Dallas Technology 'Angel' Helps Start-Up Companies Thrive
Mark C. Clark is the senior partner at O2Works, a company that specializes in implementation of Oracle software applications for a variety of businesses. He also serves as an "angel" investor in technology companies, as well as a mentor and advisor to those starting up in the industry.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"I was very lucky in that engineering students at the University of Illinois were encouraged to take a series of electives in other disciplines. I happened to choose business because it was interesting, and I wanted to blend engineering with business in my career. I liked those classes so much, I decided to take the GMAT and apply to business school directly from undergrad. An advisor suggested engineering and finance was more unique for engineers that went back to get an M.B.A.."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"Returning to school is much tougher once you have had the taste of earning money and may have family and other financial obligations, but if you choose your major, school and even study mates wisely, it may open other doors for you."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"Having gone directly through from undergrad, I was a bit younger than some of my peers in business school. Many of them had several years of real world experience that they could leverage and that garnered a bit more respect from the professors."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"I was fortunate in that the company I hired into happened to be looking for that nice blend of technology as well as business in order to build out a new product line. That opportunity may not have been there without the blend."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com