From Mechanical Engineering to Business
With a background in mechanical engineering, Dean Blanks had always been fascinated by understanding how the physical world operates.
He enjoyed the precision of engineering — understanding the forces associated with objects, the movement of cars and airplanes, and the transfer of heat from one body to another through theories and principles.
But over time, Dean realised that understanding these concepts was only part of the picture.
He became increasingly aware that he could have a greater impact by using his interpersonal and relationship-building skills alongside his technical background.
For Dean, developing the business knowledge to complement his engineering background became the reason to pursue an MBA.
“I realized that I would be of more benefit to society by relying on my interpersonal and relationship skills rather than my formal engineering background.”
Deciding to Pursue an MBA
Dean wanted to gain the business acumen needed to move beyond his formal engineering background and develop a career that combined technical knowledge with interpersonal skills.
Rather than leaving his technical experience behind, he saw an MBA as a way to build on it.
His goal was to develop the knowledge and skills that would allow him to work at the intersection of technical and business environments.
Choosing to Stay at the University of Tennessee
Dean's decision about where to study was somewhat unconventional.
While many MBA students choose to attend a different university for their graduate studies, Dean decided to remain at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he had completed his undergraduate studies.
The reason was the university's Dual MBA/MS Mechanical Engineering programme.
For Dean, the combination made sense. He wanted to develop his interpersonal and business skills while continuing to build on his technical background.
“As someone interested in interpersonal work in a technical industry, this dual degree program was an easy decision.”
What Made the Programme Stand Out
One of the biggest factors was the combination of quality and value.
The University of Tennessee offered Dean the specific credentials he was looking for while also providing a generous financial aid package.
The opportunities available through the university, together with the value of the programme, made it an attractive choice.
Dean first heard about the programme through word of mouth during his undergraduate studies.
How Financial Aid Shaped the Decision
Yes. Financial aid played an important role in Dean's decision to pursue the programme.
He received a financial aid package from the university, which he described as essential to his decision to attend.
For students comparing MBA programmes, Dean's experience highlights the importance of looking beyond the headline tuition fee and investigating the financial support available from individual universities.
Looking Ahead to a Career in Supply Chain
At the time of the interview, Dean was looking ahead to entering the workforce after completing his MBA.
He was particularly interested in pursuing a career in supply chain, where he hoped to combine his technical background with the interpersonal skills he was developing through his studies.
He was looking forward to applying what he had learned in the classroom to a professional environment and helping his future team achieve success.
He also wanted to continue developing his pragmatism and ability to approach problems from a practical perspective.
Concerns About Graduating Into an Uncertain Economy
One of Dean's concerns was the wider economy and how a potential recession could affect post-MBA employment opportunities.
He was hoping to secure a position before any economic downturn began to have a significant impact on the job market.
This is a concern that many MBA students can relate to: completing a qualification is one thing, but entering the job market at the right time can be another challenge altogether.
Building a Career Around Three Key Strengths
Dean's longer-term goal was to build a professional career around three key strengths: relationship building, communication, and quantitative and analytical analysis.
He wanted to find meaningful work in an industry that was pushing the boundaries of technology.
For Dean, the ideal role would allow him to combine his technical engineering background with his interpersonal abilities and effectively bridge the gap between technical and interpersonal work.
Dean's Advice: Know Your Own Strengths First
Dean's biggest piece of advice is that there is no single template for success in graduate education.
His own route was different from the traditional MBA path. Rather than moving to a new university, he stayed at his undergraduate institution and combined an MBA with a master's degree in mechanical engineering.
For Dean, that was the right decision because it matched his particular strengths and career ambitions.
His advice is therefore to understand your own natural skill set first, and then choose qualifications and experiences that strengthen those abilities.
“So long as you have identified your natural skillset, arming yourself with credentials and experiences that further strengthen them will only lead you in the right direction.”
Dean's MBA Journey in Summary
Dean's story demonstrates that there isn't one correct way to approach an MBA.
Coming from a mechanical engineering background, he wanted to develop the business and interpersonal skills that would complement his technical knowledge.
His decision to pursue a dual MBA/MS programme at the University of Tennessee allowed him to build on both areas rather than choosing between them.
For students considering an MBA, his experience offers a useful reminder: the best programme isn't necessarily the one everyone else chooses. It's the one that fits your existing strengths, your career ambitions and the skills you want to develop.