Beyond the TMMBA Classroom

The UW Foster Accelerated 18-month Technology Management MBA (TMMBA) Program offers a rigorous and relevant curriculum taught by award-winning Foster faculty. But beyond this world-class educational environment, students have access to invaluable resources that enrich their program experience and provide incredible connections for their career growth.

Below are five impactful opportunities beyond the classroom that students are encouraged to take advantage of while in the TMMBA Program:

Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship

2018 Dempsey Startup Competition

Competitions, mentorship and so much more – the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship inspires students to pursue their entrepreneurial passions and is at the epicenter of the booming Seattle startup scene. Last year, 24% of the cohort (TMMBA Class of 2020) reported an interest in starting their own company, so leveraging the Buerk Center is a “must-do” opportunity for these students. One of the most popular Buerk Center events amongst the TMMBA cohort is the annual Dempsey Startup Competition. Over the years, more than 50 TMMBA student teams have advanced to the Investment Round of the competition. TMMBA’s highest placement to date occurred in 2012 (2nd place overall: Team Xylemed).

Board Fellows Programs

TMMBA Class 16 Board Fellows

The Board Fellows Program places Foster MBA and Evans MPA students as non-voting board members of local nonprofit organizations for one academic year. This opportunity allows students to have a real-world glimpse into the inner workings of a nonprofit board; students also apply their academic and professional experience in service of the nonprofit community. Since 2014, TMMBA students have participated on boards of over 25 local nonprofits including Seattle Goodwill, Seafair Foundation and Washington DECA.

“The Board Fellows Program is a great experience – it’s really rare that someone early in the career can get onto a Board of Directors. I learned how I can contribute my academic and professional experiences to help the mission of a nonprofit,” noted Ben Mussi (TMMBA 2017).

Career Management

2019 Career Trek to the Bay Area

TMMBA Career Management provides a wealth of resources to help students transform their careers – individual coaching, small group workshops, industry events, job search work teams and beyond. Over the past few years, the Career Management team has also introduced two special programming features: the Mentoring Program and Career Trek Series, which includes recent visits to Portland and the Bay Area. These comprehensive and specialized offerings put TMMBA students a step ahead as they launch their career search. Read more about the TMMBA ROI and career transformation.

TMMBA alumnus, Terrell Ormson (TMMBA 2017) stated, “I took advantage of both individual career coaching and networking events while in the Program. The individual career coaching sessions were superb. They helped me further express my personal strengths and focus on the best next-roles given my experience. They also provided an effective roadmap to guide my career search.”

International Study Tour

2019 International Study Tour to Japan

While the International Study Tour is technically an optional component of the curriculum, it rightly deserves a spot on this list as the opportunities for students are endless. Bonding with classmates, expanding students’ global mindset, meeting with top business executives – you name it, the Study Tour provides it. This 7-10 day tour experience includes a combination of company visits with business leaders and government officials, factory tours, cultural excursions and free time. The Study Tour is often touted as a top program highlight for students who participate. Past Study Tours have spanned the global – from South America, to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Tech @ the Top Speaker Series

2018 Tech @ the Top with Uma Raghavan, Integris Software

This speaker series showcases successful leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs from a variety of organizations – including companies such as Smartsheet, Alaska Airlines, Costco, Docusign, Concur and Outerwall. Students network with the TMMBA community all while learning valuable leadership philosophies and strategies that have transformed these influential leaders’ careers, organizations and lives.

 

In addition to these five exclusive opportunities for TMMBA students, there’s plenty else for students to enjoy including happy hours, networking events, family-friendly activities and more. What’s the common thread that makes these resources so impactful? The richness of the TMMBA community and the power of these connections. This is the “secret sauce” that makes the value of TMMBA reach far beyond the TMMBA classroom.

Aaron Bodmer (TMMBA 2016) shared, “TMMBA is building a community of professionals supporting one another throughout their careers. That’s unique in my experience and wonderful to be a part of.”

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