MBA Student Profile: Julie Napier, Graziadio School of Business

Julie Napier talks about herMBA program at the Graziadio School and how it has helped her chalk her career path.

1. Why did you choose the Graziadio School?

I chose the Graziadio School of Business and Management because of its outstanding reputation in the following areas: business ethics, knowledgeable professors, and opportunities to be involved in a diverse environment in both the on-campus and overseas programs.     

2. What were you doing before your MBA?

I worked in sports marketing for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns.      

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

- I spent a semester in Antwerp, Belgium through the study abroad program.
- I was also involved in the mentorship program through Pepperdine and was fortunate to make some great connections that will last for years to come.
- During the first year of the MBA program I was involved in an ethics group that met to discuss ethical problems and solutions in the world of business.
- My second year, I attended the Women in Business meetings and events.     

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

We were involved in several consulting projects - one of which was specifically for non-profit organizations.  This gave us a chance to serve in the community while also applying the business skills we were currently learning.

I had many opportunities (and assignments) to write business plans and was able to present my plan in front of some local Venture Capitalists for scrutiny.     

5. How has your Pepperdine MBA helped your career?

- I am more confident in making critical business decisions after completing the MBA program.
- I learned how to develop a network and also maintain those relationships.
- The MBA from Pepperdine has helped me to better understand the big picture of a situation while being resourceful enough to gather more details when needed.
- I was able to take on the challenge of my current position with confidence in my abilities, and the Pepperdine degree provided credibility because of the school's outstanding reputation across our nation.
- I still keep in contact with some of the professors and staff at Pepperdine and consider those contacts one of the best benefits of being a part of Pepperdine specifically.     

6. Your current company and title?

I am the Director of Development and Public Relations at Liberty University School of Law.