Dan Kerns, EMTM '08

Background

During his early career with a large pharmaceuticals company, Dan completed his undergraduate degree in computer science at Montgomery County Community and Chestnut Hill Colleges. As his career developed he held positions in regulatory operations, software development and infrastructure management. After 12 years, however, he felt he didn't have many options for advancement within the company. He wanted to expand his opportunities and build on his earlier education. "My experience then was that, even if I worked hard and put my shoulder into it, I might only have the chance to advance if I was in the right place at the right time. I didn't feel I had control over my own future."

Why EMTM?

Dan first considered taking courses part time or enrolling in an evening program, but he quickly realized that many people he knew were taking the same route, which meant he wouldn't necessarily become more competitive in the job marketplace. "I had always wanted to go to Penn, so when I found out about EMTM I knew I had to apply. EMTM would allow me to put my best foot forward when I walked into any interview, and I knew the School would offer enormous value."

Career Impact

At EMTM, Dan especially enjoyed Foundations of Leadership and Organizational Behavior & Design. "These are highly relevant skills. Any company would be well advised to make these classes mandatory for their employees. I learned to look at my work and my professional interactions through a telescope, down to the minutest level. I learned to develop myself to my fullest potential and help those around me do the same."

While at the program, Dan further clarified his own goals and objectives. He left his position in infrastructure management and accepted a contract position as supervisor in the regulatory affairs organization of another large pharmaceuticals company, where he now has a growing number of staff reporting to him. "As a manager I try to prioritize people and ensure they are not lost in the competing goals and objectives of the organization. I've learned to balance accomplishing the company's objectives with developing resources — an important lesson from EMTM."

The weekend experience at EMTM brought camaraderie and contact with talented students across industries and countries. "People literally travel around the world to be there, and many graduates will tell you they miss it when they've finished the program. Not only is it a friendly place to be, but having the exposure to people on this level enhances your own abilities." He was also impressed with the faculty who were renowned in their fields, yet willing to share their personal experience and wisdom with students.

Dan paid for the program out of pocket and he believes it has paid him back immensely; on the most tangible level, it's meant a 90 percent increase in his salary in less than a year. "Deciding to finance EMTM personally was a difficult decision, but it turned out to be the best investment I ever made. Since I started the program the number and quality of opportunities I've had presented to me have been much greater and far superior to what I've seen in the past. Whatever ceiling I thought I had on my career has been removed and now I can pave my path in any direction. I can't say enough about the positive impact EMTM has had on my quality of life. It has encouraged me to seek the greatness in myself and those around me. If you need a cure for mediocrity, this is it."