Mike Fischer, Manager, Global Production System

"Think about program size. I didn't want to just be a number. It was nice knowing the faculty and other students by name and having them know who I was."

Education

• MBA, Rice University, 2002
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, 1989

What I Do
Manager, global production system for one of 13 businesses owned by one of the world's largest manufacturers

I am responsible for leading improvements in the global parts division of a world leader in diagnostic imaging technology. There are 80 warehouses around the globe that try to stock the right parts and receive the old, worn-out parts to assess whether they can be repaired economically. Right now, too many mistakes are being made and the system is inefficient. I am using "lean thinking" techniques to improve the division.

Words of Advice for This Career…
You need to be able to get things accomplished. I have no specific training that was critical to getting this position, but I have a consistent track record of exceeding targets in a variety of challenging positions. I have a strong leadership background and have succeeded as a "change agent" in many situations.

… And on Choosing an MBA Program
Think about program size. I didn't want to just be a number. It was nice knowing the faculty and other students by name and having them know who I was. The personal nature of the program also enhanced class interaction and the overall value of my educational experience. I'm glad I went to a small, respected school.