Student Ambassador Spotlight: Maggie Hammond, MBA/MIS Candidate 2012

Maggie Hammond
MBA/MIS Candidate 2012
Full-time student

• Industry/ Field of work: Background in Information Organization/Taxonomies
• Undergraduate degree in: Telecommunications & Film/American Studies
• Undergraduate School: University of Alabama
• Graduate degree in: American Studies (MA) & Library and Information Studies (MLIS)
• Graduate School: University of Alabama
• Career Goal: Undecided
• Organizations involved with: UIC Concert Band, GMARK
• Linkedin Profile

What prompted you to return to school to achieve your MBA?
I wanted to change my career path. After working in a highly specialized area for several years, I found that I was limited in my job options, and I wanted to move beyond that.

What was the most important factor, or factors you considered in choosing an MBA program?
I looked at location, costs and value, the programs offered, the professors, and the current students.

Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for you MBA?
When I attended information sessions for various schools, I found that the Liautaud students were the ones who seemed the most excited about their program. I was looking for the school that would provide the right experience for me during the program, not just a piece of paper when I graduated. I felt that programs such as IPD would give me practical knowledge and experience.

We all know people pursue an MBA to expand their business knowledge, but since starting the program, what has been the most unexpected gain the MBA has given you?
I have a master’s in library science, and I didn’t expect it to work so well with my MBA coursework. That aspect of my educational background, in combination with my work experience, has given me a greater appreciation for data. When I started the program, I didn’t realize how important data are to every aspect of business.

Which course has been your favorite so far and why?
Interdisciplinary Product Development (MKTG 594) has been my favorite course; it was one of the reasons I chose LGSB, and I wasn’t disappointed with my experience. Having the opportunity to develop product ideas for an actual company was an invaluable experience. I had a great team, and enjoyed having the opportunity to work on a cross-functional team–we had 2 industrial design students, 2 engineering students, and 3 MBA students on my team. I wanted a course that would give me hands-on practical experience, and that’s exactly what IPD provided.

How would you define the Liautaud student?
It’s hard to define THE Liautaud student, because there is such diversity among the student body. Students come from different educational and work backgrounds, different parts of the world, and they have different career goals. One thing I have noticed is that students want to help each other; I know at many schools the students are very competitive, but here it seems that the students want to help each other succeed.

Aside from classes, what have you enjoyed most about being a Liautaud student?
I have really enjoyed getting to know my classmates.

What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MBA students?
Form study groups with your classmates because it gives you a great opportunity to get to know the people with whom you will be working for the next couple of years.

To meet with a Student Ambassador or schedule a class visit, click here to send your request to our Admissions team.