MOT Case Studies

Jay Swenson

Previous job: Product Manager at an aerospace performance materials firm.

Current job: Director of Global Marketing Communications, GE Intelligent Platforms, General Electric.

The Difference: The market adoption curves in technology industries are very different than those in other industries. MOT teaches you how to ride and predict those curves.

Jay's Story: When Swenson moved from design engineer to management, MOT provided the foundation for the switch. "I don't believe I would have my current job had I not pursued the MOT program."

What Jay Said: "I have daily opportunities to use the marketing, product planning, finance, and technology forecasting knowledge I learned through MOT."

"MOT has given me both the vocabulary and business foundation to perform as an effective manager and strategist"

Rick Rolando

Previous job: Laboratory Manager, Tape Process Technology Center, 3M

Current job: Technical Director, Tape Process Technology Center, 3M

The Difference: The MOT Program offered Rolando the business tools that he wanted. "MOT allowed me to become aware of a full spectrum of leadership tools. I was able to get exposure to many tools in a two-year period where 'on-the-job' training in the same areas may take five to 10 years."

What Rick Said: "The MOT program made me more aware of the business aspects of my company. As an engineer my expertise was mostly technical, and the MOT gave me business tools to compliment my technical abilities."

"Where 'on-the-job' training in the same areas may take five to 10 years, the MOT program provided me with a full spectrum of leadership tools in a two-year period."

Jon Carlson

Current job: CEO, Braun Intertec Corp.

Jon's Story: After entering the MOT program, he helped restructure his company; he became a principal in the firm and is now vice president of operations.

What Jon Said: "You definitely use what you learn. It is still very relevant."

"My MOT definitely helped my career. It helped me to develop strengths that I had and make me better able to handle the challenges that were to come with the business."

Drew Flaada

Current job: IBM Director of Mayo Clinic Collaboration and Life Sciences Development

The Right Place: “I walked into the program looking for tools to add to the toolbox. The MOT gave me what I was looking for. It gave me a much better understanding of how decisions are made and why and how you make those decisions.”

Learn From the Best: The MOT program features faculty members who understand theory and practice. “The quality of the instruction is exceptional. The faculty members are second to none.”

Impact Since Earning His MOT Degree: Flaada has assumed greater responsibilities and moved into senior executive roles.

Katrina Williams Hale

Current Job: Manufacturing Product Manager, 3M Co.

Her Career: She started the program while she was a Six Sigma Real Value: The program allows you to “complete the transition from engineer or scientist to a manager with technical knowledge who knows how to operate as a business person."

Helpful Services: The program takes great pains in making the logistics of attending school as hassle-free as possible. “They make working as well as going to school a whole lot easier.”

In the End: “The program made me a more well-rounded manager by giving me different perspectives and experiences.”

Pamela Greve

Current Job: Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Trane Commercial Systems Global Manufacturing

The Start: While working at Alliant Techsystems, then a part of Honeywell, her manager recommended her for the program.

Since Then: Her MOT education has been an asset as she moved into positions of greater responsibility, including divisional chief information officer at Deluxe Check and vice president and chief information officer for Ecolab.

Connections: “The MOT gave me the perspective, relationships, and skills to make significant career steps.”