Ed Maier

Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business

“Global technology leader passionate about family, friends, food, running, outdoors, and service to the community.”

Age: 51

Hometown: San Ramon, CA

Fun fact about yourself: I have completed a dozen marathons, including the Boston Marathon.

Undergraduate School and Degree: NA

Where are you currently working? Google, Senior Program Manager

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? In my career, I’m most proud of guiding NetForce Global, a data provider to the HR industry, through the pandemic’s turbulence. By automating processes and building strong customer relationships, I not only ensured the company’s profitability but also maintained a lean team of industry veterans. This not only delivered stability to my team but ensured our clients continued receiving top-notch background screening solutions during a critical time.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? The Leavey MBA program at Santa Clara University perfectly aligned with my professional goals. The program’s focus on the technology industry provided a targeted curriculum directly relevant to my field, while the online format offered the flexibility I need to balance my work and family commitments.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part of being in the Leavey Online MBA program was the group work. Collaborating with a talented and diverse group of classmates challenged me to consistently elevate my work.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The most surprising aspect of the online environment was the richness of the collaboration tools. Despite the virtual setting, we were able to seamlessly meet, collaborate on projects, and deliver presentations. This fostered a strong sense of teamwork that bridged the gap created by physical distance and conflicting schedules.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? Compared to my in-classroom undergraduate experience, the Leavey Online MBA program shared many core elements like research, concept exploration, and collaboration. However, the online format demanded greater personal initiative to engage with instructors and classmates. I actively participated in office hours and group meetings, recognizing the value of human interaction in the digital experience.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Success in an online MBA program hinges on two key strategies: self-discipline and proactive engagement. Staying organized, managing your time effectively, and consistently chipping away at the workload are essential. The online environment shouldn’t be isolating, so take steps to maximize interaction with others. Actively participate in discussions, virtual office hours, and networking events to build a strong learning community. This approach will not only enhance your understanding but also expand your professional network

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The skills and knowledge I gained from the Leavey Online MBA program are directly applicable to my current role. Courses like marketing enhanced my understanding of customer needs and effective product positioning. Similarly, finance courses provided a framework for making data-driven decisions that optimize project budgets. Most notably, the “leading innovative organizations” concentration directly translated into my ability to drive strategic initiatives and foster a culture of innovation within my team.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? The MBA program wasn’t accompanied by a promotion, but it fueled a career shift. It provided valuable perspective and helped me land my current role at Google.

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