MBA at Pepperdine University: Alumni Profile

TopMBA.com talks to Tammy Sexton about doing her MBA at Pepperdine University and how it has helped her career since graduating. 

Why did you choose the Graziadio School?

I have always known that Pepperdine University as a whole has an impeccable reputation for strength in academics, ethics, Christianity and also has an extraordinary network of alumni in the prominent Southern California area.

For me, the Graziadio School was a "no-brainer" choice for business school because it took on a holistic and well-rounded approach to everything I wanted to achieve from an MBA program.

The school helped me to build strong business leadership and teamwork skills, connected me with right people (professors and business leaders in the community), and involved me in a great, fun and dynamic community.

For someone who is looking to leverage his/her professional career and looking for personal growth, all those factors are extremely important.      

What were you doing before your MBA? 

I was working in Market Area Management for Ford Motor Company.      

A typical week at the Graziadio School? 

Besides driving past the breathtaking Pacific Ocean and gazing at the constant panoramic views of Malibu Beach, my typical week at Graziadio School incorporated a lot of work, a lot of study ... and also a lot of relaxation/play too ...

There was always a fine balance of diligence and extracurricular activities.  Class would span almost the entire day, from 8am and sometimes all the way to 6pm or later.

But if you didn't have class all day, maybe for just the morning, you definitely found yourself staying at school (who wouldn't, given the scenic views and the state-of-the-art facility) for individual work, team projects, for lunch or work-out with friends, or meetings with Career Resources staff to talk about internships and job opportunities.      

What are the professional and extracurricular activities that you participated in outside the classroom?

I found myself engaged in a variety of things that included the Marketing Society, and support of events and operational functions backed by the student government.   Whenever possible, I always enjoyed being a student representative for the recruitment team - sitting on student panels, answering questions of prospective students and being involved as a true, genuine Graziadio "Ambassador" to anyone interested in GSBM.      

I was also involved in one of the Board of Trustees meetings where I presented a speech representing the business school students. My speech was focused on Pepperdine's teachings and strengthening of Ethics in today's challenging business landscape.

What are some of the projects you completed at the Graziadio School?

I have completed several project of which I feel very accomplished and proud:
- Business Consulting Project for the Nonprofit Organization - Food on Foot
- Intensive Business Plan with a co-student for a dynamic entrepreneurial venture in beauty services
- Several expansive Marketing Plans for: Jolt Cola; a new hair care product launch - "Detox"; Norco Delivery Services

How has your Pepperdine MBA helped your career?

Because of the Pepperdine's great reputation and because of the incredible connections with so many helpful and successful business leaders in the community, I was able to land amazing interviews, which lead to vast options for my career with Walt Disney Company, Mattel, Warner Brothers, Universal, L'Oreal Professional, Maxx Marketing, Sebastian International and Proctor & Gamble.

Is there anything that you consider to be a "beyond expectation" experience, while you were at the Graziadio School?

Pepperdine's staff and faculty really exceeded my expectations.  Everyone is hands-on, approachable, easy to contact .... I always felt so comfortable and secure in asking questions and getting help.  For team projects, my teams always felt comfortable in calling professors after hours.  At large schools, you normally don't get this luxury.     

Your current company and title?

As of August 1, 2005, I will be harmonized into the Proctor &Gamble structure as an Associate Brand Manager working for Sebastian brands - Colourshines, Originals & Shaper and Body Double.  Body Double is our newest brand which is solely my brand.  In addition to this harmonization into the P&G organization, I will be moving to Geneva, Switzerland to be working at their European HQ for a two-year International assignment. I am very excited and feel like the hard work is paying off!