Edward J. Ottensmeyer, Dean
Welcome to the people and programs of Clark University’s Graduate School of Management (GSOM). You probably already know that our internationally accredited programs are among the finest in the U.S.— but I’d like to share with you three reasons why GSOM is such a special place.
First, GSOM’s programs connect you to the fundamentals of business and management. Future leaders need in-depth preparation in specific fields such as finance or marketing. That’s why you have a choice of several concentrations, in which to build a critical depth of knowledge. But, being an expert in one discipline will not be enough in tomorrow’s business world. You will need knowledge and skills that cut across fields—such as managing new information technologies, working in global or cross-functional teams, managing change, organizing international operations, or using the Internet for strategic advantage. Underlying these critical business skills are creative problem solving, critical thinking, and leadership. You will find these themes spread throughout your courses. As part of a larger university renowned for its analytical liberal arts tradition and ground-breaking research, GSOM is committed to preparing you to analyze complex situations, plan actions, and lead people. In the words of one graduate, “A Clark MBA prepares you to separate hype from reality.”
Second, GSOM’s faculty connects you to the future. This talented group of professionals, dedicated to your development, is the heart of GSOM. They are highly regarded in the world of business as well as in academic circles. They are regularly invited to speak at international conferences; they consult to Wall Street firms and to government agencies around the world; they publish in, and edit, top journals in their fields; and they bring this expertise into your classes. Every good business school will try to teach you a set of best practices in fields such as marketing, finance, or business strategy. But the research focus of the Clark faculty will help you to look beyond the present situation, to challenge convention, and to help define the next wave of best practice during your career.
Third, GSOM’s Alumni Network connects you to career opportunities. Our graduates are a source of enormous pride to us. We see them take positions, and leadership roles, at world-class firms: McKinsey & Co., Procter & Gamble, Deloitte & Touche, Fidelity Investments, EMC, Brown Brothers Harriman, BOSE Corporation, Deutsche Bank, Art Technology Group, and Lotus Development Corporation. We see them make remarkable changes in their lives and their careers. Margot Nones, who studied art history at Connecticut College, learned finance at GSOM and is now Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Regent Investor Services in New York. Larry Lapides, who holds physics degrees from both the University of California at Berkeley and Cornell University, progressed from engineering duties in large traditional firms to leadership in a series of Silicon Valley startups. Reflecting on his GSOM experience, Larry says “I wouldn’t be where I am today, preparing my third company for acquisition/IPO, without my degree (and the knowledge) from Clark. The Clark program helped me prepare for both uncertain futures and exciting opportunities.” Whichever road our graduates travel – large firms, small start-ups, not-for-profit organizations, family businesses – they do so with a sense of confidence that comes from learning the business fundamentals at GSOM from a caring and highly-skilled faculty.
So, with great pride and excitement, I invite you to learn more about GSOM by browsing this website or visiting our campus. I also invite you to send me an email if you need any further information or would like to speak to a recent graduate about his or her experience at GSOM.
Edward
J. Ottensmeyer, Dean