Michael Reyes

Current employer: Chubb Group    

Position: Corporate Legal Manager

Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico

Undergrad institution and degree: ITESM campus Monterrey, Law

Dream Job: CEO of a transnational company

 

Alumnus
Master of Business Administration
Dual MBA Program
Tell us a little bit about your background and what motivated you to pursue the Dual International Degree in Global Business and Strategy.

I have always enjoyed taking on big challenges in my life. The bigger the challenge, the greater the satisfaction. When I came across with the dual degree MBA program in Global Business Strategy of EGADE and UNC Charlotte, I knew that this program was going to suit me well not just because of the opportunity to get of my comfort zone, but also because in doing that I am developing the ability to expand my offering to the business world. I started this program with the ultimate goal of reinventing myself from being a corporate attorney to becoming a business lawyer.

Where do you work? What have you learned in the program that you have been able to apply on the job?

I work as a corporate legal manager at Chubb Group. As an in-house lawyer of an underwriting institution, I get to negotiate different matters with vendors, partners, plaintiffs, brokers, etc. My negotiation skills have improved considerably since I started the program. Additionally, c-level executives now often ask for my opinion regarding the company’s relevant transactions, as I’ve been providing valuable recommendations given my understanding of a wider range of business areas (i.e. finance, marketing, accounting, etc.).

What has been the best part of your dual degree experience so far? 

Having a diverse class of people led by faculty with different backgrounds and from different countries has definitely enriched my learning and networking experiences. The good friends and connections that I have made and met, along with the moments that I’ve been able to be part of have been the best parts of my dual degree experience.

What opportunities have you been given as a result of the EGADE/Belk College partnership?

The access to job fairs and career centers of both graduate schools is definitely something worth mentioning. Also, the option to complete the dual degree program at Monterrey is something that has allowed me to continue working on a full-time basis, which allows me to put in practice what I have learned in real time. 

Tell us about your experience studying Global Competitiveness in Charlotte with both EGADE and Belk College students.

I enjoyed this class very much due to several factors. What I loved the most about this experience was that it was a joint teaching class with one professor from EGADE and another one from UNC Charlotte. Both professors were very knowledgeable about the class topics, had real-world experience, and they were able to make the class so interesting and relevant. Also, the interactions with UNC Charlotte students were very enriching and fun. In fact, I believe we created a lasting relationship, despite the fact we only spent one week together at Charlotte.  

How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone considering the dual degree program?

The Belk College is a friendly and honorable institution that is always looking for innovative ways to advance their students’ careers. The Belk College of Business really puts their students first, that’s why I felt welcome through my Global Competitiveness course in Charlotte.

Quote: 
Michael is a graduate student pursuing a Dual MBA in Global Business and Strategy, which is offered jointly by the Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey. He joined the program to add to his skills in order to transition from a corporate attorney to a business lawyer, and has already seen the benefits of applying his new knowledge in his professional life. In the summer of 2016, Michael was part of a group of EGADE students who travelled to Charlotte to participate in an immersive one-week course in Global Competitiveness alongside domestic MBA students from the Belk College.