Today’s episode introduces listeners to the world of small business with guest Amanda Robbins. Amanda is a Navy submarine veteran, a 4th generation Naval Academy graduate, executive MBA student at The Wharton School, and current Sr. VP & CFO at Solar Technology. We talk about Amanda’s transition from the military to working full time while working toward an MBA, leveraging military skills working at a small business, benefits of an executive MBA, and more!
Main Topics
Amanda’s introduction & background (0:33)
Nuclear engineering training & academic experience at the US Naval Academy (3:45)
Pioneering submariner career field as a female & integration with a previously male-only career field (7:05)
Decision to separate from the military & return home to work for parents’ company (9:17)
Managing transition from the Navy while on submarine duty (11:05)
Studying & preparing for the GMAT (13:28)
Working with S2S Ambassador during admissions process to The Wharton School E-MBA program, advice for veterans considering a similar route (15:43)
Role as a CFO at a small business (17:56)
Leveraging skills learned as a naval submarine officer working in small business, things to consider when working for a small, family-owned business vs. large corporation/business (20:05)
Day-to-day responsibilities of a CFO, preparing for current role after nuclear sub experience while just now working on MBA (23:00)
What is an Executive MBA (E-MBA), how is differs from a traditional MBA, and balancing grad school while working full time (26:26)
Typical industry & career goals of E-MBA students in cohort at Wharton (29:30)
Words of wisdom for fellow veterans (33:55)
Additional Resources
Listen, rate, and subscribe!
