EMBA at WP Carey School of Business: Alumni Interview

Ann Graham talks to MaryAnn Miller, Avnet Inc’s chief human resources officer about her EMBA, business school, the balancing act and compromises she made. 

MaryAnn Miller’s husband was so inspired by his wife’s Executive MBA experience, he started his own EMBA the year she completed hers. 

MaryAnn Miller’s career includes more than 25 years of experience in human resources and operations management, but her Executive MBA still had a part to play. “It filled in the gaps in my experience thus far and allowed me to immediately apply the knowledge in my work situation,” she says.

An alum of the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in the US, Miller earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago but it wasn’t in business – that was where the value of her EMBA came in. “As a support group leader, I was interested in gaining a full understanding of how businesses operate and how I could help accelerate business performance,” Miller says.

Growing confidence

That understanding paid off. In 2009, Miller was awarded the Avnet Chairman’s Award for leading her team to remarkable strides in people practices across Avnet and was also elected a Corporate Officer. In 2010, almost a decade after she completed her Executive MBA, Miller received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the WP Carey School of Business.

“My EMBA gave me the confidence to contribute to business discussions at a higher level, increase my performance as a business partner and attain global experience,” Miller says. “Within one month of receiving my degree, I landed a position in a global company and took a big step forward in my career development.”

Miller believes one of the greatest advantages to having an Executive MBA degree is that it opens up opportunities that would not otherwise be available. “[It] builds perspective and increases effectiveness and provides an impetus for lifelong learning,” she says. “As fast as things move in today’s business environment, it’s important to stay engaged.”

But it wasn’t just business school that Miller had to stay engaged with while studying for her EMBA. She also had to juggle family commitments as well. “My husband and children were very supportive,” Miller says. “They took over some of my household responsibilities and, although we didn’t have as much family time, we had high quality time. My husband was inspired by my experience and started his EMBA the year that I completed mine. It was good for our children to see both of us so engaged in learning.”

EMBA advice

Would she encourage others to pursue an EMBA? “Absolutely!” Miller says. “It’s an excellent way to build your knowledge base, contribute more effectively at work, expand your professional network, and enhance your career. Program demands are high, but well worth it. The smile on my face on graduation day says it all!”

And Miller has advice for those considering this prestigious business degree. “Number 1: it’s important to be organized and plan ahead for projects and tests, so that unexpected work or family issues don’t compromise your educational results,” she says.
“Number two: keep up with the reading so you don’t find yourself in a hole; find a quiet place and time to do this.

“Rely on the faculty. They are wonderful resources and take pleasure in helping you along.

“Finally, don’t worry about making straight ‘A’s’. Of course it’s important to do your best, but you may need to make some compromises along the way. It is truly a balancing act, but it can be done.”