Craig Wucherpfennig
Executive MBA 2010
NYU Stern Executive MBA student Craig Wucherpfennig is director of finance at American Express Company, where he leads a team in the Merchant Services unit, focusing on financial analysis, strategic planning and investment optimization. Having worked in finance his entire career, Craig decided to pursue an Executive MBA to develop his broader business knowledge. “Working on the financial side, you see one aspect of the business,” Craig says, “but earning the MBA, you gain an enhanced understanding of the strategic reasoning behind decision making and are able to see the whole picture better.” Specifically, Craig has seen his daily interactions with the marketing team improve, as his knowledge of marketing and strategy has grown.
Already an effective manager, Craig believes adding the Executive MBA Program to his busy schedule has helped him remain focused and goal-oriented. Craig highlights the program’s network of experienced and seasoned peers as a large motivating factor for the professional application of his academic studies. In particular, he admires the entrepreneurial mindset of many of his classmates. “From students working in the venture capital contests, to people running their own businesses,” Craig says, “I’m inspired to bring some of this entrepreneurial spirit into the larger organizational setting where I work.”
In the short-term, Craig is looking forward to broadening his knowledge base and influencing business partners at work. He plans to maintain the management focus of his career, continuously applying the general management skills he is acquiring. In the meantime, Craig remains inspired by his classmates and peers. “Being here has really made me realize there are many options, many potential opportunities for business development,” Craig says. “Perhaps you have an idea—who knows, it could lead to a business!”
Already an effective manager, Craig believes adding the Executive MBA Program to his busy schedule has helped him remain focused and goal-oriented. Craig highlights the program’s network of experienced and seasoned peers as a large motivating factor for the professional application of his academic studies. In particular, he admires the entrepreneurial mindset of many of his classmates. “From students working in the venture capital contests, to people running their own businesses,” Craig says, “I’m inspired to bring some of this entrepreneurial spirit into the larger organizational setting where I work.”
In the short-term, Craig is looking forward to broadening his knowledge base and influencing business partners at work. He plans to maintain the management focus of his career, continuously applying the general management skills he is acquiring. In the meantime, Craig remains inspired by his classmates and peers. “Being here has really made me realize there are many options, many potential opportunities for business development,” Craig says. “Perhaps you have an idea—who knows, it could lead to a business!”