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Debbie Morris: MBA Alum 2007
Undergraduate & Graduate Education:
B.S. Business Admin., Florida A&M University
MBA Organizational Mgmt, Georgia State University
Previous work experience (General overview):
Benefits Coordinator, Turner Broadcasting System – While at Turner, I specialized in Health/Welfare Benefits and Work/Life Benefits. As an H/W specialist, I conducted the new hire orientation, assisted employees with claim issues, helped during open enrollment. As a W/L specialist, I coordinated the company's benefits activities such as benefits fairs, blood drives, lunch and learns and health screenings. In this role, I also administered some of the company's benefits such as tuition reimbursement, pet insurance, long-term care, anniversary gift and expectant parent programs.
How did you find your new position?
I saw that Ernst and Young was interviewing for an entry level position in Performance and Rewards on campus, so I signed up for an interview so that I could meet the recruiters.
What do you think was critical in you receiving the offer over other's that may have applied?
I think my previous work experience set me apart from the other candidates. There were about 20 other candidates there that day and I believe I was the only one applying as a graduate candidate with related work experience.
What advice would you give Robinson students to aid them in making a good career choice and being competitive once s/he's completed the program?
Find ways to gain relevant professional experience in your chosen career. Also, even if you are changing careers, it important to leverage your past work and clearly communicate your value as a result of it. If you are unsure as to what you want to do, seek out faculty and staff for informational interviews, conduct internet research and attend Career Management events.
Why did you choose Robinson?
I chose Robinson because it was a top ten school, extremely affordable, and located downtown in an area where I eventually want to live and work.
My favorite thing(s) about Robinson are…
My favorite things about Robinson are the faculty and the large variety of classes available.
How well did Robinson prepare you for your new role as a Sr. Consultant with Ernst & Young?
I feel that Robinson prepared me well for my new role. Since I had an idea of what I wanted to do, I was able to use my electives to focus on areas that I felt like I needed help with. I took Project Management, Coaching for Leadership and Consulting Theory. I feel that what I've gained from those classes will prove useful for my new job.
My long term professional goal is…
My long term professional goal is to eventually become an entrepreneur. I plan on consulting for several years to strengthen my business experience and then pursue my own business.
Outside of work, what is important to you?
Being with family and my non-profit work are important to me. I also spend time focusing on completing personal goals.
In preparation for graduating from Robinson's program, if I knew then what I know now, I would have…
I would have started researching career options earlier. That would have prevented me from taking classes that I didn't need. And, since time passed so quickly, I found myself always researching when I should have already started my job search.
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