Hi, I'm Robert Cramer and This is What My MBA Looks Like

"The hybrid format of EMBA means I get to be home for dinner."

My name is Robert Cramer and I am a veteran of the United States Air Force. I am 29 years old and currently work as the Systems Administrator for Valley Montessori School in Livermore CA. I am currently attending Saint Mary’s College of California in the Executive MBA program with a dual focus in Global Business and Business Analytics.

• How do you balance school and work?

I couldn't have balanced this schedule without the support of my family, especially my wife, Katelynn. We have to create schedules for everything and balance work, family time, study time for me and study time for my wife, as she is in school full-time as well. It is a task that takes tremendous effort and self-discipline, that said, if you put in the effort, your professors and the entire business department are there to assist when needed.

• What’s the most valuable thing you learned in the Executive MBA program thus far?

First perseverance through doubt, work stress, financial stress, family stress. Second, you’re only as good as your network. Keep open lines of communication with peers and colleagues. Third, if someone else can do it, you can do it. Amid the stress of real life, family schedules, financial responsibilities, and my job, I am encouraged to think big. If someone else, like a CEO or CFO is able to go through the program, so am I.

• What are you learning about yourself?

I really enjoy this type of classwork and I think it has really helped me refine my career path moving forward.

• How is Saint Mary's Executive MBA program benefiting your personal and professional growth?

I feel like I am growing intellectually and developing high-level business skills. This learning experience has shown me some key do's and don'ts and imparted decades of practical wisdom from our many professors that I am able to immediately leverage. 

• How has what you learned in the military prepared for the rigors of the EMBA program?

In the United States Air Force there is a lot of expectation. They require that you be resilient and rise to every occasion as an opportunity to better yourself. Regardless of the stress or time constants. The goal is the job and the job must get done. My military experience has instilled in me the ability to believe in myself and my skills. It forced me to stand even under the most tremendous pressure. To push myself beyond my perceived limits, because I am capable of achieving anything I take ownership of provided I apply myself. I learned that It is important to understand that you will not achieve anything great unless you step out of your own way and get comfortable being uncomfortable.   

• Discuss your classroom and online experience (benefits of the hybrid program?)

The hybrid aspect of this course is 90% of the reason I enrolled. It allows me enough flexibility to work full time and pursue my degree while spending time with my family. Getting together with my cohort every other Saturday has really helped maintain that inclusivity and comradery. 

• What capstone project or travel trip did you go on?

I went on a travel trip to Japan and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The business, culture, food, scenery, and temples were amazing.  The cities and people were fascinating. I plan on attending the next travel trip as-well in order to obtain a focus on global business as well as business analytics.

• What advice would you give someone considering pursuing their MBA?

If I could give any advice it would be, just get comfortable being uncomfortable. If you can overcome that discomfort, you will gain amazing opportunity, growth, networking and monetary dividends in return for your perseverance. If you think you don't have the time or you have a family and can't imagine juggling it all. You can. This is an investment in your future.