Evening MBA Program Staff Spotlight: Tim Hossain

There are many reasons the Foster Evening MBA Program continues to offer the best in business education. The faculty and the students are certainly part of the equation. However, the program would not be the same without the dedication of the MBA Programs Office staff. In the first installment of this new blog series, we learn about Tim Hossain, the Director of Student Affairs for the Evening MBA Program, who brings passion and commitment to everything he does at Foster. Students, faculty, and staff agree, Tim embodies Foster’s unique values that set it apart from other MBA Programs.

Why did you choose Foster as a student?

In 2004, I joined the University of Washington in Admissions and Recruitment for the Foster School of Business. I focused on navigating my role, but felt like I was working harder for limited results. I spoke with Dan Poston (Assistant Dean, Masters Programs) whose insights made me realize that the challenges I was wrestling with were organizational and business-related. I knew that the MBA would allow me to develop the business foundations and negotiation skills that could accelerate my career. I knew Foster’s collaborative and friendly culture was what I was looking for in an MBA Program. After winter quarter in my first year of the Evening MBA Program, I could already see a significant change in my problem-solving and time management skills. I found that Foster’s emphasis on team-driven learning facilitates an exceptional academic experience, one that is focused on the collective success of the group through the growth and development of each of the individuals. Thanks to the structure of the Evening MBA Program, I was able to apply classroom learnings the very next day at work. Today, I continue apply my takeaways from the Evening MBA Program as a professional.

Why did you choose Foster as a professional?

Nine years ago, when I joined Foster, I was drawn to the opportunity to work with smart and talented students, faculty, and staff. It is very rewarding to see the impact of the work the MBA Program does to change the lives of our students. As an alumnus of the Evening MBA Program, I feel a strong responsibility to ensure every student has the chance to take advantage of the opportunities the Foster School of Business offers. I enjoy connecting students and alumni for mentorships, career opportunities, or shared interests. The Foster Evening MBA accelerated my career, expanded my network, and allowed me valuable experiences that I love sharing with students.

What sets Foster Evening MBA students apart?

The community of the Evening MBA Program is unique. Students are not just coming in, taking classes, and leaving. A wide offering of extracurricular and social activities keeps students involved and engaged. For example, we have a standing Wednesday night happy hour where students share laughs and learnings. Our students appreciate the variety of student leadership opportunities and conferences available to them, and they take pride in representing Foster in giving back to the community. Foster has a great reputation- people in Seattle, the U.S., and the world are paying attention. This reputation would not be possible without the commitment of our exemplary students.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

My relationships and interactions with students. I have the privilege of forming amazing connections with these bright individuals. These relationships mean I have a responsibility to be honest with my students. I celebrate their accomplishments with them, but I also give them direct feedback on topics ranging from team dynamics to living up to their individual potential. The trust I build with my students makes them receptive of these tough conversations- they know I have their best interest in mind. I make a point to meet with every single student in our program. In order to serve as an advisor, I need to have context and understand each individual’s story so I can tailor my advice to each student’s needs.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Same as above. Tough conversations with students are often the most challenging, but I have high expectations of them and have a responsibility of ensuring they have the resources they need to be successful. I want to help them reach meaningful milestones in their MBA and career, and sometimes a dose of tough love is necessary.

Looking back on your experience as a Foster MBA student, one

Do: Focus on more than just class- the Evening MBA Program is more than just a set of classes; it’s a series of experiences. Attack what you want to do. The knowledge you gain is more important than the final grade. The MBA will arm you with tools to help achieve your goals. Make sure you are taking advantage of all the opportunities provided to you.

Don’t: Never second-guess why you’re in the program. Our rigorous admissions process makes us confident you can handle this. You belong here. Once you join Foster, you may feel that you are no longer the smartest person in the room, but you can learn a lot from your peers. Everyone has something unique to offer and you were admitted for a reason.

What is Foster’s competitive advantage?

The people. Foster is a diverse group of intelligent, driven people looking for a collaborative environment. The University of Washington also has a great connection to the Seattle business community. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks seek out Foster candidates for projects, internships, and jobs. Seattle’s entrepreneurship community is another competitive advantage that Foster leverages through the Buerk Center.

What do you appreciate the most about your Foster experience, personally and professionally?

The Foster experience has made a major impact in my life. The connections I made while in the program are some of the strongest I have. I don’t go a week without seeing or connecting with someone from my class (granted many weeks it’s my husband). On a regular basis, I connect with individuals starting companies, at the forefront of iconic organizations, and on the verge of disruptive product launches. My MBA classmates are doing amazing things and I get to be a part of that world.

