Rosalie Fenner
Consultant, eMarketing – Advisor Audience
Nationwide Financial
Vantage MBA Student

Why did you decide to return to college?
I was ready for a career change and needed a strong business education to help me. I’m certainly getting the business education through the Vantage MBA^® Program — and I’ve already found a great new career focus!

Before I started my MBA, I was with Bath & Body Works in the Technical Services Department, where I worked with manufacturers to figure out how to take products from the lab and produce them on a large scale. But because I’d grown in my awareness of the business world, I switched my focus from science to the more customer-related role as Assistant Product Merchant, Internet.

Shortly after taking on this new role, I enrolled in Franklin’s Vantage MBA Program. This gave me new knowledge and new confidence – which helped me land my new job in the world of financial services, where I am integrally involved with the development of new Web sites.

Why did you choose Franklin’s Vantage MBA^® Program?
Because it would give me the business knowledge I needed to balance my science background. It was also the only MBA program around that worked so well around my job.

How do you feel about being an adult student?
I like how meaningful the coursework is in relation to my job. I’m functioning in team and leadership roles that require different strengths than that of a scientist, and the MBA courses give me the insight I need to get better at what I do.

What is your overall experience with Franklin?
I’m getting everything I wanted out of the Vantage MBA Program! Instead of being taught in a lecture format and just memorizing facts like in my undergrad days, we’re learning in a setting that asks for everyone’s experiences and knowledge to become part of the subject. Plus, I’m doing Financial Leadership for my Capstone Experience, so it’s a great fit with my new job.

Any words of advice for future Franklin students?
Just make up your mind to do it, then give it your all! On top of the long hours I work, I put in several hours a day preparing for class because I’m focused on making the most of this experience. When I’m through, I know I will have gained plenty of knowledge that will continue to help me as I move into other territories in my career.