Before Aoran Li could change the world, the numbers had to add up right.

A native of Beijing, Li earned a dual undergraduate degree in International Economics and Trade and French Studies from China’s University of International Business and Economics. But she quickly realized she’s have to broaden her skills and experience to have the career she ultimately wanted.

“I worked on a social enterprise project with two of my friends as part of the Hult Prize competition,” Li says of the famed start-up accelerator for young socially conscious entrepreneurs. “During the process, I found myself very weak in my financial knowledge. Looking ahead in my career, I thought it would be important for me to understand accounting and finance better, to improve my chances for long-term development.”

Li’s undergraduate studies included time abroad at NEOMA Business School in Reims, France, and she originally thought of returning to Europe for graduate school.

“I lived in Europe for six months and learned all about European cultures,” she explains. “I felt it would be really helpful if, while earning my master’s degree, I could learn another major culture — American.”

With a campus so close to Boston, Bentley was on Li’s “dream location” list of universities in the United States. And the graduate school’s size, academic specialties, and accommodating application process for international students helped narrow her choices even further. Looking back after finishing her graduate accounting degree, Li says she didn’t regret the decision for a minute.

“Bentley’s graduate accounting program is flexible, and the facilities are equipped with the best technologies,” Li says. “The class size was perfect, and I loved the professors I had at Bentley.”

The feeling is mutual. In May, Li was awarded Bentley’s Federation of Schools of Accountancy Student Award, presented to the student that department faculty vote as most outstanding, inside the classroom and out. The combination of her stellar grades and campus involvement (during her time at Bentley, Li was a peer mentor in the undergraduate Women’s Leadership Program at the Center for Women in Business, and served as vice president of marketing for the Graduate Accounting Association and president of Graduate Women’s Leadership Organization) made Li an easy choice.

For now, Li plans on taking her master’s in accounting back to Beijing to continue her work in risk assurance at PricewaterhouseCoopers’ office there. Ultimately, however, she’d like to return to the challenge that set her on the path to Bentley in the first place: starting an organization that enact some kind of social change.

“My goal is to start or work in a social enterprise,” Li says, “something to help alleviate people’s problems and make our world a better place.”

Waltham, Mass., is home to several universities — Brandeis, Middlesex, and our very own Bentley. Because of this, and the many companies and office parks in the area, there's more to do here than you might think. Waltham's Moody Street is the hot spot for foodies and anyone looking for a vibrant social scene. And because it’s just a short shuttle ride from Boston, Waltham maintains a small-town feel while offering many of the gastronomical perks you'd find in the city.

Students who choose to attend one of these Waltham colleges often wonder what there is to do outside of classes and work. We’ve picked out some of our favorite Waltham hot spots, as well as where you can go to get essentials while you’re here. Check out this list to learn a few of the best activities, restaurants, and attractions Waltham has to offer.

Restaurants & Bars

Bison County: The best place in Waltham for quintessential American food — barbecue!

Gustazo Cuban Restaurant & Cafe: A traditional Cuban restaurant that serves a large variety of tapas items and other great meals.

Joe Sent Me: A favorite local bar in Waltham (you can spot Bentley students here on the regular) that has great food for lunch and dinner.

La Campania: An award-winning, authentic Neapolitan restaurant featuring pizzas and meats cooked in a brick oven and wood burning grill. This Waltham gem often ranks in "Best of Boston" lists!

Margaritas: The name says it all. A favorite Mexican restaurant and local hotspot for Bentley students —they have tons of room for large groups, an outdoor patio on the water, and a large menu. Plus . . . margaritas.

Masao’s Kitchen: A macrobiotic vegan restaurant that uses only organic ingredients and steers clear of refined sugar, MSG, preservatives, and irradiated or genetically modified foods.

Sakura: An authentic Japanese restaurant that serves teriyaki dishes, udon and soba noodle options, and a variety of sushi rolls.

Solea: Date night? Try this. Solea is a great tapas bar that is popular when you’re in the mood for something a touch fancier.

Shoppers: One of the best local bars — owned by a Bentley graduate — with poker and karaoke nights during the week.

Taqueria Mexico: Another popular Mexican restaurant that focuses on authentic, traditional Mexican cuisine.

Tree Top Cuisine: A vegetarian-friendly spot that serves Thai staples like pad Thai and drunken noodles.

Entertainment

Embassy Cinema: A small, six-screen movie theater that shows mostly eclectic films, along with the occasional Hollywood blockbuster. It’s located on Moody Street and surrounded by restaurants, making it a prime location for a night out.

Rose Art Museum: A free art museum located on the Brandeis University campus, with guided tours of their modern and contemporary art collection.

The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation: A museum located on the Charles River in the historic Boston Manufacturing Company textile mill, with a hands-on exhibit featuring American innovation and invention from 1812 to today.

The Waltham Museum: The place to go if you want to learn the history of Waltham.

Notable Places Around Town

Charles River Bike Path: A beautiful, scenic bike trail that spans 27 miles, going all the way into Boston. It’s a popular trail for bikers or runners.

Gore Place: A historic Federal Period house and estate built in 1806 for Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore that you can tour.

National Archives: You can visit their research room, which is a great place to do genealogical and historical research.

Prospect Hill Park: A 250-acre community park located in west Waltham with several beautiful trails for hiking and biking.

The Necessities

Grocery Stores

Hannaford Supermarket

Mass Farmer’s Market: A market offering fresh, local produce and other items while in season.

Shaw’s Supermarket With two locations in Waltham, it’s many people’s go-to.

Star Market

Trader Joe’s: In Arlington, one transit stop away. As one of our international students describes it, it’s a personal favorite for the health conscious, or the place for “hippies, vegans, fruitarians, and other kombucha-sipping folk.” In other words, a specialty store.

Whole Foods: A grocery store for natural and organic foods.

Pharmacies

CVS: The have three pharmacy locations around Waltham.

Hannaford Pharmacy: Located in the Hannaford Supermarket.

Walgreens: They have two locations in Waltham.

Banks

Santander Bank

Bank of America

Watertown Savings Bank

Citizens Bank

Hair & Nails

Andrea Silva Hair

Bella Hair

Queen Nails

Salon Astante

T & T Nails

Laundry & Dry Cleaning

Crescent Laundry

Royal Cleaners

Check Them Out

Whether you’re planning to attend a school in Waltham or just visiting, there’s tons to do while you’re here. With a wide range of attractions — plus hundreds of others not on this list — you’re bound to find something you enjoy in Waltham. To learn even more about the city, check out the latest news and updates on its website.

When deciding to pursue an MBA or master’s degree, the school you attend is a major part of the equation. But choosing a graduate school is different than choosing one for your undergrad degree — your needs have changed, and you’re more career-minded than you were going in as a freshman. When choosing a graduate program, you need to keep your career goals in mind first and foremost. That’s likely why you’re pursuing grad school after all.

Among the hundreds of grad schools to choose from, there are two categories: public and private. It’s often wondered if one is better than the other, and both have their pros and cons. Of course, every school is unique in its own way, too.

Take a look at how public and private MBA programs compare to see which one might be better for you.

Public vs. Private

Cost

One of the most commonly stated advantages of public graduate schools is a lower cost. But be careful. While most people believe public schools are always cheaper, that’s not actually the case, especially if you’re comparing out-of-state public tuition, which can often be more expensive than private. There are several private business schools with cheaper tuition than public, so it’s important not to rule out a school based solely on the fact that you assume it’s too expensive.

One thing that is for certain when it comes to the cost of public vs. private is where the schools get their money. Public universities collect a large portion of their operating funds from federal and state governments, while private schools rely mostly on tuition and other funding to keep their operations running smoothly. This is why most public schools are able to offer lower prices.

When considering the cost of graduate school, remember that most full-time MBA programs can be completed in two years — some in one — and most schools offer part-time and evening classes, which provides students the opportunity to work full time while getting their degree. This helps with the cost of school (and allows you to apply what you’re learning in a real-world environment — an added bonus). If you do your research, there are actually many ways you can creatively get others to pay for your graduate school, or at least portions of it.

Size

Another factor to consider when choosing between a public and private university is the size of the school. Generally, private universities tend to be smaller than their public counterparts. According to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the average size of private colleges in America is 1,920 students, while the average size of public universities is 43,186 students, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The advantages to a smaller school include smaller class sizes, more one-on-one attention from professors, and closer-knit student groups. The student-to-professor ratio is a lot smaller at private schools, so personalized attention is common, and something private schools are known for. When it comes to a demanding program like an MBA, the one-on-one attention and close peer relationships play a tremendous part in the success of most students. In larger schools, the classroom environment isn’t as nurturing.

That said, there can be a few advantages to a larger (a/k/a public) graduate school. Sometimes bigger campuses mean more facilities, both for educational and social purposes, and more students can mean more diversity and more networking opportunities.

Academics

If you’re pursuing an MBA, you’re obviously serious about learning and self-improvement. Private schools are commonly known for having rigorous academic programs, and emphasize learning almost more than the curriculum itself. That said, there are many public graduate schools that are well-recognized for their strong academics as well.

A graduate program, regardless of the school, is going to challenge you intellectually. So rather than trying to figure out which school is known for better academics, take a deeper look into the particular program you’re interested in at each school to see if their focuses align with what you want. In a lot of cases, it’s helpful to look for alumni of the program and see if their career outcomes align with what you expect yours to be as well.

