future.
What do you consider to be the strengths of the program?
I think one of the biggest strengths of the program would be the credentials and energy of the professors we are privileged enough to have. Every professor is an expert in their respective field and it really shows. I also think the program does a great job of helping the cohort network; both with each other and with others (alumni, industry professionals, professors, etc.).
Anything else we might want to know?
I've really enjoyed my time here at UNH and can't wait to take my experiences with me in to the real world. I am forever grateful for the support from my parents, professors, and friends throughout my time at this great school that I call home.
