After graduating with an undergraduate degree in biology, I worked in the heavy duty transportation industry for six years. Realizing that my biology degree was not the best preparation for the business world, I found the UIS program in Peoria was an excellent resource to provide ample opportunities to improve my career path. The pre-requisite courses offered through UIS in the Peoria area rekindled my passion for education and prepared me quite well for the graduate courses that lay ahead.
Once in the MBA program, I was very pleased to find the knowledge I was learning was not only applicable to my job with my current employer, but also teaching me the ways of large corporations. As I progressed through the program, I found my experiences were some of the best of my life. Not only was I absorbing relevant information and sharpening my skills for the business world, but I developed relationships with my fellow classmates that will last a lifetime.
Upon graduation, it only took one month before I had several offers for new career opportunities. I accepted a position with the Otis Elevator Company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation. As an account manager in their Northern Region, I am responsible for 170 accounts and 292 units (elevators) in the central Illinois area between I-80 and I-74. In addition to being the point of contact for my customers who have maintenance contracts, I also am involved with estimating and coordinating repairs, bids for new equipment, and growing our business by adding new customers. To me, this is a dream job and I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
I truly feel I would not be in my current position if it was not for my MBA. Enrolling in the program was one of the best decisions of my life and I would highly recommend it to anyone who thinks they may have an interest.
CONGRATULATIONS to Jim and wife Jennifer who welcomed daughter, Rachel Katherine Mies, into their family on April 21, 2008.