Prestige

It could probably go without saying that private schools, especially well-known ones, carry more prestige in their name than most state schools. However, the simple fact that your degree came from a private school isn’t always going to mean you’ll fair better in a job interview. A well-known school with a good reputation, regardless of whether it’s public or private, will get your farther than a small, unheard-of school will, if you’re thinking in terms of your résumé.

If you’re looking at a school to make you stand out in the job market, choose one that’s going to develop your skills and give you opportunities for applying your newly gained business knowledge in the real world. Interviewers will be more interested in what you learned getting an MBA than where you got it.

Make Your Decision

As you choose where to get your MBA, start with the end of graduate school in mind — think about what career you see yourself with and what area you want to specialize in. Then find a school that will help you achieve those goals. Although they have their differences, try not to discriminate against a school based on its public or private status. Instead, focus on whether or not the school has what you need. If it does, it’s probably the right school for you.

Business analytics is a rapidly growing field — in fact, one of the fastest growing in the country. The Harvard Business Review even calls business analytics “the sexiest job of the 21st century.” But as the career field grows, so does the competition.

To fill these jobs, companies need individuals with the right talent and skills — something that is currently lacking in the industry. If you want a job in business analytics, you’ll have to show that you have what it takes and that you stand out from other job seekers. One of the best ways to do that is to have an MS in business analytics.  

With an MS in business analytics . . .

You’ll be a step ahead.

Big data and cloud computing are new trends in the business world — 90 percent of the world’s data was generated within the last two years, according to Huffington Post. Because of this, business analytics degrees are a fairly new concept. The University of Tennessee was the first school in the nation to launch degree programs in business analytics at the undergraduate, master’s, and MBA level in 2010. Bentley University has offered an MBA concentration in business analytics since 1997, and a master’s degree in marketing analytics since 2005. We introduced our Business Analytics Master of Science program in 2013 and continue to see overwhelming demand in all three areas — both from applicants and employers.

Very few of today’s job seekers are equipped with this degree, and because of that, the U.S. could be looking at a shortage of up to 190,000 candidates over the next three years, according to U.S. News & World Report. That means having a master’s in business analytics sets you apart simply because of its newness. Having the degree puts you in an elite group of applicants, and employers will take notice.  

You’ll gain more and better skills.

The skills most often associated with big data or business analytics jobs include IT expertise, quantitative math and statistical skills, and business and domain knowledge. Business analysts should be able to understand organizational objectives and concerns, analyze relevant data, and evaluate the viability of proposed solutions. All of these skills are learned and expanded upon in a business analytics program. But what makes a master’s degree superior is that you not only discover the necessary hard skills associated with data analysis, but you’ll also actually learn how to apply them to create real business solutions. You’ll learn how to discover and document database requirements, functional system requirements, and user interface requirements, and you’ll dive into the most recent data mining techniques. Because companies are looking for ways to analyze and improve into all aspects their business strategy (which increasingly is digital and data driven), having an MS in business analytics or marketing analytics will make you a top choice.

You’ll have real-world experience.

Although some could argue that being in a classroom prevents you from getting real-world experience, a master’s program does the opposite. An MS program gives you several opportunities to find out exactly what’s happening in the world of business from multiple perspectives. Professors who have worked in the industry and became experts in their field have invaluable knowledge to share, and you have the opportunity to work with real clients to get a feel for analytics in the working world. Most master’s programs offer the ability to attend school and work simultaneously, so you can discover how to apply what you learn into your own career. When you can tell an interviewer that you have real-world experience with analytical solutions, they’ll see that you’re a qualified candidate.

You’ll have connections.

Of course, one of the many benefits of a master’s program is that you meet a lot of new people. Networking with fellow students in class and through student organizations allows you to build up a group of professional contacts to rely on once you’ve graduated. According to Recruiting Daily, 80 percent of today’s jobs are landed through networking, so it would seem that having connections can really influence your chances of landing a job. While getting a master’s in business analytics, you’ll build relationships with others in the analytics field, and possibly connect with a future employer through class projects, networking events or speakers that are brought to campus.

An MS in business analytics will allow you to stand out.

As technology and data collection advances and consumers shop and connect with your company online, careers in analytics will continue to grow. If you’re interested in a big data or data analytics job, consider getting an MS in business analytics. It will provide you with the proper skills, give you real-world experience, and supply you with connections that put you a step ahead of the competition.

Boston is a popular place for graduate students — thousands of them choose to attend school here every year. That may be because there are at least 29 schools with graduate programs in the Boston area to choose from. But what really drives students to choose the Boston area? What makes Boston unique?

There are several reasons, and we’ve highlighted them here. If you’re interested in going to graduate school, take a look at these 10 reasons why graduate students love Boston. They may help you decide if this is the city for you.

1. Boston is “America’s college town.”

There are more than 50 colleges and universities — and more than 250,000 students — in the Boston area. Because of this, Boston is often cited as one of the smartest places on the planet. In fact, Boston has more educated people between the ages of 18 and 34 than any other U.S. city, according to The Business Journals. That means the city is teeming with people who have fresh ideas to contribute to the professional world.

2. Boston is diverse.

Boston is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, with residents speaking more than 200 different languages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than half of Boston’s residents identify themselves as part of a diverse demographic, and a quarter of residents are foreign-born. That means graduate students looking to increase their cultural awareness are given tons of opportunities to meet and learn from people from all over the world. It also means fantastic ethnic restaurants.

3. Boston is rich in arts, culture, and attractions.

Boston is home to many famous art galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Chain restaurants take a back seat in Boston, where locally owned, one-of-a-kind restaurants reign supreme — from Chinese to Indian to Irish to Mexican fare, Boston is a culinary dreamland. There are several distinctive shopping areas and boutiques, like those on Newbury Street and Downtown Crossing. And if you’re into sports (or even if you’re not), you’ll enjoy historic Fenway Park and the famous Boston Marathon, held on Patriots Day every April. No matter where your interests lie, Boston has something for everyone.

4. Boston is full of history.

As one of the oldest cities in America, Boston is full of rich history and tradition. You can see and feel the deep background simply by walking through the city, where there are cobblestone streets, century-old houses, and countless historical landmarks. The best way to take in the city’s history is through the Freedom Trail, which hosts 16 historically significant sites from the Revolutionary War.

5. Boston is undergoing a Renaissance.

Boston is currently number three in the country for venture capital funding, controlling 11.5 percent of the nation’s venture capital dollars. According to the Boston Globe, local firms tripled the amount of venture capital money they raised in 2013 — in comparison, the amount of money raised nationally decreased overall. Because of this funding, Boston entrepreneurs have overcome some of the biggest hurdles to starting companies, and Cambridge — right across the river from Boston — has been called the new Silicon Valley. This is giving entrepreneurial grad students a promising future in the Boston area.

6. Boston has a thriving startup ecosystem.

Because of that influx of funding, Boston is thriving with startups and small companies. Boston houses several coworking spaces, like the Cambridge Innovation Center and Workbar, which give entrepreneurs a flexible and supportive work environment that allows them to determine the corporate culture they’d like to have in their own businesses. Boston-area grad students who want to start their own business — or work with an already-successful startup — are very likely to get that opportunity.

7. Boston’s tech industry is booming.

The technology industry is bigger in Boston and the Northeast than almost anywhere else in the country. The combination of local research universities, insightful grad students and young professionals, and venture capital funding are spurring the technology innovation, and the Boston area is building all sorts of facilities to further attract the biotechnology industry. A few of the top tech companies in the Boston area include Acquia, Constant Contact, and iRobot, and recent Bentley grads have gone to work for local companies like Attivio, EMC Corporation, and IBM Global Services. The range of Boston’s technology ecosystem is diverse — from big data to robotics to life sciences — which is why tech-focused grad students find Boston a great area to get the skills and experience needed to further their technology careers.

8. Boston houses a large talent pool and lots of job opportunities.

If it’s not obvious by now, Boston’s plethora of higher education institutions positively impact the city in many ways. Because there are so many educated young people in the area, companies are actually locating or relocating to Boston just to take advantage of the large talent pool. And what’s more, grad students find that having so many other talented students and young professionals close by provides ample networking opportunities.

Because of the thriving startup community and booming technology industry, the odds of finding a job in the Boston area are high. There are also tons of internship opportunities for current or recent graduate students. Whether you’re living in Boston just during school or planning to stay after you graduate, there are many opportunities for employment.

9. Boston hosts several professional social activities.

Boston provides a ton of opportunities to learn new things in addition to your formal education. Local schools and businesses are always putting on events, so it’s easy to learn about different industries while meeting people and creating a professional network. Sites like Skillshare, Meet-Up, and Eventbrite will show you hundreds of educational and career-oriented events in the Boston area.

10. Boston is one of the best cities for young professionals.

If these nine facts weren’t enough to convince you that Boston is a great area for young professionals, take it from Forbes — they ranked Boston number five in the top cities in the nation for recent graduates. More than a quarter of Boston’s population is between the ages of 20 and 29, and 33 percent are millennials. This is no coincidence — Boston provides graduate students the opportunities needed to start successful careers.

Boston is best.