What is one interesting fact most people don’t know about you that you would like to share?

I am first generation American. My parents emigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s where Dad got his PhD. Education was always an important part of my upbringing. My parents instilled that value in me and it changed my career trajectory. Every day, I get to empower people’s lives. While I had a great time in my undergrad, I know I didn’t take school as seriously as I should have. The Foster MBA was an opportunity to redeem myself. It requires a significant amount of time and energy, but you get out of it what you put in. If I can do it, anyone can.

There are times I wish someone had said that to me. There were times I was intimidated by the level of excellence on my team, especially during the challenging second quarter of my first year in the MBA. I did not ask for help when I should have. I hope I can help others in the long run by sharing about the struggles I personally overcame as a student.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Remember when you join the Foster Evening MBA Program that you are joining a community. The Foster MBA is only as strong as the people who are part of it. Each person has a story to tell and value to bring. As you look at your fit for the program, ask yourself, “What will you bring to the program?”

Members of the Foster community enthusiastically share their appreciation for Tim:

“Tim is the quintessential ‘go-to guy’. Co-workers and MBA students alike come to Tim with everything from technical issues to ‘What should I do with my life??’ issues. Tim is always there to lend an ear and offer you straightforward advice without judgment. He’ll give you his undivided attention and he’ll make you feel like your problem is the most important thing in the world at that moment. When Tim became the Director of Student Affairs for the Evening MBA program, he started sitting in the hall just inside the front door of Paccar during the 5:00 hour so that Evening students couldn’t miss him as they entered the building before class. Having graduated from the Evening program himself, Tim knows just how busy our students are, so he literally places himself right in front of the students so that they don’t have to come to him. He can also be seen at virtually every Evening MBA event, from the annual leadership celebration to the Foster Fun Run, supporting and celebrating our students. Tim truly cares about the people around him and about this program – Foster is fortunate to have him!” –Erin Town, MBA Admissions Director

“The thing that I appreciate most about Tim is his willingness to speak frankly about difficult topics. He has an ability to cut to the core of an issue, speak honestly about what matters, and put challenges in perspective. This made a difference for me when I was looking for a job this fall. He counseled me not to panic, but to use the resources available to me at Foster and focus on getting as much out of my business school experience as I could.” –Britt Staniar, Evening MBA Class of 2018

“One thing that makes Tim so helpful to all of us students is that he is a walking rolodex. Whatever your interest, passion, or goal, he can think of someone who you can connect with to discuss and learn from. Tim is a key part of accessing the Foster Alumni Network!” –Janice Javier, Evening MBA Class of 2017

“Tim has a rare combination of enthusiasm and patience that makes him an amazing mentor and advisor to students in the Foster Evening MBA Program.  He regularly shows his passion for all the things that make the Foster School of Business great, while helping me to realize the full value of my education.  His candor is constantly refreshing and he always goes above and beyond for every student to make his/her experience the best it can be.” –Adam Rubens, Evening MBA Alumni, Class of 2015

“What’s great about Tim is that I feel completely comfortable to go to him with anything — a question, feedback, a complaint that the bathrooms are closed yet again.  He’s absolutely approachable and understands what it’s like to balance work, school, and the little bit of a personal life Evening MBA students at Foster try to maintain.  He’s not only our fearless leader, he is our friend.” –Sheena Nelson, Evening MBA Class of 2016

“When I first met Tim, I was working on my application to the Full-time MBA Program. Since I am in the U.S. on a work visa, I was concerned about how I could do the program with either a full-time or part-time job. I was focusing on the Full-time MBA option because of its shorter duration, which would have allowed me to join my family in Italy again sooner. Tim spent a considerable amount of time patiently explaining the alternatives. I especially remember his honesty about time commitments and workload. He laid out all the cards on the table so that I could make an informed decision. He guided me towards the best solution for me and the career path I am seeking. Tim actually cares about the students. He helps us get the most out of the program by tailoring his advice to each individual’s unique situation.” –Sara Ortolani, Evening MBA Class of 2018

“Working with Tim is truly one of the best parts of being in the MBA Programs Office.  He knows what you are capable of and pushes you to grow.  His confidence in me inspires me to do my best and continually improve. I always feel safe knowing that if I was to fail or fall short that he would be there to offer support and constructive criticism without judgement to get me back on track.  That is an extraordinary skill of his, or as we call it, his superpower.” –Jenny Forbes, Student Affairs Assistant- MBA Programs Office

To make an appointment with the Foster MBA Programs Office, call 206-543-4661 or toll free at 1-866-778-9622, or email us at [email protected].

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