Eugene Wright

Current employer: Atrium Health

Position: Project Manager in the Project Construction & Management Group

MBA Graduation Year: 2016

Other institutions and degrees: UNC Charlotte - Bachelor in Architecture; NCSU - Master in Architecture

Alumnus
2016
Master of Business Administration

What led you to pursue an MBA at UNC Charlotte?

Architects often consider themselves "problem solvers", developing effective and elegant built environment solutions to complex challenges. As an architect myself, I wanted to elevate my abilities as a problem solver and develop a better understanding of our clients financial, business, and strategic challenges. UNC Charlotte's great value and offer of an MBA with a concentration in Real Estate was a natural fit and easy choice given my background and professional goals.

What was a top highlight from your MBA experience?

I found one class in particular to be instrumental in navigating my own career transition. Dr. Kohut's course in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution provided amazing exposure to and skills in handling difficult negotiations, helping prepare me to negotiate a successful opportunity with Atrium Health.

What was your first job after graduation?

I actually transitioned from a previous job at an architectural firm to my current role at Atrium Health during the last year of my MBA experience.

How has your degree helped you advance in your career, lead you to a promotion, or open new doors?

Just being in the MBA program created a number of career opportunities and job prospects. A few classes in particular helped me map out a practical plan to get to the career level and salary I wanted to be. By the time I was halfway through the program, I had developed helpful skills and made the necessary moves to transition into my current role.

What aspect of the Belk College best prepared you for your career?

For me, the relationships developed and perspective gained from classmates across a wide range of industries provides some of the most unique long-term benefits of the program. Access to this breadth of skills, ideas, and backgrounds has helped me better maneuver through a large organization with a similar diversity of professionals. It also allows me to recognize and understand business challenges from the perspective of my customers, teammates, and other stakeholders.

What advice do you have for current Belk College students?

With the time commitments of working while going to school, don't forget to spend time networking and developing relationships with your cohort. These people will be your partners, clients, and competition in the community and across industries.

How would you describe the value  of the Belk College MBA?

UNC Charlotte's MBA program is one of the highest ranked part-time MBA programs in the region.  It surprisingly was also the least expensive by a long shot. In other words, the value is incredibly unmatched and allows you to focus more on developing your career rather than worrying about student loans. This factored heavily into my decision to attend this institution.

Quote: 
MBA Graduate, Eugene Wright ‘16 explains that: “the relationships developed and perspectives gained from classmates across a wide range of industries provides some of the most unique long-term benefits of the program,” which has prepared him for his career. The Belk College prepared Wright “to recognize and understand business challenges from the perspective of my customers, teammates, and other stakeholders.”