As chief global officer of global operations at Marriott International, Erika Alexander, Executive MBA ‘99, is responsible for Marriott’s enterprise-wide programs and platforms such as Quality Assurance, Food & Beverage, Hotel Systems Optimization, Procurement, Sustainability, and Supplier Diversity. Because the needs of guests are ever-changing, Alexander often finds herself relying on the skills and knowledge she obtained while studying at the George Mason University School of Business. “I would say that the Executive MBA program was way ahead of its time with its use of technology, innovative problem solving, and working collaboratively in small teams,” she says. “These reflect real-world conditions, allowing you to quickly apply what you’ve learned and successfully lead in a wide-range of environments.”
Among the prime advantages of Erika Alexander’s experience at the School of Business was its diversity – the diversity of thought and perspectives drawn from different backgrounds, disciplines, and leadership styles. Program cohorts are comprised of leaders from across industries. By connecting and learning from each other, Alexander found that solutions in another industry could be easily applied to her own.
The Executive MBA program allowed her to maintain her career trajectory, while providing the flexibility required for an executive officer with a full plate of responsibilities. And the relationships Alexander developed at the School of Business Executive MBA program did not end upon graduation. “It was wonderful to form relationships with these people from every walk of life at every juncture of their careers,” she says.
For students considering careers in hospitality, Erika Alexander encourages them to pursue them. “Hospitality is a unique field. It takes a village to run a hotel. So, you’re instantly connected to many disciplines – some of which you may not think of when you think of hotels. In addition to front desk, meetings and events and housekeeping, you also have peers in marketing, sales, finance, and even engineering and so many others.”
How people live, work, and travel is always changing, and the post-pandemic era is a time of even more drastic change. With the access to her Mason network and the knowledge and resources that come with it, Alexander not only stays ahead of the change, she embraces it.