Stephanie Yousif wanted to fill some gaps in her business knowledge and enhance her skillset to prepare for a leadership role in her career, so she returned to her alma mater to pursue an Iowa MBA—an experience that has already proven to be a game changer for her.
Pivot from the “Great Resignation” to a great career
Stephanie Yousif knew it was the right time to pursue an MBA. After several years in her career, she was ready to sharpen her business acumen and address some gaps in her understanding of the field.
“At the end of the day, business isn’t just debits and credits. There are other variables that make up flourishing businesses, so having a complete understanding of that ecosystem was really important to me. An MBA was a natural path to uncovering that.”
Tippie immediately came to mind because of Stephanie’s undergraduate experience in the college. And as the world was entering the whirlwind of the pandemic, Tippie felt like a source of comfort.
“Particularly in a time of insane uncertainty, it was important to me that I had a little sense of familiarity when it came to choosing an MBA program.”
Cost was also an important consideration. The Iowa MBA was not only affordable, but it had also proven to be exceptionally strong in delivering an online experience.
“They had the infrastructure to support students remotely, which was something everyone needed at the time. Being able to rely on that was a defining factor for sure.”
A leader in the making
Stephanie officially kicked off her Iowa MBA in August 2020. She worked full-time during the day and carved out evenings and weekends for her coursework.
Though her schedule was demanding, she was determined to finish the program in two years. Working closely with her academic advisors, she was able to map out a path to do exactly that while also aligning her courses with her long-term goal of moving into leadership.
“It was really nice to have the resources to make that happen.”
During her time in the program, Stephanie became part of the “Great Resignation,” making a major pivot in her career. She left her role in the metal fabrication industry and entered the tech sector—a move she credits in large part to her Iowa MBA experience.
“Gaining exposure to different ways the world works, particularly as it pertains to software, was integral in me making that career decision.”
The impact of Stephanie’s MBA continues to show up in her daily work. The program helped her build the business acumen that now informs how she engages with prospects, drives deals forward, and understands the industries she serves.
“I owe Tippie for that.”
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The relationships Stephanie built during her Iowa MBA were just as important as the coursework.
“My professors at Tippie were really helpful in helping me decide what I wanted to do in my career.”
Tippie faculty not only helped identify her strengths, but also how they could be applied meaningfully in the professional world. One faculty member in particular, Mark Winkler, made a lasting impact and remains a friend and mentor to this day.
When Mark brought Tippie’s American Marketing Association chapter to Chicago for a professional trip, Stephanie had the chance to share her knowledge with the students.
“It was an opportunity for me to demonstrate my leadership ability at my job. Being able to bring those two worlds together was great and was a chance for me to showcase to my leaders that I wasn’t just at Tippie to receive a degree and leave, that there’s an ongoing relationship there—one I’m continually fostering and growing.”
Today, Stephanie is a strong advocate for the Iowa MBA program and encourages others to consider it, whether they’re looking to advance in their current roles or pivot into something new.
“It’s a great opportunity to understand what else is out there. You will meet a lot of really fantastic people in the program who are doing a myriad of different things. The networking aspect is really big.”
Even after graduation, Tippie remains a part of her daily life. Stephanie continues to reference the reading materials and coursework she encountered in the program.
“If you’re looking for a solid program that’s going to give you exactly what you need, the Iowa MBA is a great program to pursue. I wouldn’t be the professional I am today without it.”