Q&A with Yohan Collure, TMMBA Student

Yohan Collure, Global Account Executive at NCR Corporation, shares his experience in the Technology Management MBA Program.

Why did you choose the Technology Management MBA program at the Foster School?

I chose the TMMBA program primarily for a few reasons.

1. The focus on business as it applies to technology companies.
   • As a Seattleite, there’s no shortage of reputable technology companies that are looking for the next generation of leadership in a business capacity. Having technology-driven case studies as a basis of the program prepares you for business decision making in the real world.
2. The reputation of the Foster School of Business in the Seattle area and nationally.
   • Foster has such a great reputation in the Seattle region, and the networking opportunities with alumni really stood out. Combine that with the caliber of students and professors that Foster has, it really made the decision easy. There’s no stronger business school affiliation than Foster in Seattle.
3. The 18-month duration and class cohort structure.
   • I liked that the program was shorter in duration than some of the others at Foster and I really liked the student profile of TMMBA. Most students have about 10 years of experience and this adds to the quality experience and discussions that you will draw from in class.

What class has been the most useful or interesting to you so far?

Corporate Finance (and Entrepreneurial Finance) with Lance Young. I really enjoyed the way that Lance lectures the courses, which is to hone in on the big picture thinking rather than the minutiae. I think this allows you to gain the strategic insight when making important financial decisions for corporations and start-ups.

How has your study group affected your experience in the TMMBA program?

The study group structure is one of the best parts of the TMMBA program. Many of the students balance a number of responsibilities and at times, its challenging. Having a study group allows you a support arm for those difficult times. In addition, the study groups are a great learning resource. Many of the students have different skill sets and bring diverse ways of thinking to solve business problems. Learning from your group is a big part of the educational experience of the program.

What is your impression of the Foster alumni network?

This was one of the reasons I joined the program, because of the rich alumni network. It has been everything I expected, and more. I’m particularly pleased with the amount of networking events that take place, both in a professional setting and social setting. There’s ample opportunity to meet alumni through various channels. It seems like Foster alumni are present in every organization and every business group in Seattle and you’re only a sponsored e-mail introduction away from an introductory coffee meeting.

What strategies do you use to balance work, life and the TMMBA program?

I’m fortunate that I’m part of a study group that really prioritizes structure. In advance of each quarter, we all mutually agree to have certain days of the week that we meet, certain days that we take off from school, and that allows me to plan the other activities and priorities that I’m involved in, whether it be school, work, family, or personal obligations.

Is there anything else you want to tell prospective students about this program?

This program is structured extremely well to allow you to make the best use of your time. The professors, staff and students are top notch and the learning and networking opportunities are endless.

Read more interviews with TMMBA students.