There are several things about Boston that set it apart from the rest of the nation. Graduate students love its rich culture, deep history, booming economy, and innovative atmosphere, which is why so many choose to call Boston home. If you’re still deciding where to attend graduate school, keep these things about Boston in mind — you may just find that it’s the right place for you.

Obtaining a master’s degree takes a lot of effort, money, and time. When you sign up for the challenge, you usually have some pretty clear goals in mind for when you’re done.

Maybe you’re established in a career and want to open up more opportunities within that particular job, or you might want to completely change the field you’re in. Or maybe you’re fresh out of undergrad, wanting to further your education before jumping into the working world.

Because graduate students all come from different points in life, it’s difficult to know which ones, if any, will have a hard time reaching those goals after graduating.

To help give a little insight, we decided to turn to data from three of our own graduate programs — all MBAs — to find out what happens to graduate students three months after they get their degree. Take a look at these stats from the class of 2014 to learn who got jobs, where they’re employed, how much they’re making, and more.

Bentley MBA Statistics

The Bentley MBA class of 2014 was made up of a small cohort of 25 students aged 26 to 60. Before beginning the program, 26 percent of the class had two to five years of work experience, while 74 percent had five or more years of experience.

The charts below illustrate the employment of students three months after completing the program. A majority had found jobs, while some were still looking, and others were not seeking employment. Their final job placements spanned six industries, with technology leading the group.

Companies that hired students from the 2014 Bentley MBA class include:

• American Express

• Converse

• Easton Cycling

• Infosys

• National Commercial Bank

• PricewaterhouseCoopers

• Solaris Automotive

Job titles among the class include:

• Senior Marketing Manager

• Brand Operations

• Vice President of Infrastructure

• Senior User Experience Specialist

• Head of Global Operations

• Sales Manager

The average starting salary of the class was $105,859.

Emerging Leaders MBA

The Emerging Leaders MBA class of 2014 was made up of students from ages 22 to 35. Before beginning the program, 42 percent had one year or less of work experience, 18 percent had one to two years, 37 percent had two to five years, and 3 percent had five or more.

The following charts illustrate the employment of students three months after completing the program. Again, the majority had found jobs, while some were still seeking employment. Their final job placements spanned 10 industries, and again, technology leads the group.
 

Companies that hired from the Emerging Leaders MBA class of 2014 include:

• Answer Lab

• Bloomberg

• Convertiv

• Ernst & Young

• HP

• Staples

• TechTarget

• Walmart International

Job titles among the class include:

• Associate User Experience Researcher

• Financial Product Sales and Analytics

• Digital Strategist

• Solutions Architect

• Digital Marketing Specialist

• Data Science Consultant

• Senior Financial Analyst II

The average starting salary of the class was $64,772.

Professional MBA

The Professional MBA class of 2014 was made up of students from ages 22 to 50. Before beginning the program, 35 percent had one year or less of work experience, 14 percent had one to two years, 31 percent had two to five years, and 21 percent had five or more.

The following charts illustrate the employment of students three months after completing the program. An overwhelming majority of students had found jobs, while only a small percentage were still searching. Their final job placements spanned 13 industries, this time with financial services leading the group.

Companies that hired from the Professional MBA class of 2014 include:

• Akamai

• Boston Children’s Hospital

• Constant Contact

• Enterprise Bank

• Harvard University

• Liberty Mutual

• Oracle

• United Technologies Corporation

Job titles among the class include:

• Financial Analyst

• Director of Sales

• Senior Financial Reporting Specialist

• Project Marketing Manager

• Risk Assurance Associate

• Research Engineer

• Vice President

The average salary of the class three months after graduating was $74,957.

Interpreting the Numbers

Of the more than 200 students who graduated from these programs in total, 74 percent had a job within the first three months of graduating, while just 14 percent were still searching.

When it comes to industries, careers in the technology field seem to be the most common (which could be due in part to the fact that the tech industry is booming in Boston), with finance and consulting coming in second and third. The average starting salary of all three programs was $81,863 — nearly double the average starting salary for undergrad holders, which is $45,478, according to Time. What we take away from this data is that graduate degrees show returns much more quickly than we had anticipated. These specific numbers from the three-month period after graduation tell us that the return is direct and nearly instantaneous.

If you’re considering the idea of a master’s degree, think about this data as you make your decision. As expected, one can also see how someone with more work experience plus an MBA will yield a different level position than an MBA graduate still fairly young in his/her career. But either way, students who are ready to take this next step begin reaping the benefits as soon as they get their degree. Is it time to get your MBA?

Data drives decision-making.

That was the overarching message at the Greater Media Boston Innovation Series at District Hall in Boston. At the event, industry leaders from the worlds of media, technology, marketing and analytics met to discuss the emergence of new streams of customer behavior data and how it’s changing the way companies do business.

Moderated by Bentley University professor Nathan Carter, Chair of the mathematical sciences department, the panel represented a diverse cross-section of business, with voices from a highly successful start-up (Jonathan Lacoste of Jebbit), an agency (Jeff Zanella of Hill Holliday) and a large media company (Peter Smyth of Greater Media Boston).

The panelists discussed a wide range of topics, from how quantitative analysis is improving customer interaction to how to collect impactful data in non-invasive ways. With our data-heavy culture, Smythe mentioned how easy it is to get data fatigue. There’s so much information available that the challenge for analysts and industries moving forward will be figuring out what data is important, how to translate it into actionable plans and how to predict future patterns.

Where do data analysts fit into companies?

The event also delved into how data analysts are playing greater roles in influencing current marketing decisions. As a result, people going into this career need to master skills beyond the typical math and science knowledge. Employers are also looking for people who can collaborate, think through problems and come up with solutions. The three panelists emphasized that the current marketing and business landscape is rich with opportunities for people who are innovative, entrepreneurial, and actually know what to do with the data that comes their way.

If you don’t have these skills, now is a great time to get them. Carter discussed how the interest in analytics programs at Bentley has skyrocketed over the past 18 months, particularly in programs like the Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Science in Marketing Analytics.    

All the three speakers echoed the same message: Data is critical to any initiative, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. If a company doesn’t understand what the numbers mean and how they can drive value, they’re not going to be in business long.

As Zenella expressed, “Data doesn’t lie; you just have to pay attention to it.”

Check out more of Jeff's interview below. You can view Q&A sessions with all of our experts, along with a 2 minute recap of the entire evening in this playlist.

HFID Adjunct Professor Chauncey Wilson received the UXPA’s lifetime achievement award at this year’s UXPA Conference in San Diego. Chauncey joins the ranks of other Bentley faculty - Joe Dumas, Tom Tullis and Elizabeth Rosenzweig - who have won four out of the seven Lifetime achievement awards issued by the association over the years.

According to the history of UXPA award recipients, Chauncey was given this year's award for his achievements in academics here at Bentley, and though his research. UXPA praises Wilson for "more than 25 years of significant contributions to the developmnt and dissemination of UX evaluation methods, for pioneering research that continues to improve the efficacy of those methodologies, for authorship that has advanced the field, and for his tireless mentoring of students and colleagues."

Chauncey retired from his post at Bentley this past year. His publication credits include the Handbook of Informal and Formal HCI Methods, articles for academic journals such as User Experience and ACM Interactions, and numerous book chapters for usability-related texts. As a consultant, Wilson has worked on projects for Microsoft, FedEx, Reuters, 3COM and among others.

One of our favorite Chauncey articles is this one on brainwriting, published by Smashing Magazine.

On behalf of everyone at Bentley and in the HFID and user experience community, congratulations Chauncey!

Graduate students are busy. Between classes, work, homework, family, and other commitments, there can be a lot to balance.

So why would we suggest you add another thing to that list by joining a student organization? Because it can impact your career and student experience in a hugely positive way. We spoke with Michael Corbett, Bentley’s associate director of Graduate Student and Academic Services, about why he believes student organizations are worthwhile, and he gave us a significant list of benefits.

Take a look at these 12 reasons why you should join a student organization while getting your graduate degree.

Benefits Of A Student Organization

1. You’ll learn more about yourself.

Joining a student organization presents many opportunities to learn more about yourself, your goals, and your strengths. You can learn from how other students handle certain situations and test your current knowledge. You can also find out what you’re good at, whether that’s multitasking, staying organized, generating ideas, or serving others. This self-awareness will be beneficial in your future career.

2. You’ll develop soft skills.

Soft skills are essentially “people skills” — they’re the skills that allow us to effectively interact with others, like communication, attitude, and work ethic. Participating in a student organization not only teaches you these skills, but also helps you broaden and improve those you already have. You’ll learn the best way to communicate with both individuals and large groups, and you’ll gain emotional intelligence as you develop new relationships.

3. You’ll learn how to work with a team.

Knowing how to work well with a team is an essential skill for any career. Being in a student organization teaches you how to do this by putting you in situations where you are required to take advice from others, as well as give your own.

4. You’ll get networking opportunities.

Another great benefit of student organizations (and graduate programs as a whole) is that you get the opportunity to network. Meeting new students, making connections, and building relationships will all help down the line when you’re looking for a job. Because you’re all part of the same organization, you know the people you’re meeting have at least a few of the same interests as you, so their connections will be valuable. Corbett said:

“Many of our organizations are professionally-focused and host several events with alumni or panel discussions with local professionals. These events are excellent opportunities for the student leaders, and can often lead to potential internship or employment opportunities in the future!”

