Staying Grounded, Moving Forward and Preparing for Leadership

Coming into Portland State University’s MBA program with 10 years of professional experience, Nanette Reid was ready to apply her knowledge directly to her studies. “The professors were fabulous, and the focus on real-world experience versus theory was what kept me focused,” she recalls.

Earning her MBA and returning to the banking industry gave Nanette “great confidence” in every role she took at U.S. Bank. Her Capstone Project provided a platform to demonstrate proficiency, while diverse group projects honed essential teamwork and collaboration skills, critical foundations for success in any professional environment.

The Power of the Toolkit: Applying Valuation to the Real World

Nanette highlights specific PSU coursework that continues to influence her work today. “There was a valuations class that was so interesting and so ambiguous that I still think about it today.” Now working with companies with annual sales between $2.5 million and $50 million, she continually references valuation theories when reviewing financial projections for financing requests.

Beyond technical skills, the program’s emphasis on teamwork—from the capstone to various group projects—helped her understand group dynamics and cultivate collaborative problem-solving. These skills remain “critical” in her current role, reinforcing PSU’s focus on resilience, adaptability, and collaboration.

Faculty, Community, and Continuous Growth

For Nanette, PSU’s community and faculty were central to her transformative experience. Professors Duncan Kretovich and Donna Mack are singled out as favorite instructors, while serving as a graduate assistant added another layer of learning and leadership.

She reflects on her career progression at U.S. Bank with gratitude: “I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve been able to continue to learn and grow—taking on more responsibility and diverse leadership roles—all while remaining in Oregon.”

The well-rounded skillset gained at PSU prepared her for a journey of continuous professional elevation, demonstrating how an MBA can accelerate a career while staying true to one’s roots.