Black MBA - Winter 2007/2008 - (Page 63) years later she graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., alongside her former student – McKinley-Floyd with her doctorate in interdisciplinary studies and King with a double degree in law and business. McKinley-Floyd admits the pursuit of education came at a heavy price, at times including putting off (albeit unconsciously) the concerns of her family and her spiritual life. “Being driven professionally is addictive,” said McKinley-Floyd, now Dean of the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fla. “You must stay centered on family, values and spirituality. I guarantee those things are more important than career success.” Here are more of McKinley-Floyd’s Best Practices. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS “Interpersonal skills can make or break a career. Giving more [in all areas] than I receive is a continuous lifetime professional goal of mine. My sincere desire is to help others be more productive and creative in their work environment.” DATA-DRIVEN DECISION-MAKING “I learned this skill while earning my MBA. Managing people is largely based on interpersonal skills, while managing a business is very datadriven. I work with a lot of numbers [in my current position], and [even] being that I’m a people person, I’m able to take out the emotions and make decisions based on data.” Name: Kamila Whitman MBA: Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, 2005 Company/Title: The Pinnacle Group, Renewal Analyst There is no such thing as a free ride. If you think differently, ask Kamila Whitman. Playing college basketball on a full scholarship allowed Whitman to earn an MBA from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, in 2005. But the demanding role of a collegiate athlete gave her little time to tap into networking and career-building opportunities offered through the university. “When I graduated, I hadn’t made many useful connections at school aside from the sports arena,” Whitman said. “After a six-month job search, I had to take the job which was available.” This was not necessarily the best career move. Two years and two jobs later, Whitman is smarter and much better connected. Now employed as a Renewal Analyst for The Pinnacle Group, a Virginia-based benefits consulting firm, she steadily works on her “A” game by doing more networking and being open to constructive advice. Her eventual plan is to transition her career into public relations, marketing or advertising. “This time I will be more successful because I’m not scrambling for any avail- “After earning my MBA, I began to learn the importance of personality in the workplace. I now feel that I can walk into any interview and be hired. And long-term, I have the personality and credentials needed to remain a viable asset to a team.” able job,” she said. “I have targeted industries.” Whitman, who said she quickly adjusted to being one of only a few African Americans and the youngest person in her work environment, shares what are becoming her Best Practices. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS “After earning my MBA, I began to learn the importance of personality in the workplace. I now feel that I can walk into any interview and be hired. And long-term, I have the personality and credentials needed to remain a viable asset to a team.” DILIGENCE “In my current position, I have to make repeat calls to medical carriers. At the end of the workday, I set reminders for the following day to call those not reached. Diligence, thoroughness and follow-up are necessary [skills] regardless of your industry or position. In 20 years, I plan to have the same strong work ethics.” BlackMBA • Winter 2007/2008 63
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