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After beginning her professional career as a registered nurse providing direct patient care, Liz Youngblood (Executive MBA ’05) moved into the areas of quality improvement and case management. As she was promoted into management and began to take on additional responsibilities, she entered the Cox Executive MBA program. Leveraging the business skills and experiences acquired through the program, Youngblood is today vice president of an internationally recognized health care system
- Why did you choose to attend the Cox School?
The Cox School has an excellent reputation and is nationally and internationally ranked. In addition, I was looking for a strong academic environment.
- Which courses did you take that were most helpful in getting you to where you are today, and who were your professors in those courses?
The case studies utilized in my Corporate Finance class were especially helpful in tying together all of the classes in the Cox EMBA program. The case study approach allowed me to not only apply the knowledge acquired in accounting and finance but also take into account other important factors that influence business decisions such as marketing and organizational behavior.
- What were the most important skills you acquired, lessons you learned, and experiences you had in these courses?
The most important skill I acquired was the ability to read and understand financial statements. I now feel confident enough to question the numbers if necessary and I understand the explanations.
- As a student and as an alumna, have you benefited from/tapped into aspects of the Cox network, such as the Associate Board executive mentoring program, the online alumni network or alumni events, and the BLS or MBS speaker series?
The Cox network provides students with access to highly skilled, well-respected business leaders and organizations you wouldn’t normally have access to. I have been very fortunate to have wonderful mentors that have and continue to encourage me. I’m also happy to be able to provide advice and mentor others. It is rewarding for everyone involved.
- What progress have you made toward achieving your professional goals since you graduated from Cox?
After graduation, I was promoted to a dual role as vice president of an internationally recognized health care system and vice president of a tertiary care facility within that same health care system. I have been given opportunities that would not have been available to me had I not obtained my MBA. The mix of clinical and business experience has allowed me to broaden my scope of responsibility to departments and services that at the beginning of my career I would not have thought possible.
- What advice would you give to aspiring business leaders today?
Get your MBA. Most people develop specific expertise based on the industry they’re working in. An MBA gives you the skills to think outside of that industry. It provides you with an overall business foundation that you can use for any job, organization, or career path.
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