Part-Time MBA Student Profile Aron Branam
Development Project Manager, EDP Renewables
City of Residence: Portland, OR
Education: University of Texas, Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering; University of Houston, Masters in Commerce
Aron Branam: 00:00
My favorite thing about Booth is the Friday evening when I show up and I get to see all of the great people at the University of Chicago. I can’t tell you how good that feeling is. I don’t just travel for school, I travel for work also. Being in a different city for school versus for work, it allows me to focus 100 percent on the weekend on my MBA. I work for a global renewable energy company, managing a portfolio of projects throughout the development life cycle. As a project manager, I’ve spent most of my life on the engineering side, but I was really looking to boost my financial and economic acumen. That’s really what drew me to Booth.
Aron Branam: 00:36
I’ve applied what I’ve learned at the University of Chicago from day one, when I took Financial Accounting, and looking at how we would allocate costs was very relevant to me in my industry. For me, the biggest thing has been understanding the management of people and taking on that leadership role. I’ve been promoted twice since starting Booth. I think that vote of confidence is really how your managers and your superiors reflect on your experience at Booth. There are two exciting moments in my week. One is when I go home to my wife, and number two is coming here to be at Booth.
Career Changes While at Booth
I have been promoted twice from Project Developer to Project Manager I, and most recently to Project Manager II.
Why Booth?
You will not find a more collaborative and supportive MBA community anywhere. Period.
What Surprised You Most About Booth When You Started?
I was surprised by how much people care about one another and helping each other succeed. For me, the Booth MBA began as an individual pursuit, but at Booth, we learn, grow, and succeed together.
Student Groups
Student Advisory Council, Booth Leadership Group, Chicago Booth Energy Club