Graduates say the differentiator that drew them to this executive MBA program was the supportive culture, giving them the confidence and skills to become C-suite leaders. Here are three examples of recent graduates who became CEOs during or soon after participating in the program.

Brandi Martin, MBA ‘23

Brandi Martin broke through her career plateau with the Oregon Executive MBA.

“I made an investment in myself, she said. “After the first term, I already felt like it was a total transformation for me, professionally and personally. We had some high-caliber people in my cohort. Initially, I felt like the lucky one to be there, but by the end of the term, I knew I deserved to be there.”

Before embarking on the executive MBA, Martin admits she wouldn’t have applied for a CEO position. But with the confidence she gained, she was leading InstaFab before she graduated. She emphasizes the program's value in fostering a supportive and diverse community, creating a well-rounded cohort that transcends narrow industry silos.

“What I valued most about the program was my fellow students in the cohort and the program staff," she said. “I’ve never experienced a group so supportive and uplifting. The camaraderie of my cohort and the active interest staff took in me created a sense of belonging and community.”

Emily Sloan, MBA ‘21

Emily Sloan knew she had CEO potential, but she needed more than marketing expertise. Exploring MBA options, she attended an Oregon Executive MBA class.

“I was hooked after seeing the engagement between the professor and the students, all sharing about their industries,” she said.

Sloan saw the benefits of the program immediately.

“You can take what you learn Saturday and add value to your company Monday,” she said. “It’s one of the best things about the program – you don’t have to wait two years to see value.”

For Sloan, the most important skills she learned were how to prioritize a large volume of work and how to ask the right questions from your team to create strategy. She’s needed those skills this year.

“Not only did I become a CEO this year, but I also became a mom,” she said. “Going back to school is not easy. It’s a lot of work. But on the other side of it, you will be so proud of yourself.”

Mackie Swan, MBA ‘22

When a supervisor suggested Mackie Swan consider an MBA program, she was all in. She’d been successfully climbing the sales ladder, but she loved the idea of going back to school. She dove into the Oregon Executive MBA, excited to learn economics, accounting, and more.

“The curriculum was appropriate and rigorous, but what stood out to me was how supported I felt by the instructors and staff,” she said. “They were so hands-on. I felt cared about and supported as a person.”

Midway through the program, Swan became CEO of Woo More Play.

“My capstone adviser, Scott Grout, was such an incredible supporter and mentor for me as I made the transition and learned to be a CEO,” she said. “Being in the program offered a lot of resources I wouldn’t have had as a first-time CEO. Scott and my professors are still there for me if I need them, such as offering advice and feedback during a recent venture capital financing round.”

Level up your professional opportunities

The only executive MBA offered in Oregon, UO's weekend program in Portland is designed to accelerate professional growth and career momentum. Its twice-a-month class schedule allows students to maintain their personal commitments. Students earn a graduate degree from a nationally ranked business school in 20 months—and take the summer off between the first and second years. Oregon Executive MBA graduates report significant value in being part of a cohort of 45-50 mid- and senior-level peers from a wide variety of industries. This MBA program is distinctive for its cohort structure, convenient schedule, wraparound coaching services and robust alumni network. To learn how you can leapfrog your career growth while advancing your current fulltime job, visit business.uoregon.edu/programs/executive-mba.