Most people associate the Pacific Northwest in the US with its lush forests, rugged coastlines, and snow-capped mountains like the Cascades. But there’s more to the region than its views. With a fast-growing tech sector, a strong entrepreneurial culture, and organisations focused on making a positive impact, it’s an exciting place to build a career. That’s what attracted Chloe Bui from Vietnam.
Bui originally studied pharmacy and later worked in sales roles at pharmaceutical companies. However, she soon realised she needed stronger management and strategic skills to move forward. Pursuing an MBA then felt like the natural next step — and she was accepted into Willamette University.
With programmes in Salem and Portland, Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management is widely recognised as one of Oregon’s leading business schools. Its MBA programme, accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration), is consistently ranked the top in the state and the best in the Pacific Northwest.
Students and faculty enjoy the annual Dean’s football outing. Source: Willamette University
Small classes, strong connections
The Atkinson School’s full-time MBA programmes are designed for professionals at different stages of their careers. Its oldest dual-degree programme is the JD/MBA, where you can earn both graduate degrees within four years while preparing for leadership roles in law, business, and government. Bui enrolled in the newer MBA/MS Data Science Dual Degree Programme.
Starting graduate school in a new country was overwhelming for Bui though. But what helped most, she says, was the Atkinson School’s small class sizes. “It was easier to build strong connections with classmates and engage in meaningful discussions. I also had many opportunities to interact closely with professors, whether during class discussions, office hours, or project work,” she shares. “This environment made it easier to ask questions, share ideas, and receive guidance when needed.”
Bui found the Career Management team to be a huge help too. “Advisors like Katrina, Ruthie, and Carly helped me improve my resume, prepare for interviews, and navigate the challenges of searching for jobs as an international student,” she shares. “I especially appreciated how they regularly shared job opportunities that matched my interests and career goals. It kept me motivated throughout the job search.”
Alexander (Alex) Weirauch, an MBA graduate from Germany, had a similarly positive experience. In fact, he had joined the Atkinson School because of the faculty. “From my interview with Alex Subert, the associate dean at the time, I felt like it would be the perfect mix of a challenging new environment and familiar West Coast vibes, so the decision was easy,” he says.
That connection didn’t stop after graduation. “I was stuck building my first map using the R programming language,” he recalls. Then one late night, months after graduating, he decided to reach out for help. “It was around 1 a.m. when I texted Dr. Walker. Not only was he awake, but he was happy to hop on a Discord call for two hours to guide me through the next steps. The animation I created eventually became part of my PhD application,” he says.
Through Willamette’s Career Development Centre, MBA students build career strategy, interviewing, and negotiation skills. Source: Willamette University
Where this MBA can take you
Today, Bui works as a Senior Budget Analyst in the Business Analyst Department at Oregon State Hospital. Although it’s a big shift from her pharmacy background, she believes she’s well-prepared for the role. “Through the MBA courses, I have better understood the underlying financial processes, which makes communication and collaboration much easier,” she says.
Meanwhile, Practical Application for Careers and Enterprises (PACE) and Managing Individuals, Teams, and Organisations (MITO) courses sharpened her problem-solving skills, while the data science classes equipped her to work with data from start to finish. Practical experience is a cornerstone of the programme, and a key part of Bui’s journey.
During a Data Analyst internship with the Community Development Corporation of Oregon, she used demographic and geographic data to build interactive maps and visualisations. “The experience helped me develop important professional skills, including resource allocation, data storytelling, communication, teamwork, and adapting to organisational culture,” she says.
Weirauch took a different path after graduating, pursuing a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. “I am certain that my MBA skills played a huge role in me landing my current position and succeeding in continuously securing funding,” he shares.
He believes his background allows him to bring a unique perspective to the field too. “Atkinson was the first place where I truly excelled academically and received strong encouragement and support,” he adds. “It also helped me solidify my values and how I communicate them with peers, employees, and supervisors.”
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