Ming Gao

Ming Gao IT Manager, Hewlett-Packard Company Services Business

In 2002, I completed the launch of a successful worldwide IT consolidation program for Hewlett- Packard. During the process, I interacted heavily with senior management at the company. The experience made me realize that I would benefit from having more business knowledge. The Rutgers EMBA program provided a framework for me to look at business issues from a holistic point of view—not just a technical perspective.

The course work was challenging but also very rewarding. The EMBA faculty members made the experience dynamic and exciting, and they emphasized and encouraged collaboration among the students. We learned a great deal from one another, especially by sharing our own career experiences.

The program taught me to look at business problems in a new way, and it helped me sharpen my approach at Hewlett-Packard. This led to a promotion and a new position in which I am responsible for managing multiple cross-functional teams. I now work with senior-level professionals every day. In other words, the area that I set out trying to improve has now been recognized by my company as one of my greatest strengths.

I am currently establishing a governance process that will systemize how the different teams I manage work together. Two EMBA classes—Leadership and Strategy—really laid the foundation and enabled individuals like me to drive an organization for change. The lessons I learned from these courses apply directly to this project, providing a great example of how the overall program has benefited my career.