5. You’ll gain practical experience in a safe environment.

Participating in a club or an organization based around your particular area of study will give you practical experience within that field. And what’s great about student clubs is that while you learn to use skills like project management, event planning, and fundraising, you get to test them out in a safe environment where making mistakes is OK. Everyone is there to support you, so there’s no fear in messing up or being wrong.

6. You’ll be able to use the skills you’ve learned in class.

“As business students, you are able to apply classroom experience in your student organizations, and also develop leadership and life skills that help you become more effective in classroom team projects.”

Corbett also mentioned that being part of an organization allows you to put all of those things you’ve been learning in class to the test in real-world situations. You’ll get to learn what works and what doesn’t, and you’ll be able to take that knowledge back to the classroom, and then, of course, along with you in a future career.

7. You’ll learn how to engage with diverse groups of people.

Chances are, the organization you choose to participate in will include a diverse group of people — you’ll be faced with the same situation in the working world! Learning how different people respond and react to certain situations will help you develop your skills in presenting and implementing ideas. Corbett said student organizations can also provide you with the opportunity to learn about different cultural backgrounds:

“The Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) is the largest graduate student organization, and provides events and opportunities for students to celebrate (and learn) about culture and diversity. The graduate school is incredibly diverse, and it is great to see students interact across cultures to become more effective leaders!”

8. You’ll gain leadership skills.

Becoming a leader or an officer in an organization will help you develop leadership skills that will be invaluable in all areas of life. You’ll be presented with opportunities to improve in public speaking, and gain confidence in yourself as an individual. Corbett said this is one of the two greatest benefits student organizations offer:

“While there are many positive reasons for taking on a leadership position in a student organization, I believe the two greatest benefits are developing leadership skills and expanding your network. Holding a position in a student organization requires you to work with a team, effectively problem-solve, plan events, and also interact with faculty, staff, and alumni.”

Shawn Lazarus, president of the Graduate Student Association and a current student, agrees:

“Being in a leadership position has taught me a lot of patience, has improved the way I manage my time, and has given me the opportunity to connect with fun, talented and creative individuals.”

9. You’ll get a break from your studies.

Concentrating on schoolwork is obviously important during a graduate program, but giving your mind a break is necessary (and beneficial). While taking part in club activities, you’ll be able to socialize with like-minded individuals and actually learn as much from them as you would your schoolwork.

10. You’ll expand your resume.

There’s no arguing that organizations and activities look good on a résumé. Showing employers that you participated in, or (better yet) lead, a student organization, they’ll know that you’re hard working and can handle multiple responsibilities.

11. You’ll be able to give back to the community.

Many student organizations provide opportunities to give back to the community, whether through acts of service, sponsoring events, or hosting charity drives. Not only is this good for society, but it will teach you how a future business can give back, too. Lazarus says giving back to the community is the most rewarding part of being involved:

“The most rewarding aspect of being involved in a student organization is that you get to give back to the student community through fun events, giving them networking opportunities and offering them a chance to have fun with their peers. This adds an immense value to the learning experience.”

12. You’ll have fun!

Another simple reason to join a student organization is to have fun. Meeting new people, making new friends, and participating in activities will help you make the most of your graduate school experience.

Join A Student Organization

“Being an involved graduate student is a sacrifice, as all Bentley students have a rigorous academic schedule, and many have full- or part-time work and personal lives to balance,” Corbett said. “Students continue to get involved on campus because they see that the sacrifice of their time is worth the benefits they receive — the friendships, the level of involvement across campus, the expansion of their professional network, and the amount of fun they can have as a team.”

Student organizations have a lot to offer. Whether you join as a member or choose to lead one, simply taking part in an extracurricular group will enhance your school experience. Gaining skills, making connections, and broadening your knowledge through a student organization will help you become a more well-rounded individual — one that’s ready to take on their future career!

Visit the Student Organizations section of the Graduate School’s website to learn more about what you can get involved in at Bentley.

If you’re fresh out of undergrad and ready to get your MBA, a full-time program can make a lot of sense. You’re probably young, have more time, less commitments, and a lot of flexibility.

But what happens when you’ve been out of school for a while and have a full-time job and a family to support? Or you’re already on your desired career path, and just need an MBA to move forward? Full-time school might not make as much sense for you—instead, you may want to consider a part-time MBA program.

Here are a few reasons why.

Advantages Of Pursuing A Part-Time MBA

You’ll have a flexible school schedule.

One of the most common reasons students choose a part-time MBA program is for a flexible school schedule. Part-time programs are ideally suited for people who have family obligations or full-time jobs, as they offer evening or weekend classes, as well as hybrid or online course options that allow you to complete the program at your own pace.

So if you like your current job, or see yourself one day moving up in the company, you can get your MBA while keeping your current job and staying on track with your career goals. And if you are married or have children, you can work around their schedule while still keeping some time set aside for them. Work-life balance in graduate school can be achieved with a part-time program since you set the schedule in most cases.

Your work will help you with your studies (and vice versa).

One of the biggest benefits part-time MBA programs offer is the ability to work while getting your degree. Many students who choose to attend graduate school do so after working for a few years, so they want to better their career opportunities while still remaining employed. Working while getting an MBA (even if it’s a part-time program) is a huge commitment, but doing both simultaneously can greatly benefit you at work and in your classes.

Working while attending school can give you a solid foundation of real-life experiences to build upon in the classroom. You can also glean off others’ knowledge, as there are typically more diverse stages of life found in part-time MBA classes—working students can often be older, have families, and have more life experience. Networking opportunities increase, because working students have more professional connections, and everyone benefits from the authentic case studies that can be utilized for class projects.

It’s also easy to connect and apply what you’ve learned in school to your current professional work, giving you new skills and renewing your passion for the particular path you’re on. You’re able to identify and connect broader research and trends from your graduate studies to your day-to-day work and strategic planning, which is helpful to both you and your employer.

You could get financial reimbursement.

Another benefit to part-time MBAs and the ability to work during school is that you may get the opportunity for financial reimbursement. Companies often support their employees’ desire to further their career by paying for some (or all) of an employee’s tuition. Employers are usually willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they don’t lose great employees, so they’ll offer to give aid to students who want to complete their degree and remain with the company for a foreseeable future after they graduate.

Disadvantages Of Pursuing A Part-Time MBA

Like every other program, part-time MBAs have a few drawbacks to consider. One is that the program will take longer. When you’re working, focusing on a family, and getting your degree, the entire process will end up moving a little slower than a full-time program would.

Another disadvantage some students find is that part-time programs can end up being just as expensive, if not more so, than full-time programs because they take longer. Although this may be the case for some, working during school keeps the income flowing—as opposed to a dry spell that comes with a full-time program—so the opportunity cost of school is lower. But because part-time MBA programs are just as rigorous as full-time, it can often feel like you’re juggling two full-time jobs. This is important to consider as you make your final decision.

Is A Part-Time MBA The Best Option For You?

As you consider getting an MBA, think about your current lifestyle. If you have a full-time job, a family, or other obligations that take up a lot of your time, a part-time MBA might be your best option. Remember, the decision is ultimately up to you, so choose whatever option will help you reach your goals. 

If you’re considering either an Executive MBA or a traditional MBA, it’s likely that you’re in your 30s or 40s, and you’re probably in a management or executive role. We’re making those assumptions based on the fact that the Executive MBA is typically only open to just that—executives. But before you leap directly into an EMBA program, you should consider whether or not getting a traditional MBA could be a better path.

In this article, you’ll learn the differences between an Executive MBA and a traditional MBA. We’ll start with some questions you can ask yourself in order to identify what would work best for you. Then, we’ll move into each option and how the two degrees differ.

Executive MBA Vs. MBA: Which Is The Best Fit For You?

Here are a few important questions to ask yourself in order to determine which would be the best fit for you.

1. Do you like your current company?

2. Are you happy with your career path, and do you see room for growth?

3. Have you ever considered changing careers?

4. Are you interested in working full-time and going to school?

5. Could you easily give up your Fridays and weekends to pursue this degree?

Keep these questions in mind as you progress through this comparison. You’ll see why the answers are so important in determining which graduate program would be the best fit for you.

What Is An Executive MBA?

As Charles Jacobina, a retired EMBA Executive Director, put it on the MBA Podcaster, “The type of student that is attracted to this program is someone who wants to learn something on the weekend, and apply it on Monday.”

The EMBA is for executives who typically have a minimum of five years experience in a management role, are sponsored by their company, and are looking to apply what they’ve learned on the job.

The program itself is usually designed to fit full-time employees, so classes are typically held on Fridays and weekends. This makes class times inherently less flexible, since your options are limited. Another way the EMBA differs from a traditional MBA program is that you’ll learn in cohorts. Most or all of your classes will be with the same group of people, so networking and teamwork become principles of the program.

An EMBA is perfect for someone who is ready to commit to their company, who is happy in their current role and career path, and who sees a specific need or skill an EMBA could provide them that could help them grow within their organization.

What Is An MBA, & Who Is It Best For?

Executives can also pursue a traditional MBA as a way to develop skills, improve their resumes, and accelerate their career paths. A major difference between an MBA and an EMBA is that the MBA is a great way to change careers or companies—something the EMBA typically wouldn’t directly provide. MBA programs can be full-time and take two years to complete, or be carried out part-time over 3-4 years. Each school and program are different, but generally speaking, you’re able to pursue an MBA degree without managerial experience.

