Tim Davidson
MBA - International Business

Meet Tim Davidson: Same Degree, Different Applications

Tim Davidson got his MBA with a concentration in International Business through AIU Online after he was promoted to Vice President of a large technology department at a global PR firm. "I guess I did it backwards; I was promoted first, then I went for the Master's degree. A degree wasn't required but I felt I needed more education for the job I was expected to perform," he says.

Tim had a strong IT background but felt he needed more business knowledge. With his promotion, Tim reported directly to the company President, was head of the IT Steering Committee, and oversaw the budget, strategic planning, and operations for offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Singapore. Tim found himself under-educated in regards to business terminology and principles.

"I knew the technology side, but felt I needed more business knowledge. I thought an MBA would bridge that gap. By the end of the AIU Online MBA degree program I was well-versed in business, which significantly enhanced my job performance."

Out of school since receiving his B.A. from a traditional university in 1986, Tim knew online was really the only way he could get his MBA. "I needed the flexibility offered by an online program; otherwise an MBA would have taken three or four years to complete." Tim chose AIU Online for its accelerated degree program. "I needed the knowledge quickly and AIU Online's accelerated program was ideal."

Tim believes that the online and the accelerated nature of AIU Online's MBA degree program provided the same quality of education he would have received at a traditional school, but at his pace and within his schedule. "I wasn't after a piece of paper, I wanted knowledge. I don't know if I was the typical student, but I was highly motivated to learn and found the instructors at AIU Online very helpful."

When he graduated through AIU Online in 2001 Tim didn't have plans to start his own company. However, with several successful years as a corporate VP and with the business knowledge gained from his MBA, he did just that in February 2005. In fact, with his wife as co-founder, he launched three businesses: Cyber Plus Incorporated, CP InfoSec Auditors and CP InfoSec Consultants.

Tim believes he would not have had the confidence or know-how to launch and run his companies without having earned his MBA. "Even though the MBA degree program was focused on international business I was able to apply the knowledge in a domestic setting. The entire AIU Online MBA degree program has proven to be a vital part of my success at work."

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