Nadia Nassif, MBA Class of 2011
U-Mass Boston holds many fond memories for me on so many levels –where do I begin?
Beginning my MBA at the same time as my business, Springboards, allowed real-time, immediate practical application of skills, and provided extensive networking opportunities. All these skills I acquired through U-Mass are living and active in my current work with Springboards, a national communication, leadership, and cross cultural coaching firm focused on rapid career development and advancement of professional services employees (www.springboardsconsulting.com) In fact, those skills have set me apart in the marketplace.
Today, through Springboards, I am working with an incredibly accomplished team of communication and leadership coaches nationally. Together, we are helping organizations rapidly advance and engage multinationals through development of timely communication and leadership skills. 90% of our coaching clients advance professionally in under a year.
Thanks to U-Mass, I was able to obtain my MBA, part time with flexible options to choose from. I am indebted to Professor Maureen Scully, my instructor for the foundation MBA course MBAMGT 650 Organizational Analysis and Skills for Managers, and for her influence on me and my career growth. The following professors also deserve special note for the ways they challenged, supported, and encouraged me: Benjamin Lichtenstein for my independent work on multinational diversity in organizations; Annette Florzcack, for her example and professionalism in the online learning setting; Jane Buckley, who sparked a love of instructional systems design into my work and gave me the skills to stand apart in the market as a training professional who “defines clear instructional objectives” and who can measure ROI on any type of training; Dan Phillips, for his rich entrepreneurial expertise and support of me as a mentor following my business plan competition win; Arthur Bowes, who introduced behavioral interviewing; and, Bob Powers, who showed me how to speak clearly to market needs when promoting services. And so many others who showed commitment, care, and belief in me and my business.
A very special thanks goes to the Venture Development Center and their staff, and Bill Brah, who is the center director. I was privileged to witness the center being built, and evolving and maturing into the current impressive institution that it is. Bill supported me, bringing me in as a part-time tenant, then full time tenant, offering advice along the way. Dan Phillips also remained an available mentor throughout my earlier entrepreneurial days. This was a huge blessing to me.
But beyond this, it is through U-Mass that I actually met my husband, and some life long friends, at the VDC! He, too, is an entrepreneur focused on the career management space (patheer.com), so we have lots to share. Incidentally, I first met him when I was stalking him for a parking spot in the South Lot (does that still exist?). It’s funny how some things turn out.
I know that these are immense privileges –unnearned, undeserved. I want to thank God through Jesus Christ for the lavish generosity of these rich opportunities: “And who has given Him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from Him and exists by his power and is intended for his GLORY.” Romans 11:35-36. Because of what God did through U-Mass, He is getting glory through me and Springboards in the marketplace, which is fundamentally why both exist. Thank you for being ‘used’, U-Mass! And keep up your mission
