Adi Garg (EMBA '11)

Cash America International, Vice President of Infrastructure

• Why did you choose to attend the Cox School?

My criteria included high ranking and a local program. I also did not have time for the GMAT because I wanted to complete the program by May 2011. SMU fit the bill perfectly.

• How has the Cox Executive MBA Program helped you to achieve your career goals?

I joined because I was preparing for a new role as Vice President. Starting right from the first class in Organizational Behavior, I received invaluable information and viewpoints that helped me launch organizational change confidently and effectively, leading to the promotion 12 months earlier than expected. The newfound knowledge and vocabulary is very useful in communicating with executive leadership and my business peers. This sets me up well for future success.

• What advice would you give to candidates considering the Cox Executive MBA Program?

Be prepared for hard work. Most of it is also very interesting so it won't always feel like a burden. But it is a challenge and in the end you will feel great having overcome it. Your classmates will be outstanding and will challenge your worldview. Be open to learning from them.

• Please add anything else that is unique to your Cox Executive MBA experience.

Being way out of the comfort zone is the theme of what I found unique about the program. The jump from the "death pole" (in the ropes challenge course) was an experience never to forget and has helped me overcome blocking obstacles several times already. The Andes horse ride was an awesome experience and a great confidence boost as well. I have always considered myself very technical and accomplished but I was amazed at everything I did NOT know about the world of business and even about myself. The peer group held up a mirror to me that few others have dared to. Some of what I saw was a great confidence boost and some demonstrated my most significant weaknesses that I have been and will keep working on outside of class.