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Meet Bob Merkley, Executive Master's Graduate

We know you have some big goals on your list you want to achieve. Our Executive Master of Science in Information Technology is here to help you accomplish your career aspirations. Wondering what our new degree is all about? Check out one recent graduate's story.

  • published: 2019/01/14
Profile photo of an EMIT student

Name: Bob Merkley
Degree: Executive Master of Science in Information Technology (2018)
Title: Global Operations Director, Interpublic Group

Q: How did you hear about EMIT?

I heard IS&T was introducing a new program, and was asked to review it from an employer’s standpoint. I have a pretty solid relationship with the college because our company (IPG) hires a lot of student as interns from IS&T, so I was familiar with the quality of education they produce.

With EMIT, I learned leadership lessons that I could incorporate immediately and enhance my leadership.

 Bob Merkley
I’ve always wanted to go get my master’s, I have business and Management Information Systems degrees from UNO – so I assumed my master’s would be in the business realm as well. But, when this degree launched I could tell it was more applicable for what I do and more importantly – what my aspirations are.

Once the degree was official, I made sure I was part of the first cohort.

Q: What made you excited to join the EMIT program?

The program is current in a technology world that is always changing. It’s important for managers in today’s society to not only have leadership and business know-how, but understand the complex technological problems and solutions. I wasn’t aware of any other degree like EMIT that could provide the lessons I was looking for.

Q: What was your favorite part about the program?

I learned a lot from our curriculum, but the best lessons I learned were from the real-world experiences and knowledge that not only our professors brought to the table, but my classmates as well. The cohort set-up of this program allowed us to learn directly from each other, which enriched our discussions weekly.

Q: How have you used what you learned in the EMIT program?

When it comes to leadership, managing teams and multinational corporate environments – there’s a lot of lessons, but there’s no text-book that can really teach you how to lead because everyone has their own leadership style. With EMIT, I learned leadership lessons that I could incorporate immediately and enhance my leadership.