Alumni Profile: Josh Franklin, MBA 2010

Josh Franklin
MBA 2010

• Concentration: Finance and Accounting
• Pre-Degree Industry/Field of Work: Financial Markets
• Post-Degree Industry/Field of Work: Corporate Finance
• Undergraduate Degree: Information Sciences
• Undergraduate Institution: UIC
• Current Employer: DTE Energy – ADDP Finance
• Linkedin Profile

Why did you return to school to obtain your Graduate Business Degree?
In order to take the next step in my career and become a leader in my work organization, I needed to get an MBA degree to round out my education and experiences.

Why did you choose UIC Liautaud?
The reason I chose UIC Liautaud for my MBA was value. The quality of education that I would receive for the financial commitment I was about to make was exceptional. Furthermore, I wanted to learn from professors who were on the forefront of thought development and innovation in Chicago. I was convinced that UIC Liautaud would expose me to real world applications of fundamental economic theory and new developments in academics and business. Programs like Technology Ventures and IPD were important in helping me to make the final decision about where to attend business school.

What has been the most unexpected gain resulting from your Liautaud degree?
I did not expect to learn as much as I did about product development and innovation as I did in the IPD program. Furthermore, post graduation during the interview process, most prospective employers wanted to talk about what I learned in the IPD coursework and how those experiences prepared me to manage the product development life cycle from ideation all the way to final product delivery.

How has your Liautaud experience influenced your career to date?
My Liautaud experience has had a profound impact on my career. Because of my education and experiences at Liautaud I was able to secure a leadership development role in one of the largest energy conglomerates in the country. Without my education I would not have been in a position to secure what I consider to be a dream job.

Which course or professor was your favorite and why?
My favorite professor was Professor Kirschenheiter who was my instructor for corporate valuation. That class for me was capstone for many of the concepts that I learned in various accounting and finance classes. I learned how to use financial statement information to perform a fundamental valuation on a firm and to investigate in detail how organizations use their assets to generate wealth and codify that process so it can be useful in my own work situations.

What was your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud program?
While in the program I developed strong and rich relationships. These relationships will be a part of me as I move forward in my professional career.

How would you define the Liautaud student?
Liautaud students are very diverse, motivated and accomplished in their careers before they enter the program. The person next to you in a classroom is a high achiever that has had many successes in their career and someone from whom you have the opportunity to learn.

Now that you’ve graduated, what advice do you have for current and/or prospective Liautaud Students?
The Liautaud MBA program will provide you with the tools and development necessary to be successful. However, it is up to the individual student to make the process as enriching and fulfilling as possible. Step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to learn something new and make the most of your opportunities while you are in the program. Finally, stay connected to the program after graduation and provide guidance to those students who will join our alumni network in the future.

To learn more about the Liautaud Graduate School of Business, meet with a Student Ambassador or schedule a class visit, click here to send your request to our Admissions team.