Now you’re talking
Alums share their thoughts on the value of their degrees
W. P. Carey partnered with Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI) to capture alums’ thoughts on the value of their degrees. PCI contacted alums by phone, email, or mail in spring 2022, requesting participation in the project. Here are a few alums who shared their experiences:
- Alan Wald (BS Management ’83), membership development manager at Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California, was Sparky the Sun Devil for three years, implementing the pushups and wearing a jersey with Sparky on the back. “The reputation of the W. P. Carey School carries even more weight now because it is one of the top schools in the country,” Wald says. “It makes me feel good that the value went up. I am proud to know that the school I attended is well known and recognized—that carries validity for other opportunities.”
- Ranjita Chakravarty (MBA ’85), who is celebrating 24 years as director of information technology audit at Stanford University, shares, “The MBA was a rigorous program, and I enjoyed the challenge of studying for an advanced degree. I believe the rigor set me up for my current career success.”
- Neil Howard Baier (MBA ’98) is celebrating more than 15 years as vice president of finance at Crescent Crown Distributing in Mesa, Ariz. “What attracted me to ASU was the quality of the evening program, because I had to work. The education I could get there was better than most evening programs,” Baier says. “It’s amazing what doors opened because of the degree and the program. It immediately impacted me because I was recruited by Intel and Andersen Consulting right out of the program. … As the vice president of finance at Crescent Crown, I use the skills I learned at W. P. Carey almost daily.”
- Shelley Chen (MBA ’05) moved from Hong Kong to Phoenix in 2000. “At the time I worked for Motorola, which sponsored my study,” Chen says. “I am in the accounting-finance area, so it met my education profile well. The program gave a lot of real-life examples that were very helpful. I met a lot of different people from different backgrounds, so it was diverse, and it was an important experience. It also helped me move up to the management position and I could apply some of the skills I learned. I highly recommend the W. P. Carey School of Business.” Chen is now the vice president of finance at Hemisphere GNSS in Scottsdale, Ariz. The company is a leader in satellite positioning accuracy and reliability.
- Stanley J. Kelman (MBA ’14) is the CEO of Peloton Workforce, an interstate transportation, last-mile logistics, and distribution services company in Las Vegas. “I was looking at several schools, and the supply chain program appealed most to me because I had been a supply chain guy for most of my career,” Kelman says. “W. P. Carey was very competitive. It meant a lot to be associated with the school and for other people to recognize the strength and academic robustness of the program in the supply chain. It has opened doors for me and given me instant credibility.”
- Mirna Lovren (BA Business Global Leadership ’16), an associate at Goldman Sachs in New York, says, “I chose the W. P. Carey School of Business because it offered a strong program that directly aligned with my career goals. I had always wanted to concentrate on international business, and I was able to find the perfect major. Throughout my university career, I was constantly presented with the opportunity to network with people who shared similar aspirations. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of moving to New York City and working for one specific company. I’m grateful my time at W. P. Carey led me to where I have always wanted to be.”
