Thinking MBA? 9 Successful Black Women Discuss the Impact of the Degree on Their Career

Sophia Wilder –  Head of Investment Technology and Leadership Development for Mason Street Advisors, a division of Northwestern Mutual, Keller Graduate School of Management (also has a Master’s in Project Management from that school)

Madame Noire: What impact has your MBA degree had on your career?

Sophia Wilder: Having an MBA has had a positive impact on my career at Northwestern Mutual. I have been with the company for seven years and started at Northwestern with a Master’s degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch University. But I must say that having the MBA has me a more [well-rounded executive].

MN: What made you want to pursue an advanced degree?

SW: I enjoy learning and knew that in order to move forward in my career field that I would need to retain an advance level degree.

MN: Given today’s economic climate, would you recommend this path to other African-American women?

SW: Yes, I would hands down recommend this path to all African-American women who are interested in moving their careers forward. The game has changed since I obtained my MBA, as there are more people with advanced level degrees than there are job opportunities to use these degrees. Women need to ensure that they are doing their research and choosing a major that compliments the MBA that they would like to obtain in a field that they are passionate about. No matter what you do there is an old saying that [goes], “When you find and do what you are passionate about you never work a day in your life.”