Alumni Profile: Justine Dube '00

Education prior to MMM:
BS, Business Admin, University of New Hampshire '93

Employment prior to MMM:
SCI Systems Inc. (circuit board mfgr) - material & production planner, 1 year; PRTM - Operations, Supply-Chain, Product Development consulting, analysis & business process reengineering, 4 years.

Positions after MMM:
Cordis Endovascular / J&J - Senior Product Director - Vascular Stents and Devices, J&J Pharmaceutical Services / PGSM - Director Strategic Marketing / Global Commercial Leader - Urology

Why I chose MMM:
I chose MMM because of its blending of technology management and the traditional MBA. Since I lacked the technical degree, I had a desire for the knowledge to manage in a technology-driven and manufacturing-driven company. I knew that a program like MMM was the best way to stay focused on the management piece. In my opinion, the

best preparation for a general management future is a program such as the MMM program. You get a full-breadth look at an entire firm, from engineering design and product development, through manufacturing, to distribution. And of course all the functional areas of finance, accounting, strategic management, marketing, and supply-chain management are covered in both Kellogg and McCormick courses. The added attraction of Kellogg's well-respected Health Services Management program made my decision very easy.

In my current career as a product manager, I have true product/portfolio management breadth. My job encompasses commercialization/product launch, through life cycle management, to product phase-out, as well as traditional marketing and also General

Manager-like business management. The tools and education that I received in the MMM program truly propelled me to a very early promotion, and a very successful career in a product/manufacturing-based company. My manufacturing background has

been particularly valuable in my marketing role because I can communicate with the engineering and manufacturing staffs with ease and with respect. I enjoy working on cross-functional teams, being involved in the NPD process, and translating my marketing ideas into technical terms that all parties can understand.

The teamwork fostered at Kellogg is even greater within the MMM program. Since the program is a mini-community within the Kellogg world, we are an intimate group. The teams formed in MMM are the best mimic of "real-world" cross functional teams since the backgrounds of MMM students are very diverse. Taking a finance, or marketing, or strategy class with traditional electrical engineers (for example) is very stimulating since those students think non-traditionally! My brain was stretched farther every day, and my capabilities and intellect are now serving me well in a high-responsibility and high-pressure role at a fast-paced medical device company. I am over-taxed and always under stress, but that fits with my personality, since I wouldn't have it any other way!

The friends that I developed within the MMM program are counted as among the best I have ever made. �The faculty are outstanding, and my experience was top-notch. Attending Northwestern for the MMM program was the best decision that I have made thus far in my career.

Last updated on October 25, 2004 9:02 AM

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