For Patrick Tran MBA’21, the Willamette MBA for Professionals program was more than just an academic pursuit; it became a transformative experience that equipped him with the tools to succeed as a development director for a national nonprofit. From data analysis to invaluable connections with his cohort, Patrick reflects on how the program exceeded his expectations and provided him with practical skills for his professional journey.
Applying MBA Lessons to Nonprofit Management
As a development director, Patrick wasn’t sure how much of the MBA coursework would be relevant to his nonprofit work. But he quickly realized the program's value extended far beyond traditional business fields.
“There hasn’t been a day or week that’s gone by where I haven’t thought of a lesson or skill from the program and applied it directly to my work,” Patrick said.
“Every class, every lecture—it all had real-world relevance to the different industries my classmates and I are in.”
This immediate applicability of the MBA’s curriculum is what Patrick values most. Whether it was a new approach to critical thinking or insights from his peers, the program continuously enhanced his ability to lead and manage his organization.
Surprising Lessons in Data Analysis
One of the most unexpected benefits of the program for Patrick was his newfound passion for data analysis—a skill he hadn’t anticipated needing in the nonprofit sector. Initially skeptical about its relevance, he soon discovered how powerful it could be in interpreting the data his organization collected.
“I thought data analysis wouldn’t be very applicable to nonprofit management,” Patrick explained. “But learning how to use tools like R Studio and analyzing trends in our data was incredibly eye-opening. It turns out that almost all industries collect data, but not everyone knows how to effectively interpret it.”
This skill has now become a vital part of his toolkit, helping him make more informed decisions and create strategies based on meaningful insights.
The Power of Community and Support
Beyond the coursework, Patrick was pleasantly surprised by the sense of camaraderie and support he found in his cohort. “I thought I’d just go to school, go to work, balance life, and get it done,” he said. “But I’ve bonded so much with my cohort. We really lean on each other, share knowledge, and learn from each other in ways I didn’t expect.”
The friendly atmosphere extended beyond his peers to the program’s staff and faculty. Patrick described how the warm environment at Willamette’s Portland Campus made every visit a positive experience. “The staff tries hard to create a welcoming environment, and it’s nice to walk in and see friendly faces,” he said.
Why Willamette MBA for Professionals?
For Patrick, Willamette’s MBA for Professionals stood out not just because of its academic rigor, but because of the dedication and passion of the faculty and staff.
“When I signed up, I was hesitant about how I’d balance work, life, and school,” Patrick admitted. “But the professors understand our busy schedules and deliver meaningful content in a way that accommodates us as working professionals.”
Patrick felt deeply supported throughout the program, especially when one of his favorite professors, Robert Walker, went the extra mile. “Our cohort was struggling with some of the content in his class, and we planned to meet on a Saturday to help each other,” Patrick recalled. “Robert overheard and volunteered to come in on his day off to help us. It really showed his dedication to our success.”
The Cohort Model: A Balanced Approach
One of Patrick’s favorite aspects of the Willamette MBA for Professionals program was its cohort model, which helped create a balanced and manageable course load. Professors worked together to ensure that deadlines didn’t overlap, allowing students like Patrick to maintain their professional and personal commitments while excelling in their studies.
“The coordination between professors was amazing,” Patrick said. “They worked together to make sure deadlines didn’t fall on the same day, which was incredibly helpful for a busy working professional like me.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As Patrick continues his career in nonprofit management, he’s grateful for the skills and connections he gained from Willamette’s MBA for Professionals program. The lessons he’s learned, both in and out of the classroom, have helped him grow as a leader and problem-solver, ready to take on new challenges in his field.
“I’m so glad I joined the program,” Patrick said. “It’s clear that everyone here really cares, and that’s made all the difference in my experience and my career.”