Souleymane Yo

Name: Souleymane Yo

Program: MBA (Part-Time)

Concentration/Area of Emphasis: Innovation and Growth Strategies

Current Employer: Duke Energy

Position: Senior Engineer

Graduation Date: Spring 2021

Undergraduate Institution and Degree: St. Cloud State University, Electrical Engineering

Favorite Place in Charlotte: Romare Bearden Park

Hometown: Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Dream Job: Manager

Connect with Souleymane on LinkedIn

Alumnus
2021
Master of Business Administration
What degree did you pursue and why?

I pursued the Master of Business Administration, and my primary objective was to understand organizational structure and functions, effective management skills, financial and economic operations, and company marketing. I believe that I have the foundational skillset for management and a passion for leadership; the next step for me was to seek an opportunity for growth to succeed in my next goal of becoming a successful leader in my organization.  With my experience, dedication, and work ethic, combined with furthering my education in management in a program as established as the UNC Charlotte program, I will be able to play a role in optimizing my team’s performance and help my current company, Duke Energy, in being more profitable.

Why did you choose the Belk College of Business over others?

The Belk College MBA is a reputable program, which has aided in the professional and personal growth of many professionals in my field.  This MBA program was my next step in achieving my goals of being in the management field.

What activities are you involved in when not working/studying?

I enjoy travel and discovering different places and cultures, which makes me appreciate the beauty of the world. I also have a passion for fitness as it helps me accomplish something for myself. My fitness activities and goals always reinforce my ability and motivation to go the extra mile in everything that I do, in both personal and professional life.

What has been the best part of your academic experience?

My Belk College of Business leadership course has been the best part of my academic experience thus far. It has improved my leadership abilities, which recently helped me get recognized for the leadership imperative Duke Energy Award, “Transform the Future”.

How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone considering a master’s program?

The Belk College of Business is a program that reaches beyond the classroom, and it is flexible program that will allow you not only to have a solid education to get you prepared for your future career, but also it will provide you some real-life experiences through its well-rounded faculty. I am tremendously excited to be graduating from this university due to the dedication and care of the Belk College of Business staff for its students.

How valuable do you feel this degree will be to your career?

Throughout my career, I have enjoyed growing my technical expertise and my communication skills to successfully lead my engineering teams and become a well-rounded engineer. As a single contributor, I have been looking for ways to improve my knowledge and leadership abilities to support my team and organization. Today, I believe this MBA degree is extremely valuable in my career path because it will help me access a management position and support my professional initiative of improving my knowledge and leadership abilities to contribute at my highest potential within my current organization, Duke Energy.

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