Troy Waller (EMBA '12)

Waller Consulting, Owner

• Why did you choose to attend the Cox School?

Close proximity to where I live - extremely convenient for travel and managing needs of young family. Top ranked business school - best option in North Texas to provide most widely recognized credentials nationally. The Executive MBA program focuses on Entrepreneurship which is where my experience, passion and future career lies. I wanted to fine tune my business skills and acumen. I had previously spent time on campus when working for Aramark and was very impressed with the facilities and faculty.

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

As someone who had not completed my undergrad degree, yet had already spent almost 20 years working internationally for a large Fortune 500 corporation, a small family owned business, and for myself, I've already had ample opportunity to translate the theory that I have already learned in the first two semesters into valuable, and tangible, practical application. This program will be even more beneficial to me when I open my own retail food concept in 2012. Study group format and the diversity make up of the class has broadened my understanding of many other sectors and industries. The Executive MBA Program also has great networking opportunities.

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

If you just want the credentials of an MBA, then do it by yourself online. If, however, you want to contribute and participate in a program that will deliver benefits to both you and your fellow class mates proportionate to what you're prepared to put into it, then the Executive MBA program at SMU Cox is for you. Assistance and support is always just a simple phone call, e-mail or personal conversation away. Remember the 5 'P's that you undoubtedly learned in one of your leadership or management courses? Well, Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance is certainly not a cliché here at Cox when looking to maximize performance in the EMBA program.

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

As mentioned earlier, as someone who had not completed my undergrad degree, yet had already spent almost 20 years working internationally for a large Fortune 500 corporation, a small family owned business, and for myself, I've already had ample opportunity to translate the theory that I have already learned in the first two semesters into valuable, and tangible, practical application.