In a traditional MBA, students pick their own classes and, therefore, have more flexibility. Since classes are not done in cohorts, the responsibility of taking advantage of networking opportunities falls on the student.

Finally, one other major difference between the two programs is that you may not be limited geographically with a traditional MBA. When pursuing an EMBA, your options are limited to living within driving distance, or taking classes online to stay near your office. You can pursue an MBA wherever you are willing. A traditional MBA is perfect for someone who is committed to their own growth, rather than their role or growth within a specific company.

Comparing EMBA & MBA

Now that you’ve been able to compare the two types of programs, take a look back and answer the five important questions at the top. Which works best for you, your career, and your goals?

What's new and notable in your life? Share your breaking news — wedding, promotion, award, new job, and the like — with classmates and other members of the Bentley community. Go to the form at bentley.edu/classnotes.

1975 | 1976 | 1978 | 1979 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015

1975

Paul Ben-Susan, Fort Myers, Fla., has been elected a board member of the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). The organization saves wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, research, education and conservation medicine.

1976

40th Reunion: June 3 to 5, 2016

Dennis Bunt, Charlotte, N.C., published The Couples Cookbook in March 2015. The book of recipes scaled for two people is available on Amazon.com.

Sarah (Mitchell) Dempsey, Oshkosh, Wash., has joined Lourdes Academy as controller.

1978

Timothy Gove, Durham, Conn., recently retired from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services as the tax computer audit manager. The alumnus previously worked for the IRS as a revenue agent, tax shelter specialist and computer audit specialist.

1979

Robert Allen, Bangor, Maine, is included in Barron’s “Top 1200 Financial Advisors” list for 2015. This marks the fourth consecutive year that he has received the honor. The alumnus is senior vice president, wealth management, at UBS Financial Services. 

Jewelry manufacturer Frederick Goldman Inc. has appointed Mike Floskis, New York, N.Y., as vice president of finance and controller. Previously, he was executive finance leader at Tiffany & Co.

Daniel Keshian MSF ’88, East Dennis, Mass., has joined the Board of Directors for Black Duck Software, which provides solutions in OSS logistics. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Bentley.

1980

Host Analytics Inc. has hired John O’Rourke, Monroe, Conn., as vice president of product marketing.

1981

35th Reunion: June 3 to 5, 2016

David Bojarczuk, Burlington, Mass., has been promoted to executive vice president/chief financial officer for GFA Federal Credit Union.

Northfield Savings Bank has named Alfred Flory, Barre, Vt., as senior vice president, chief lending officer.

1982

Arnold Shecter, Long Beach, Calif., is now director of new business development at Illumination International LLC.

1983

Joseph Casey, Hingham, Mass., has been named the chief operating officer of HarborOne Bank. The 30-year industry veteran also serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Peterson Event Services has tapped Michael Kelly, Canton, Mass., as chief operating officer.

1985

Raffi Kebabjian, Watertown, Mass., is president of DJ Raffi Music & Lighting Productions.

Doris Kelly MST ’92, Sudbury, Mass., has accepted a role on the inaugural Learning and Teaching Council at Bentley. The alumna is a lecturer in the Accountancy Department.

1986

30th Reunion: June 3 to 5, 2016

Glen Casey, Short Hills, N.J., has joined American Century Investments as senior vice president and global head of products. His most recent post, with Goldman Sachs Asset Management, was head of product and portfolio strategy, U.S. third-party distribution.

1987

David Guido, Pittsburgh, Pa., has been awarded special designation as a Zig Ziglar Legacy Certified Trainer.

1988

Andres Cabrero, Weston, Fla., has been named chief credit officer and head of commercial credit for Banco Popular North America, doing business as Popular Community Bank.

NES Health has appointed Jennifer (Nogler) Moore, Eagle, Idaho, to the role of chief administrative officer in addition to her post as chief financial officer.

CUR Media LLC has hired Kelly (Butler) Sardo, Glastonbury, Conn., as controller.

A. Mark Zeffiro, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., group president of Cequent at TriMas Corporation, was elected an independent member of the Board of Directors for Atkore International Group Inc. He took on responsibilities as Audit Committee chairperson.

1990

Edward Demeritt, Florence, Ky., is now learning and development specialist for Dorman Products. He previously worked for Iron Mountain.

Gerald Harmon ’MBA, Southington, Conn., has been nominated to the Connecticut Supreme Court by Governor Dannel Malloy.

1991

25th Reunion: June 3 to 5, 2016

Jeffrey Beauregard, South Windsor, Conn., has joined Arch Exhibits in the role of president.

Jim Furlong, Londonderry, N.H., has been named senior vice president for Fidelity Investments.

Robin Gorski ’MST, Andover, Mass., has joined DiCicco, Gulman & Company LLP, a CPA and business consulting firm, as a tax partner.

Christian Torres Lang, Barcelona, Spain, is a co-founder of financial investment boutique Solventis AV SA. The company recently opened  an office in Madrid, joining others in Barcelona and Vigo.

CBIZ Tofias has tapped Leigh Nali MST ’94, Charlestown, Mass., as tax managing director.

1992

Laura Czech married Christopher Pustizzi at the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod.

John Furnari, East Falmouth, Mass., was elected to the Falmouth School Committee in May 2015.

Mike Galeucia, Scarborough, Maine, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Maine Real Estate and Development Association, a statewide organization of commercial real estate owners, developers and related service providers. The alumnus leads Macpage LLC Consulting Services.

Renee Pugh ’MBA, San Diego, Calif., has taken the reins as controller at Plum Healthcare Group.

Kelvin To, North Weymouth, Mass., was nominated as a FinTech Person of the Year by Financial Technologies Forum. His patent pending invention for Volcker Rule compliance has been nominated for Best Regulatory Compliance Solution.

1993

Henry Cipriano III MSIT ’09, Canton, Mass., is now client technical architect for IBM.

U.S. Bank Wealth Management has named David Schiegoleit, Irvine, Calif., to be managing director of investments for the Greater Los Angeles area. He will oversee investment management for U.S. Bank’s Private Client Reserve team of professionals.

1994

Amy Seybold Burke ’MBA, Boxborough, Mass., has been elected treasurer of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus. She is a finance consultant for Maura Healey — Attorney General.

Amy Legere, Winchester, Mass., has joined Greenough as PR director, with responsibility for directing the agency’s technology and professional services accounts.

1996

20th Reunion: June 3 to 5, 2016

SageView Advisory Group has hired Kerrie McKeegan Casey to deliver retirement planning services within its Boston practice. She has 19 years of experience in retirement consulting to corporate and not-for-profit plan sponsors.

Linda Harrison ’MBA, Medford, Mass., joined the Massachusetts Department of Revenue as tax examiner 1.

Denise Moroney ’MBA, Waltham, Mass., is the new director of facilities for the Town of Dedham/Dedham Public Schools.

1997

Nate Gobeil, Scarborough, Maine, was instrumental in orchestrating a partnership between his employer, Chilton Furniture, and the Sabbathday Lake Shakers to produce two Shaker chairs from the mid-19th century. This is the first time that the Shakers in Maine have collaborated with an outside manufacturer to produce one of their iconic chairs.

Lindsay (Schlorff) O’Grady, Tyler, Texas, was promoted to operations and practice support from a hospital management position for VetCor.

Kristofor Semb, Austin, Texas, is now worldwide LDR leader for IBM.

Cindy (Wolf) Valentino, Waltham, Mass., has earned a Master of Science in Financial Services at The American College.

1998

Ken Barrows, Rowley, Mass., has been named vice president, head of products and strategy for Converse.

Keith Champion MBA ’11, East Boston, Mass., has joined Santander U.S. as finance manager III.

1999

Citizens Financial Group Inc. has tapped Melissa Bassett, Winchester, Mass., to serve as national sales manager for Citizens Education Finance, the bank’s student lending business.

Lesley Carvalho, Boston, Mass., welcomed son Roman Michael on June 16, 2014.

As noted in the February 2015 issue of Boston magazine, Gregory McLaughlin, Marblehead, Mass., has been named a Five Star Wealth Manager by Five Star Professional for 2015. The alumnus is a finance professional with Centinel Financial Group LLC.

Ken Viciana, Marietta, Ga., was named to the board of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Data Governance Society.

2000

Philip Lavoie ’MBA, Key West, Fla., is now a concierge for Historic Key West Vacation Rentals.

Brad Sforza MSGFA ’02, New York, N.Y., has been promoted to executive vice president, broking, by Willis Re North America.

2002

Shant Banosian, Waltham, Mass., was named to the Mortgage Executive magazine annual list of “Top 200 Mortgage Originators in America.” The alumnus, who is branch manager for mortgage lender Guaranteed Rate, ranked No. 9 nationally.

Joseph Clifford and wife Kristen, Shrewsbury, Mass., welcomed son Reilly James on January 22, 2015. He joins siblings Reagan, age 6; Maura, 4; and William, 2.

Facebook has tapped Paul Coccovillo, Sacramento, Calif., to serve as controller for virtual reality technology company Oculus VR. His previous employer was Microsoft.

Kelly Navin, Fairfield, Conn., accepted a position as business finance manager for Concentric Health Experience.

