Hedieh Y. Evans
"I expected to evolve through the experiences of traveling the world, meeting classmates from different countries and industries, and through the coursework. What I wasn’t expecting, was that my confidence in my skills and knowledge would increase, and how it improved my communication and leadership style. Those around me noticed these changes and my improved confidence. I was told I asked questions differently, was more comfortable sharing my thoughts and opinions, and that my curiosity to learn had reached a new level."
Global Executive MBA
Industry:
Prior Education:
Virginia Tech
Why I Chose Fuqua
I first learned about the Global Executive MBA program through my manager at the time. A senior leader at my company had completed the previously named Cross-Continental Program. I also spoke to a prior employee who had completed the Global Executive MBA program more recently. After speaking with him, and hearing about his positive experience in the program, I was interested to learn more. He put me in contact with a professor in the program who was enthusiastic to meet with me. He spoke to me about the uniqueness of the program, the camaraderie of the cohort, and the caliber of the professors. All these factors, combined with my desire to travel after the pandemic, made Fuqua a clear top choice.
Before Fuqua
Throughout my time in the program, I have held the position of Sales Manager for our aggregates products in the Austin, TX market. I manage a team of sales reps who combined generate $125M in revenue. I support the sales reps with quoting projects and setting pricing for customers, as well as pricing strategy and market intelligence for our group. To achieve this, I have to leverage analytical and interpersonal skills.
After Fuqua
Despite the challenges of working full-time while pursuing an MBA, it allowed me to apply the coursework immediately into my role. I was quickly applying concepts from accounting, economics, marketing, strategy, and negotiation classes as I learned them. I hope to continue to grow at CRH either into a larger commercial sales role, or finding my way back to operations.
My Top 5 Global Executive MBA Experiences
- Company Visit of the Minera Tres Valles Copper Mine in Salamanca, Chile
- Sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal during the India residency
- Getting a workout in at a rhythmic spin class with 10 classmates in Santiago after a long day of class
- Expanding my palate at the street food markets in Bangkok
- Meeting my classmates’ partners during Partner Weekend in Prague, Czechia
Partner Support and the Global Executive MBA
A supportive and understanding partner can make this program easier to navigate and succeed. In my current role, I am often required to be “plugged in” during and outside business hours. It is challenging to find leisure and quality time with your partner after adding studying, team meetings, and Saturday morning classes on top of a demanding job. He would remind me that the stress was short-term compared to the opportunities it would create for me. My husband traveled with me on three of our four international residencies, and it was a great experience to share with him throughout this program. I highly suggest bringing your partner on trips before or after the residencies.
MSQM:HA students "meet" in Durham without leaving home
Global Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
Financial Services (20%)
Consulting (5%)
Sales/Business Development (5%)
Energy/Chemical/Gas (9%)
Marketing/PR/Advertising (6%)
Consumer Goods (3%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Women
Non-US Citizenship
Master of Management Studies: Duke Kunshan University
Undergraduate Majors
Business/Accounting (51%)
Economics (22%)
Liberal Arts (14%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (10%)
Other (4%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Women
Non-US Citizenship
Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business
Undergraduate Majors
Liberal Arts (33%)
Business/Accounting (24%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (18%)
Economics (17%)
Other (8%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Women
Non-US Citizenship
Weekend Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
IT (16%)
Financial Services (14%)
Health Care/Health Services (10%)
Manufacturing/Operations (9%)
Sales/Business Development (8%)
Consulting (8%)