Christopher Hart-Nova, President

Christopher Hart-Nova, President, EscapeWire Solutions

Undergraduate Degree and Major:
State University of New York at Potsdam (1993) - B.A. / Psychology

Graduate School(s) / Degree(s) / Year(s):
State University of New York at Buffalo / MBA / 2002

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

I am in charge of running the day-to-day operations of EscapeWire Solutions as well as defining and executing our company strategies for growth. My degree has helped me to work through difficult business issues that come with starting a company. It also gave me the foundation and confidence to make the decision to start a business that has seen steady growth over the past six years.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The challenge of running a business and delivering IT solutions that provide value to our clients.

What do you enjoy least about what you do?

Accounting.

Why did you choose this career?

I always felt that at some point in my life I would start a business. Upon graduation from the MBA program the timing was right and the opportunity presented itself for me to take that chance.

Why did you choose to get an MBA?

I felt an MBA was important and could help me further my career in corporate America. I also believed that it would be invaluable to me when the time was right to start my business.

What was your first job post-MBA?

Founder and President—EscapeWire Solutions

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

They should be trustworthy, personable, driven, motivated, understanding, goal-oriented, sympathetic, creative, and resourceful.

Traits to be successful in an MBA program:

Also trustworthy, personable, driven, motivated, understanding, goal-oriented, sympathetic, creative, and resourceful.

What advice would you give someone considering an MBA?

Spend time researching the programs you are considering. Speak with students and faculty about the program and try to get a sense of what a typical day in the program might be like for you. Be prepared to work hard and to face challenges that you probably have not even considered.

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

Find a program that will help provide you the tools to further your specific career objectives. Consider schools that have strong career resource centers that provide students with the ability to obtain internships and positions in companies that you would consider working for after you have completed the program. Try to evaluate whether or not students have easy access to professors outside of class—a good relationship with your professors can be invaluable both during and after the MBA program. Evaluate potential networking opportunities both during and after the program. Make sure you are getting the best value for your money.