Ariana (Hopkins) Pernice joined the Hilton Head Island–Bluffton Chamber of Commerce as vice president of the Visitor and Convention Bureau. She most recently worked for JetBlue Airways as a regional marketing manager and for Blink Fitness, where she managed strategic planning.

2003

Jennifer (Peirce) Davidson ’MSPFP, Dunstable, Maine, has opened a tax service business in southern Maine. The certified public accountant is licensed to assist individuals, small businesses and trusts with taxes and financial consulting in the state’s lower seacoast area.

Allen DeVincent, Waltham, Mass., is now assistant vice president for LPL Financial.

Bill Mortimer married Jennifer Simmers on April 11, 2015, surrounded by many Bentley friends.

Erik Potts, Stratham, N.H., founder and president of Panorama Wealth Strategies, received the Five Star Wealth Manager Award for the third consecutive year. This past April, The Wall Street Journal featured him among the “Top 10 Five Star Wealth Managers” you need to know.

2004

Kira Abraham MSA ’05 married Kristopher Sullivan on September 13, 2014, in a Vermont ceremony.

Jessica Guevara, Santa Ana, Calif., has been named director of marketing operations for KeyedIn Solutions.

Timothy Matson, Tyngsboro, Mass., is the new chief operating officer for Centurion Auto Group LLC.

Sanket Parekh ’MSIAM, Miami, Fla., is managing director for Thesis Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital fund.

Araxie Pena and Kevin Wong ’05 were married on August 16, 2014, in Boston, Mass.

Christopher Wetmore MBA ’11, Reading, Mass., has been recognized among “35 Rising Stars under 35” in Consulting magazine. He is a director for McGladrey.

2005

Liberty Mutual Insurance has named Michael Acquaviva, Belmont, Mass., to serve as project leader, PI Distribution Operations. He has been with the company since graduation.

Jessica Alario, Boston, Mass., has been named vice president of hospitality public relations for marketing and communications agency 451 Marketing.

Andrea (Boutelle) and husband James Doyle, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., welcomed daughter Violet on February 28, 2014.

Angela Fuccillo, Winchester, Mass., has joined Verizon Innovation Center as marketing communications manager.

Red Point Global has welcomed Taiwo Oshodi, Boston, Mass., as technical support engineer.

Nicole Peters and Brian Halloran tied the knot on October 25, 2014, at the New Haven Lawn Club in Connecticut. They celebrated with 16 fellow alumni.

Daniel Quinn, Milford, Mass., has been promoted to aviation company commander for the United States Army.

Northeast Bancorp has appointed Brian Shaughnessy MSA ’06, Woburn, Mass., as chief financial officer and treasurer. He joins the company from KPMG LLP, where he had worked since 2005.

Jennifer (Tourangeau) and J. Nicholas Slottje MSREM ’09, Hopkinton, Mass., welcomed daughter Margaret Crawford on February 1, 2015.

CNC Software Inc. has tapped Meghan Summers-West as company president. She has been the company’s operations manager since 2009.

Michael Vecchione and Kimiko Tanaka ’08 said “I do” on October 3, 2014, in Boston, Mass.

Kevin Wong wed Araxie Pena ’04 on August 16, 2014, in Boston, Mass.

2006

10th Reunion: June 3 to 5, 2016

Matthew Abrams MBA ’08 married Kristen Kantor on March 29, 2014, at Cruiseport Gloucester, overlooking beautiful Gloucester Harbor.

Ena Kunin, New York, N.Y., has joined GE Capital as real estate valuation manager. She recently earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation.

Casey May, Holden, Mass., said hello to daughter Gracie on February 25, 2014. She joins sister Bailee, age 4.

Kevin Osborne, Boston, Mass., joined Openbay, a nationwide online marketplace for auto repair, as vice president of customer development. He was previously employed by AOL.

Christopher Quinn, Encinitas, Calif., has been promoted to national pharmacy sales manager with the health-care software company Quantros.

Chirag Shah, Upper Saddle River, N.J., has been promoted to senior vice president, broking, by Willis Re North America.

2007

Gregory Conklin, New Orleans, La., welcomed son Gregory Paul III on December 7, 2014.

Dave Griffin Jr., Longmeadow, Mass., has received the Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation. The alumnus is an account executive at Holyoke-based The Dowd Insurance Agencies.

Michael Lofrumento, Reston, Va., has been named senior manager, contracts, for Raytheon Company.

Blake Reynolds, Marlborough, Mass., has been elected national president of the Future Business Leaders of America professional division.

Caroline Sissener, Oslo, Norway, is now asset manager for Scatec Solar.

Christopher Sutherland and Jessica Canary ’09, MBA ’13 were married on August 16, 2014, in Plymouth, Mass. Chris proposed during Jessica’s graduate studies, in front of the library as she walked out of class.

2008

Claudia Alvarez, Brooklyn, N.Y., has joined Time Warner Cable as email marketing coordinator.

Katherine Bimmler married Alex Manoogian on August 2, 2014, at the Danversport Yacht Club. The couple lives in Saugus, Mass.

Ashley (Brooks) de Pujols ’08, MSA ’10 and husband Gerardo, Dominican Republic, are thrilled first-time parents of daughter Aliah Michele, born January 27, 2015, in Santo Domingo.

Ronald Morlock, Richmond, Va., has joined Owens & Minor as contract analyst. He was previously employed by Medical Action Industries.

Sarah Pluck, Portland, Maine, welcomed son Austin on September 12, 2014.

Kimiko Tanaka and Michael Vecchione ’05 said “I do” on October 3, 2014, in Boston, Mass.

Adrian Wong is the founder of Beta Burger, a fast-casual restaurant in Boston, Mass.

2009

Jessica Canary MBA ’13 and Christopher Sutherland ’07 were married on August 16, 2014, in Plymouth, Mass. Chris proposed during Jessica’s graduate studies, in front of the library as she walked out of class.

Brittany (McLaughlin) and Brian Cusick MBA ’14, Beverly, Mass., are proud parents of daughter Meredith Elizabeth, born on December 16, 2014.

The Boston Consulting Group has promoted Devin DiGiovanni, Boston, Mass., to digital marketing project leader. She has been with the company since 2010.

Andrew Kenyon and Lillien Tillapaugh ’12 were married on January 31, 2015, at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Catherine Lee and Todd Burns were married on September 27, 2014, at Waveny House in New Canaan, Conn. Alumni in the wedding party were William Gormly ’09, Julia Rapacki ’09 and Jeffrey Burns ’11.

Kathryn Lidestri, Ledyard, Conn., has been promoted to financial adviser for Merrill Lynch.

Sharon Reid, Happy Valley, Ore., is associate sourcing specialist for Banfield Pet Hospital. She obtained her Career Development Facilitator certificate in November 2014 through the National Career Development Association.

Garrett Stephen and Pamela Newell ’10 were married on September 13, 2014, surrounded by many alumni from the classes of 2009 and 2010.

2010

Thimitrios Andoniades MBA ’13, Cambridge, Mass., is now senior audit consultant at Deloitte & Touche.

Michelle Brouillard married Daniel Rubin on November 15, 2014, in Framingham, Mass. The groom is broadcast announcer for the Bentley men’s ice hockey team.

Chris Carroll, Swampscott, Mass., is the new head football coach for Lynn English High School, his other alma mater. The alumnus also serves as assistant controller at Mark Richey Woodworking and Design in Newburyport.

Alisha Crete married Pete Browne III on October 11, 2014, on Carolina Beach in North Carolina. The couple celebrated with fellow Falcons Melissa Eleuteri ’10, Katherine (Tibbetts) Hilow ’10, Megan Negrini ’10, and Rebecca Stewart ’11.

Vinay Gokaldas, London, England, is now managing director at Babuntu Asset Management Consultancy.

Megan Higgins and Jonathan Byer tied the knot on May 17, 2014, in Bow, N.H. They were surrounded by alumni including bridesmaid Kristen McMullen ’10.

Prashant Kamath ’MSIT and Kruti Thakkar ’MSF were married on December 28, 2014, in Mumbai, India.

Alexandra Lambert and Stephen Scaringe exchanged vows on September 27, 2014, in Amherst, Mass. The wedding party included groomsmen Erich Bobinsky ’10; Timothy Grovenburg ’10, MBA ’11; Connor Sullivan ’10, MBA ’14; and Jason Urdang ’10; and bridesmaids Melissa (Murphy) Gordy ’10; Jennifer Noce ’10,
Carolyn Rogers ’10 and Erica Thayer ’10.

Kaitlin McGrane and Jonathan Michaud MBA ’11 said “I do” on October 10, 2014, in Simsbury, Conn.

Pamela Newell and Garrett Stephen ’09 were married on September 13, 2014, surrounded by many alumni from 2009 and 2010.

Leigh Anne Peckham, Braintree, Mass., is now business analyst for The J. Jill Group.

Thomas Powell, Cambridge, Mass., was designated a CFA charterholder in August 2014. He is an investment analyst at Daintree Advisors LLC. 

Vernon Vasquez MSF ’13, New York, N.Y., has joined J.P. Morgan as mergers and acquisitions analyst. He was previously employed by Bank of America.

