Baylor EMBA 2011
Executive Vice President, Network Synergy Group
"Building a Solid Foundation"
Having earned his BBA from Baylor in 1996, Mark Masson was no stranger to the Baylor brand or the world of business. His previous company, Concentra-which Mark says was well aware of Baylor's reputation as a top school that focuses on ethics-also didn't need much convincing when it came to supporting Mark in his choice of an MBA program.
After fifteen years in the healthcare industry, Mark could see his role expanding beyond his current scope of knowledge. "I needed to increase my knowledge, skills, and problem solving abilities," he says. His job responsibilities were growing and he was interacting more with senior level executives-Mark knew he needed to be able to speak the language if he was going to get a seat at the executive table.
Ascending to the next level came faster than even Mark expected. Just months into the program he was offered his current position as Executive Vice President at Network Synergy Group. Mark didn't plan to change jobs while pursuing his MBA, but this opportunity was the classic offer that couldn't be refused. NSG knew Mark was pursuing his MBA at Baylor and he is convinced that helped him get the position. "I have a greater breadth of knowledge in regulatory compliance, operations, finance, and marketing," Mark says. "What I learned at Baylor is helping me to meet and exceed my current responsibilities."
Two things stand out for Mark about his experience at Baylor: the professors and the students. "The professors are real-world," Mark says. "They live Baylor's mission and are very accessible." Mark appreciated the robust case-study method the program utilizes and he found the way problems are examined from a global and strategic perspective particularly valuable. He also liked working with a cohort. "Business problems require a complex mix of solutions," he says. "Having your thoughts challenged by other individuals in the classroom helps you find the best solution."
Armed with the knowledge and skills he has gained from Baylor Mark feels he is more than ready to take on challenges and develop his role with Network Synergy Group even further. He looks forward to growing the business and expanding their brand. "My Baylor MBA has given me the foundation I was looking for," he says. "I now have a seat at the table."
