MBA Degree Holder Helming GM's North America Business
GM's CEO, Richard Wagoner Jr., took a hands-on approach to right the ship of his North America business this last year, and with many broad-sweeping changes in motion, there are signs of life with a small $445 million profit in the first quarter of 2006 (remember this is a billion dollar company so anything in the millions is small). The keys to the North America division of GM are now being handed over to engineer and MBA degree-holder, Troy Clarke, to help keep GM out of the red.
Labor Relations Expertise
Clarke is being touted for his experience working in labor relations as vice president since 2001. It's been common knowledge that large healthcare and benefits obligations have been more than GM can manage (while remaining profitable) so Clarke's labor expertise will probably come in handy when negotiations for a new labor pact with the United Auto Workers union starts next year. Expectations are that these discussions will require GM to pursue even more cuts than the last agreement, so Clarke will have his hands full.Automotive Business Experience and Education
Clarke's background features a business and engineering education as he has both an engineering degree and an MBA degree. He spent ten years in the Pontiac Motor Division after joining as a co-op student. The one concern that business analysts have pointed to in his background is the lack of product and marketing experience. However, others point out that with a number of initiatives already in progress, Clarke needs to help stay the course more than to trail blaze.Advancing Your Career with an Online Business or MBA Degree
The value of MBAs seems to be reinforced every day, and it appears certain that the degree is definitely a benefit to advancing your career up the corporate ladder. An online MBA or business degree, depending on your current level of education, is a great way to build a strong foundation in business. If you don't have a bachelor's degree yet, you should look into an online business degree to get things going; most MBA degree programs will expect you to have an undergraduate degree.With an online business or MBA degree, you could be on your way to one day leading a major corporation like GM.
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About the Author
James Tolles is a freelance writer and holds two B.A. degrees, one in Creative Writing and the other in History.
