Melissa Schnipp, CPA, CGMA

Manager - Financial Analysis: Joint Ventures, Hackensack University Medical Center

Earning my M.B.A. through the Seton Hall program is the distinguishing factor that has truly enhanced my career and allowed me to transition to a leadership position within the healthcare industry.

I began in public accounting, transferred to a lead audit position at Hackensack University Medical Center and have most recently been promoted to oversee our newly created department of Financial Analysis.My position as Manager of Financial Analysis comes with varying job responsibilities. Since I oversee all financial aspects of our joint ventures, some days I calculate our return on investments while other days I present financial statements and budgets to senior leadership and/or the Board of Directors. I am well prepared for either role. I am at ease meeting with CEOs, CFOs and other leaders from all across the industry because I know I have a comparable skill set due to all that I learned at Seton Hall. There is not one aspect of my current position that has not been covered throughout the progression of the program.

The program's core has the exact balance between the technical and practical expertise that one will need to excel in business.

I have been able to apply what I learned in the classroom to my real work experiences. The emphasis that is placed on developing leadership skills, corporate strategy, and appreciating international perspectives has allowed me to understand my industry in terms of a global economy. As a result, I am ready to tackle the challenges that will come with all the upcoming changes within the healthcare industry. In addition, the program's teaching of ethics and corporate responsibilities has reminded me that as a leader I have a responsibility to society as a whole. I learned that a great leader doesn't just do great deeds; a great leader inspires others to do great as well.

In addition to the curriculum, there is a talented faculty and student body that has also enhanced my career. I cannot say enough about how encouraging the faculty has been throughout my studies. Whether I was offered the opportunity for independent research or another challenging assignment, I improved both my critical and analytical thinking. I learned about different companies and different industries by listening to what my fellow students contributed during classroom discussions or during group meetings. The art of teamwork and collaboration is necessary in any job and the M.B.A. curriculum provides so many opportunities to sharpen those skills. I also was provided the chance to improve my communication through public speaking. As a leader, I cannot emphasize how important it is to be able to articulate a clear message to various stakeholders. I truly believe that the improvements I have made in myself by earning an M.B.A. have been rewarded with career growth and future opportunities. Choosing to enroll in the M.B.A. program at Seton Hall University has been, by far, one of the best career decisions I have made.