Beyond the Pursuit of Profit
Tony Lenhoff is a Master of Business Administration student at the University of Dallas and currently works as internal audit director at Tuesday Morning, a specialty retailer headquartered in Dallas.
For the past 15 years Tony has worked in various accounting and auditing roles in companies such as Viacom, 7-Eleven and Tuesday Morning.
We asked Tony a few questions about his ROI earned from pursuing his MBA at the University of Dallas.
You've had a fantastic career so far, why spend so much time and effort on a graduate business degree?
The payoff is simply too convincing, recent studies show that MBA graduates on average earn $45,000 more in income each year than non-MBA graduates. Earning a graduate business degree shows your employer that you're dedicated to advancing professionally and most importantly, it allows you the opportunity to expand your network of professional peers.
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I’ve found that I am able to approach challenges that come up more objectively and
that I am able to delegate tasks more effectively, offering my team more opportunities
to develop their own skills.
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Tony Lenhoff, MBA Student
Why an MBA?
I've received great career advancement opportunities from pursuing accounting/auditing certifications. My ultimate goal is to move into an executive management role but in order to do that, I need to advance my critical thinking skills in general business management areas and leadership. For me, the MBA was an obvious answer to that need.
How have you benefited from the graduate business program at UD?
Pursuing life goals is a never-ending feat for me, but the confidence I've gained from the knowledge I've received is invaluable. When I enter business meetings with Tuesday Morning executives, I am more involved because I am certain of my own abilities to contribute useful and significant ideas that can truly impact the organization.
How has UD's real-life approach to business education helped you?
In most of our classes we rely heavily on case studies to supplement the concepts we're learning about. Each case study is based on real-world situations which allows us as students to practice in preparation for similar experiences we will face at work. Since many students are also seasoned professionals, they can pull from their own experiences to help the rest of the class too.
What do you think makes UD different?
I have found that UD offers students a more personal experience through small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and the individual connections it forms within the classroom. Staff and faculty are always willing to work with you as a student to make the experience the most valuable use of your time and effort to achieve your goals.
Have you been able to use what you have learned at UD in your career?
I'm only a third of the way through the program but I've already felt increased confidence
in my leadership abilities and business acumen. I’ve found that I am able to approach
challenges that come up more objectively and that I am able to delegate tasks more
effectively, offering my team more opportunities to develop their own skills.
Why UD, why would you encourage other business students to apply here?
While not the focus of the business curriculum, I can see that the foundation as a faith-based university motivates the interweaving of integrity and ethics in every course you take. As a student, you are challenged to assess business decisions beyond the pursuit of profits and to consider the impact your decisions have on the greater community and ultimately, the world.