From an entry-level position at MCI Telecommunications to a leading role in Global Privacy Solutions at the San Francisco-based TRUSTe, Elizabeth Blass has always viewed strategy as an important part of her skillset.<\/p>\n
Over the years, she has needed to be strategic across a variety of roles, including Regional Service Vice President in Verizon’s enterprise customer division and Director of Co-Location Customer Service Operations for CME Group, a global derivatives marketplace. While there, Blass managed an around-the-clock, multi-channel support center, customer portal, and quality management program.<\/p>\n
Despite her experience, Blass felt she could learn more.<\/p>\n
“I believe that a person can never learn enough about management and leadership,” she said. “It is an ever-evolving field of study. I use strategy in nearly every part of my role and knew that sharpening my skills in this area would also be of benefit.”<\/p>\n
Due to a work schedule that includes plenty of travel, Blass sought a program that could provide the flexibility she needed to complete a master’s degree. She chose the MS in Management, Strategy and Leadership<\/a> program offered online by Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business.<\/p>\n “I’ve written papers from places such as Hong Kong, the Philippines, Seoul, and Las Vegas and was able to manage school while moving cross-country for a new job,” Blass said. “I even took a test in a Famous Dave’s BBQ restaurant during the move, which I do not recommend.<\/p>\n