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MBA DEGREE

Master of Business Administration

Sacramento State University, 2020

Executive MBA Program

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When I decide to do something, I do it in force. 

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I resolved to pursue an MBA degree in October 2018, moved to Sacramento and started in March 2019, and finished in July 2020. 

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Rather than doing my capstone project related to my current job, I preferred a greater challenge—to explore a company and industry I knew almost nothing about. 

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I chose Gekkeikan Sake USA (Folsom, CA) because I was thirsty to learn more about the Japanese beverage and its challenges in the U.S., and to construct a blueprint for increasing market share. I embraced the opportunity to create a comprehensive, strategic marketing plan in just 10 weeks that required extensive research into legal, regulatory, and economic issues as well as sociocultural, environmental, and sustainability forces.

CTSM CERTIFICATION

In March 2015 I embarked on a quest to earn the

Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) designation. 

 

By November 2016 I completed the program of 28 courses,

a three-hour comprehensive exam, and an 80-page portfolio demonstrating application of essential learning components.

 

My portfolio is a case study on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Resource Center at AAO 2015 and AAO 2016. I detail measurable objectives, exhibit design and production, integrated marketing communications (IMC), results reporting, and more. The portfolio review committee commented:

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  • "Very thorough, well done, and very professional”

  • “Fascinating reading”

  • "Most thorough IMC section we have seen in a portfolio”

  • “Your enthusiasm for always making things better shines through.”

  • “You should consider presenting a topic at ExhibitorLive.”

 

I earned the Bronze level upgrade in 2017 and the Silver and Gold level upgrades in 2018. I've also volunteered as a mentor to new enrollees in the program and am a portfolio advisor. 

 

CTSM is the only university-affiliated professional certification program for trade show and event marketers (Northern Illinois University).

 

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