Cynthia Elliott, Shoes and Handbags Planning Lead

Cynthia Elliott, Shoes and Handbags Planning Lead, Amazon.com

Undergraduate Degree and Major:

Bachelor of Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering (University of South Florida)

Graduate School(s) / Degree(s) / Year(s):

Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University/MBA/2006

What are your responsibilities at work and how does your degree help you achieve them?

My responsibilities include partnering with the buying team to grow selection, optimizing our inventory investments across shoes and handbags, working with vendors to improve economics, and leading internal cross-functional groups to deliver automated tool sets. At the Tepper School of Business, I took advantage of the many opportunities to enroll in courses across multiple disciplines, which enriched my learning experience and prepared me to enter the business world with confidence. Today, I use the analytical and teamwork skills developed in business school to efficiently manage my day-to-day operations.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I would say the best part of my job is working with and leading people. My team is composed of individuals with considerable depth of experience in retail buying and planning. Coming from an operations background, my skills balance the expertise of the team and make my job challenging yet rewarding.

What do you enjoy least about what you do?

Traveling—at first, I thought it would be so exciting to travel to different cities. Now after several years, it is starting to take its toll, especially with the hassle and delays at the airports. Living in Seattle does not help since getting to the east coast takes almost a full day!

Why did you choose this career?

I pursued a career in the retail industry because I wanted to broaden my experience outside of operations, where I have over 10 years of work experience. However, I still use a lot of the skills learned in operations to make process improvements and to effectively communicate with our fulfillment center. I also manage a very exciting category, which makes my job extremely appealing.

Why did you choose to get an MBA?

I wanted to learn the "hard skills” such as economics and finance as well as the "soft skills” of ethics and communications to complement my quantitative background so that I could become an effective manager. I decided to attend the Tepper School of Business because the program offered the best learning opportunities due to its emphasis on business and technology.

What was your first job post-MBA?

I joined Amazon.com as part of a 36-month rotation program. In my first job, I worked as an operations manager at one of our fulfillment centers in Lexington, Kentucky, followed by a second rotation as a process engineer at our corporate headquarters in Seattle, Washington. For the third year, I made the decision to switch from operations to retail where I currently manage the Shoes and Handbags Planning team.

What traits should someone have to be successful in your career?

It is important to have motivation, flexibility, and strong communication skills. The retail industry is very competitive, especially during an economic downturn, so you have to work extra hard to keep the business moving in the right direction. Understanding the customers’ needs coupled with strong business relationships will help in your success.

Traits to be successful in an MBA program:

In order to be successful, you should have the “fire in the belly.” As the first person in my family to attend college, I was motivated by the opportunity to earn a graduate degree. Most MBA programs are designed to teach an array of business skills from accounting to team building. Given the time commitment and monetary investment, it is imperative that you have the motivation and drive to succeed.

What advice would you give someone considering an MBA?

Determine what you are passionate about and look for an MBA program that truly matches your goals. Once you are an MBA student, make sure to stay the course by sticking to your plan. It is easy to follow the herd, but I advise to follow to your heart instead, which will help you make the right decision and keep you focused.

When considering MBA Programs, what do you suggest prospective students look for?

I would look for a program that offers the best fit for my educational development. Ideally, the right program bridges the gap in knowledge and provides opportunities for growth. Equally important is the chance to make a difference by contributing to classroom discussions and volunteering to help others in your community.