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Ina Gonzalez

Program and graduation year? Management, Class of 2008

What is your career background? Human Resources. Specialized in employee/labor relations and organizational development

Why did you choose to come back to get an MBA, and why the Drucker School? To differentiate myself from other HR profesionals. An MBA keeps me ahead of the curve and I can choose which companies and clients I want to work with. To me, this is what defines "success". Of course, a generous compensation package doesn't hurt, either. The Drucker School is known for training its students to look at more than just the numbers. We look at the big picture. This resonates with my own way of thinking and of being.

Plans after Drucker? Pick the job that meets my personal and professional critiera and start the next chapter of my life as a happily settled-down career woman.

Do you have a favorite class? I'm happy to say that I've had more than one favorite class. At the time I took those classes, they served more than just an academic purpose. For instance, some courses (Revitalization, Morality and Leadership) played a pivotal role in shaping my career-search. Other courses (Quantitative Methods) gave me the technical skills to excel at another class project (Marketing Research). Isn't that why some things become our favorite? Because its so multifunctional and value-laden. We're talking high ROI here.

What is a memorable moment from your time here? Our 2006 DSSA Thanksgiving Dinner at the Seaver House in Pomona College was a veritable United Nations event. And the food was fabulous (part catered like the gourmet turkey, part home-made like Philbert's sweet potato mash). Drucker students love to eat. Another memorable moment was studying in St. Gallen, Switzerland and getting stuck in Milan, Italy on the first day of class.

Favorite hobby while not working or studying? Pummeling tennis balls and hiking with my dog Kimo.

Any thoughts for a student considering the MBA program at Drucker? An MBA program is a big investment so, as in investing, your timing has to be right. Know what you want to get out of your education and experience. At Drucker, we love it when each of us contributes to our collective experience. Know what you'll contribute and you'll fit right in!

Kristine Pompeo

Program and graduation year? Part Time MBA, 2010

Where do you work? Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment in the Finance and Strategic Planning Group

Why did you choose to come back to get an MBA, and why the Drucker School? While I am already in a management position at my curent job, I felt like I needed to learn more about other areas of management, specifically Leadership and Strategy. I liked the close-knit community of the Drucker school, the small class sizes, and the quality of the professors. Also, as a Part Time student, I appreciate the variety of night classes from which to choose from.

Do you have a favorite class yet? Right now, my favorite class is Toxic Leadership with Jean Lipman-Blumen, but ask me again in a year!

What is a memorable moment from your time here? I signed up at the last minute for a class. The class was to start in a few days, and the prepartory reading for the first class was substantial. Because I work full time, I was not able to get my books from the bookstore before it closed. Not knowing who to call, I called Brandon Tuck in the Admissions office and explained my situation. He then asked one of the Student Ambassadors, Robert Hargis, to pick up my books for me, and I picked them up later that night. I am so grateful to be at a school where the staff goes out of their way to help one of their students. The staff here is so dedicated, and without their help, I would not have been prepared for class. Thank you!!

Favorite hobby while not working or studying? Spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and eating of course.