2011

5th Reunion: June 3 to 5, 2016

Matthew Boilard, Wilbraham, Mass., has joined A. Boilard Sons Inc. of Springfield — adding a fourth generation of family leadership to the building supplies business.

The Walt Disney Company —Disney Consumer Products has tapped Sucheta Desai, Burbank, Calif., as senior financial analyst, core publishing. She was previously with UTC Aerospace Systems.

General Electric has promoted John Lawrence ’MBA, Albany, N.Y., to senior leader, HR reporting and analytics CoE.

Pavlik Mintz ’MBA, Lexington, Mass., has received his Project Management Professional certification.

Kelly Peterson, San Francisco, Calif., has joined Macys.com as marketing analyst, web analytics.

High school pals Jake Smith, Tony Khalife ’12 and Brian Sora have founded the Millbury Future Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that will provide scholarships to Millbury (Mass.) High School seniors on their way to college.

Marla Strykowski, Haverhill, Mass.,  has been named an associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society. She is an actuarial analyst at Plymouth Rock Assurance.

Helmut Wyzisk, Orlando, Fla., is co-founder of Earhoox, which produces small attachments to stabilize headphones in a listener’s ear. The company won $30,000 in a pitch competition at South by Southwest in March 2015, judged by Shark Tank investor Daymond John and sponsored by PayPal.

2012

David Aziz, Jon Blackwell, Jonathan Kazarian, and Jeff Sayman, all from Boston, Mass., organized the first Fall Formal for Dana-Farber, held on November 22, 2014, at
the New England Aquarium. About 800 guests attended the event, which raised
more than $68,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, including a portion to benefit the Center for Sarcoma and Bone Oncology.

Inflexxion Inc. has hired Maureen Barlow ’MSHFID, Dorchester, Mass., as senior user experience architect.

Rose Barsumian, Milford, Mass., has signed on at EMC Corporation as HR generalist. Her previous employer was Parexel. She recently earned the Professional in Human Resources certification.

ITG has welcomed Christie Basile, Framingham, Mass., as digital marketing specialist.

April Gammal, Westborough, Mass., was recognized with the Rising Star Award by the Massachusetts Society of CPAs. She works in Business Advisory Services at Grant Thornton LLP.

Grace Karon, Austin, Texas, has joined Volusion as marketing specialist.

High school pals Tony Khalife, Jake Smith ’11 and Brian Sora have founded the Millbury Future Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that will provide scholarships to Millbury (Mass.) High School seniors on their way to college.

Kristen Lavallee, Allston, Mass., has joined Liberty Mutual as actuarial analyst.

Elizabeth Mahoney, New York, N.Y., was promoted to account manager for Spotify. She has worked for the music streaming company for three years.

NewStar Financial promoted Gina McClary, Boston, Mass., to associate. She has worked for the company for three years.

Victor Suski, Wellesley Hills, Mass., has opened the electronic gaming café American Video Gaming League in Newton.

Lillien Tillapaugh and Andrew Kenyon ’09 were married on January 31, 2015, at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Chuqi Zeng ’MSA, Santa Clara, Calif., has been promoted to senior associate with Deloitte & Touche LLP.

2013

James (Jay) Barrett ’MBA, Middleton, Mass., has passed the Series 7 Stock Broker and Series 66 Investment Adviser exams. He is a licensed life, accident and health/sickness insurance producer; certified financial planner; and accredited investment fiduciary.

Brian Bramswig, Pleasantville, N.Y., is now sales training manager for HomeAdvisor.

Emily Fiorito, Boston, Mass., is now recruiting coordinator at Putnam Associates.

Matthew Kelliher-Gibson ’MBA, Simpsonville, S.C., welcomed daughter Violet on November 5, 2014. The alumnus is manager, marketing analytics, at The Gordian Group.

Deirdre Leary MSA ’14, Newport, R.I., is an ensign with the United States Navy.

Amanda Miranda, Revere, Mass., has stepped into a new role as senior associate of Campus Diversity Programs for PwC LLP.

Marc Schwanbeck, North Andover, Mass., has been promoted to financial manager by Graybar Electric Company Inc.

Caroline Sullivan, Burlington, Mass., received the Professional in Human Resources certification and a promotion to human resources representative at LogMeIn Inc. in January 2015.

2014

Xavier Acevedo, Hyde Park, Mass., serves as corporate actions analyst for State Street Corporation.

Bottomline Technologies has tapped Rick Booth ’MST, Wayland, Mass., as chief financial officer. He joins the company from Sapient.

Epsilon has hired Robyn Dion, Danvers, Mass., as associate business systems analyst.

Delia Equitz, Newton, Mass., is now allocation analyst for TJX Companies.

Yihui Jiang ’MSA, Belmont, Mass., has joined KPMG LLP as tax associate.

John Maggs ’MBA, Waltham, Mass., has joined Communication Technology Services as human resources generalist and recruiter.

Charlotte Malone, Cohasset, Mass., has been promoted to investment adviser representative for Artemis Financial Services. She has passed the Series 65 exam for investment professionals.

Bashar Moussallieh ’MBA, Woodbridge, Ontario, won the Massachusetts SBA Small Business Exporter of the Year Award for his company EMSEAL Joint Systems Ltd.

Jordan Payson, Worcester, Mass., is now business analyst for UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Travelers Insurance has welcomed Sean Polley, West Hartford, Conn., as market analyst.

Elizabeth (Papp) Putnam, North Grafton, Mass., has been promoted to assistant advertising manager by AAA Northeast.

Matt Schick and Josh Seiden are the respective assistant magic producer and head of the Graphics Department for The Carbonaro Effect, a hidden-camera show centered on magic tricks that airs on truTV. Both are also writers on the magic team.

OnProcess Technology has hired Ishaan Singhal ’MBA, ’MSIT, Waltham, Mass., as senior manager, analytics.

Paul Tarabelsi, Belmont, Mass., is now staff accountant for Hallmark Health Systems.

2015

Former Falcon Brett Switzer has joined the Hull Stingrays hockey team after four years with the Bentley team. The British club is a member of the Elite Ice Hockey League.

In Memoriam

The Bentley community is saddened to have lost the alumni, trustees, students, staff and others noted here

1939 | 1941 | 1942 | 1943 | 1944 | 1947 | 1948 | 1949 | 1950 | 1951 | 1952 | 1954 | 1955 | 1956 | 1957 | 1959 | 1960 | 1961 | 1963 | 1967 | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1973 | 1974 | 1975 | 1977 | 1978 | 1982 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1994 | 2001 | Friends

1939
Oliver Derby
William Flanagan Jr.

1941
Stephen Gerome
Carle Gray
Brayton Tompkins

1942
Ralph Day
Robert Hoffman

1943
Harvey Grant

1944
Kenneth Fahey

1947
Gardner Cahoon
Andre Michaud

1948
James Bougas
Slayton Cross
Joseph Mazzone

1949
Herbert Gearty
John J. Kavanagh
Edward F. Lindeman

1950
Charles Kilty

1951
Donald Donnelly
Richard George Jr.
John MacVarish
Henry Bradford Sturtevant
John Soucie
William O. Taylor Jr.

1952
William Denoncourt
Henry Holmes

1954
Donald Daigneault
Vincent Joyce

1955
Loren E. Blaisdell
James Cotter Jr.
Vincent Dimauro
Douglas MacDonald

1956
William Haldane
James Molaskey
Robert Woolfrey

1957
Wayne Anderson
W. Richard Delaney
Robert J. Willbrant

1959
William Maciorowski

1960
Robert McDonnell

1961
J. Robert Williams

1963
Paul Collins Jr.

1967
William Guinasso Jr.
John Savage

1970
Lawrence Falzarano

1971
Brian A. Linthwaite

1972
Paul Kennealy
Edward T. Steinbauer

1973
Thomas Voyer

1974
James “Finlay” Barksdale
Paul Popoloski

1975
Robert Monette

1977
Lucia Antonellis-Gerace
Loretta (Boe) Kurtz
Michael Pembroke

1978
Christopher A. Giffin
Thomas Sarruda

1982
Peter Petrini

1985
Christine Holland

1986
Marcel Badeau
Heather (Krass) Lopes

1987
Paula M. Mullen

1994
David Silva

2001
Patrick Slattery ’MBA

Friends of Bentley
Thomas Maggiacomo
Former Director,
Administrative Systems

Jerry O’Connell
Professor Emeritus and
Former Graduate School Dean 

If you’re an international student seeking an MBA in the United States, your college application will look a little bit different than that of a U.S. student. Instead of just taking the GMAT, you’ll also have to take the TOEFL.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an MBA entrance exam (like the GMAT), required for all international students—it measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level.

The TOEFL is an extremely important part of your master’s degree journey, so it’s crucial that you’re prepared for it. To help you master this test, we’ve highlighted the important steps of the testing process and given you some guidelines on what to study and when to start. Here’s what you need to do.

How To Prepare For The TOEFL

1. Know your school’s requirements.

The first step in the TOEFL process is (obviously) deciding what school you want to attend. Then, figure out what the deadlines and requirements are for their application process. Each school will have a different timeline, as well as a minimum score requirement.

2. Decide when and where to take the test.

The TOEFL is administered 50 times each year at 4,500 locations in over 165 countries (so finding a test site shouldn’t be difficult). Some are located at colleges and universities, and others are at business technology facilities.

