"I'm currently responsible for a Leadership Development Program, which ultimately will be available to 900 employees, and I'm already putting my new leadership and financial skills to the test."

Profile - Melissa Treichler
• Midrange Storage Support Manager, IBM Global Technology Services
• MS-MOT Class of 2006
• BA International Relations, Gannon University, 1994

As a Midrange Storage support manager for IBM Global Technology Services, Melissa Treichler felt Georgia Tech's Management of Technology program had it all: the business education she wanted from a "traditional MBA core" combined with a technical component."I believe this will give me an edge on the competition," says Treichler.

The focus on entrepreneurship was also appealing. "Even though IBM is a large company, some business units have many employees, which is equivalent to a new venture or small company," explains Treichler. "To succeed in such a division, you need to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit."

Treichler believes that her "MBA-plus education" will help with her career portfolio and help her reach her goal of becoming a senior leader with IBM. "I'm currently responsible for a Leadership Development Program, which ultimately will be available to 900 employees, and I'm already putting my new leadership and financial skills to the test. I'm now managing this program in a more effective way," Treichler adds. "As a member of the new generation of IBM, my degree will help set me apart."