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Maira Rico graduated from the Executive MBA in November 2022.  She started the EMBA in the fall 2021 and is a clinician of audiology.  She arrived in this role with a non-traditional background and has over 10 years of experience.  

Maira Rico

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your professional work experience before joining the program. 

 I am a hearing instrument specialist also known as clinician of audiology. I have had the position with my company for over ten years. Although it is known to be a more clinical environment, I am also the office manager for both of my clinics. This has created a nice blend between patient care, corporate management, and sales.  

What drove you to seek out a Master’s in Business Administration? 

 My drive to seek out a master's degree in business was wanting to step away from the patient care end of the career and focus on administration, business development and growth, and development of a more modern approach to the corporate culture.  

How has the program helped you in your profession?  

The program helped me in my profession in unexpected ways. Although, I am still in a similar professional role as before it has allowed me to network at a different level and has given me diversity. This diversity has enabled me to gain a competitive edge and now colleagues, companies and private groups seek me out for consulting purposes.  

Did you get a promotion or have a career change after completing your EMBA? 

I still find myself in the same professional role as before, however, my responsibilities within the company have grown. In addition to patient care and management, I am the regional onboarding and training supervisor for incoming bilingual interns. I not only prepare them at a clinical level but have also merged in business management and financial literacy.  

As a hobby I started an advising group for young women who are entering their collegiate years and need guidance, whether it being in choosing the right career, financial assistance, mental health, school/ life balance, etc. I personally assist the young women as much as I can, or connect them with friends and colleagues that can answer questions that directly correlate to their current or change of career path.  Another hobby I have begun is advising fellow medical professionals in business development. 

I am also helping a local group set up a non-profit focused on mental health issues and recovery from abuse. I have also presented in conferences to business groups on the importance of health care and audiology when working demanding careers.   

What would you tell people considering the Executive MBA program? 

The program is wonderful, but it is challenging, really invest time and thought on how you will use and apply it.  If you decide the EMBA is for you, keep an open mind on every single subject, they will all be useful. Opportunity is what you make of a circumstance, this program will give you the tools to build on what you already have and create those opportunities.