Janna Murgia, successful International Executive MBA graduate of ...

Where do you live now and what do you do?
I now live in New York City and I am the Public Relations Manager for Macys East. Macys
is a very large retail company with more than 800 stores nationwide. Macys East is the
division that covers locations on the eastern seaboard of the US from Washington DC to
Maine. As Public Relations Manager I am responsible for cause-related marketing efforts
and strategic partnerships with non-profit organizations. The goal of our department is to
create win-win programmes in which we give back to the community and drive business
for our company. To give one example, each year my department executes a community
shopping day. For several months prior to this event, any non-profit organization may sell
shopping passes that entitle the purchaser to a day of special discounts, promotions and
events on the community shopping day. The non-profit organizations keep 100% of the
proceeds from their shopping pass sales. Last year the Macys organization raised $9 million
for charities through this event alone and our sales volume on that day was one of the most
significant of the year.
How did you experience the UMBS MBA programme?
The UMBS programme offers many benefits that cannot be obtained in other
programmes. Maastricht is a wonderful and friendly city from which all of Europe is easily
accessible. Having an international experience is incredibly important, especially in todays
global marketplace. The international classroom makes for a well-rounded exchange of
ideas that is not easy to find in other programmes. My time at UMBS/Maastricht is certainly
one of the most important experiences of my life. It has afforded me career opportunities
that I would not have otherwise had. Many people that I have met since graduation have
been very interested in learning more about my experience at UMBS and I am incredibly
proud to share my stories with them. Choosing this course of study and course of life has
already proven to have a significant, positive impact on my future.