(At Bentley, we recommend students take the test 2-3 months before the earliest application deadline—your scores are required before we can process your application.)

3. Register and practice for the test.

You should register for the TOEFL 3-4 months before your test date to allow sufficient time for studying and preparation. You can register online, by phone, or by mail. (Visit toeflgoanywhere.org to find out more information about test registration.)

While everyone’s studying and test-prep styles are different, we recommend you begin studying at least 2-3 months before your test date. (The English language isn’t really something you can cram in a few days!)

As you begin your prep, you’ll want to get an overview of the four TOEFL test categories. Reading and listening are the two biggest sections on this MBA entrance exam, although the speaking section is usually what students struggle with the most. The official TOEFL website offers several online prep resources—both free and paid—including example test questions, full-length practice tests, prep courses, and more. Doing a practice test will give you an idea of where you struggle and what to focus on.

Below, we’ve included an eight-week plan to give you some general guidelines on what to study and when.

8-Week TOEFL Test Prep Plan

Adapted From The TOEFL Test Prep Planner

Be Prepared

Taking the TOEFL can seem a bit overwhelming, but if you properly learn and prepare, it won’t be as difficult as it seems. Remember, this test is just as important as other MBA entrance exams, so register early, give yourself enough time to study, and follow this eight-week prep timeline to make sure you do your very best.

To learn more about planning for and completing each part of your graduate school application, check out our application toolkit.

To succeed in the modern global marketplace, you have to be willing to leave your backyard. Bentley University’s Global Business Experience (GBE) program gives MBA and MS candidates the opportunity to study abroad as a grad student in an immersive foreign learning experience.

In addition to course credit toward their graduate degree, GBE participants get a fresh, practical look at challenges facing today’s world business leaders — in a way they never could in the classroom.

“This knowledge can’t just be taught. It has to be experienced."- Bill Starner, Professional MBA Program Director and leader of UAE / Bahrain trip

“This knowledge can’t just be taught. It has to be experienced,” says Bill Starner, director of Bentley’s Part-time MBA program for working professionals. “It’s something at the forefront of what Bentley is thinking about: How can we merge the traditional MBA curriculum with the things that really do matter on a practical level? Having that appreciation and that understanding is going to be a rich experience that’s going to make our students more adaptable in a global environment.”

Studying abroad as a graduate student is much shorter (about 10-14 days) and much more business focused than a student exchange or semester abroad as an undergrad. Master's level courses overseas offer students the opportunity to combine classroom and cultural activities with business, NGO, or other relevant site visits. Students have the advantage of meeting contacts at overseas organizations they would not likely encounter as a tourist, all while getting to travel with other Bentley students in their class. This intensive time spent together, both as colleagues and travel companions, can be transformative.

“There’s a really key component of growth that the students experience over this Global Business Experience,” explains MBA Faculty Leader Patrick Scholten. “They connect with each other in just a multitude of ways. They strengthen their own relationships, their bonds, their working experiences, so they really build a close collaboration. But they also build very strong relationships with their faculty. They get to know people in a different way.”

And because GBE courses take place during the January break, Spring break, or in May after exams, graduate students can study internationally with minimal disruption to their personal, professional, and academic lives.

Students can apply and register for a course abroad months in advance, depending on which of the graduate study abroad programs they are interested in. In recent semesters, graduate students traveled abroad to:

• China, to examine the ongoing socio-economic transformation of the largest country on the planet.
• United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, to observe the contradictions and complexities of developing effective business relationships in the Middle-East.
• Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, to learn more about the challenges the emerging economies of Central and Eastern European Countries face in competing within the global economy.
• France, to study effective management in culturally diverse settings, focusing on the specific field of innovation in traditional industries such as tourism and manufacturing, as well as new technology industries.
• Bermuda, to go beyond the island nation’s natural beauty to see how its sophisticated financial services environment and stable government present a warm and inviting (not to mention tax-free) culture to do business in.

Each international business trip includes lectures and company visits as well as a wide range of cultural activities and excursions. In the end, GBE students return to Bentley with a better understanding of their coursework, the larger world around them, and, oftentimes, even themselves.

“The biggest thing that I obtained from this experience was learning from people around you,” says Christina Bakolas, a Bentley Emerging Leaders MBA student on track to complete her degree in 2016. “You should really embrace these new experiences because that’s where you can learn the most, and that’s where you can find the most information that can help you down the road. These trips are a perfect setup for that, because they’re with people that you never would’ve met before, and you can learn so much from them.”   

Note: The Bentley MBA program has three built-in study abroad experiences, which are not open to other masters students like the GBE courses described here.

Do you have your sights set on working for an innovative, successful company in the future? Maybe even one in particular?

At Bentley, our Graduate Career Services office work to expand and foster long-term relationships—with both alumni and employers at leading-edge companies—to serve as a bridge between students and the business community.

Because of this, our graduate students go on to work for some pretty successful companies, both in Boston and around the globe.

Here is a list of some of those organizations, broken into categories based on industry.

Companies Who Have Hired Bentley Grad Students

For The Tech & Analytics Lover

If you’re interested in information technology, biotechnology, data analytics, or user experience (UX) design, these companies are for you. Among this list you’ll find some of the biggest names in the technology industry (Apple, Google, and HP to name a few) as well as several other well-known companies that are making huge strides in the tech industry. Positions held by Bentley grads among these companies include software engineer, senior analyst, senior UX designer, and human factors engineer.

1. Akamai

2. Apple Inc.

3. Attivio

4. Basis Technology

5. Biogen

6. Bloomberg

7. Bose Corporation

8. eBay

9. EBSCO

10. EMC

11. Forrester Research

12. Google

13. HP

14. Intel Corporation

15. Red Hat

16. Oracle

17. Progress Software

18. Quantiphi

19. Tech Target

20. United Technologies Corporation

21. Virtusa

22. Xamarin

For The Finance & Accounting Lover

If you’re interested in finance, accounting, or taxation, you’ll enjoy this list of companies. Among these businesses are local, Boston-based firms, as well as organizations located across the country. Each one serves the finance industry, and has hired Bentley grads as senior tax managers, financial planners, financial analysts, senior accountants, and more.

23. AIG

24. AuditOne LLC

25. BDO

26. CliftonLarsonAllen

27. Deloitte

28. Eastern Bank

29. Ernst & Young

30. FCI Advisors

31. Feeley & Driscoll, PC

32. Fidelity Investments

33. GE Capital

34. Grant Thornton

35. KPMG

36. Liberty Mutual

37. McGladrey

38. Peak Financial Management

39. Vanguard

For The Business Lover

If you’re interested in consulting, marketing, communications, public relations, or anything else related to business management, you’ll be interested in these companies. This list includes globally-recognized businesses spanning multiple industries, who have hired Bentley grads as directors, vice presidents, senior marketing managers, senior consultants, and more.

40. American Express

41. Bloomberg

42. Converse

43. Fastly, Inc.

44. BJ's Wholesale Club

45. Constant Contact

46. Hill Holliday

47. KPMG

48. Liberty Mutual

49. MathWorks

50. Monotype Imaging

51. OneShield, Inc.

52. Oracle

53. Piehead

54. PricewaterhouseCoopers

Build Relationships

We know your ultimate goal is to lead a successful, fulfilling career. By attending graduate school, students learn the skills and strategies needed to build that career, and are provided opportunities to make lasting connections and long-term relationships with fellow students, faculty, and employers who can lead them to the job they’ve been waiting for.

Is it time for you to make those connections by getting your graduate degree?

Key project successes include:

• Student enthusiasm in data science and participation in the Data Lab where graduate and undergraduate students work on data projects to learn data science
• Collaboration with Jay Thibodeau and the Accountancy department to incorporate data science methods into their Masters of Accountancy program
• Two new data science classes: MA799 (spring 2015) and MA402 (fall 2015)
• A high performance computing cluster (HPC) designed, built, configured and supported by Bentley faculty and staff (MA, ATC, Systems Group)
• Bentley has been accepted as a collaboration partner for the NSF application submitted by Columbia University and Northeastern University for the Northeast Big Data Innovation Hub

Material support for the project has been provided by:

• DataStax through donation of DataStax Enterprise (Spark, Cassandra) which provides the distributed database and analytics capabilities of the HPC
• Databricks through donation of a Professionial Tier account on their Spark hosting platform (big data analytics)
• Amazon Web Services through donation of a Free Tier Educational account
• David Routsis (Systems Services) though donation of the HPC hardware
• David Yates (CIS) through donation of the supercomputer with which the Bentley-Northeastern team won the student supercomputer competition at the 2013 Supercomputing Conference in Colorado
• Bentley Research Council through first round funding for the Thought Leadership Network program

Research:

• Applications: consulted with Sam Woolford (MA, Center for Quantitative Analysis) for a local business using data mining techniques on the HPC; assisted the Public Sector Analytics Project to work with a large dataset in an unfamiliar format
• Learned with Tumen Bayar (ATC), Norm Josephy (MA), Maria Skaletsky (ATC) and Jason Wells (ATC) to use the R Language libraries which support parallel processing and large datasets on the HPC
• Built the high performance computing cluster (HPC) with Jason Wells (ATC) and Steve Morrow (Systems Services.)
• Installed Cassandra, a modern distributed database, and Spark, a computing environment for large scale data analytics, on the HPC