Student Q & A
Cie Riley
Control Manager for Risk Finance and Administration Division
Freddie Mac
Background
Congratulations to Cie Riley on receiving her Master's Certificate in Project Management! Cie is a busy control manager for risk management for the Finance and Administration Division of Freddie Mac where she juggles multiple risk-management projects and internal customers. ESI spoke briefly in the Q&A below with Cie about her graduation from ESI/GW's master's certificate program. To read a more in-depth story about Cie's evolution from novice to veteran project manager, click here.
1. Why did you decide to pursue a Master's Certificate in Project Management?
"I had learned as much as I could on my own and was thinking there had to be something else out there. I had thought about pursuing a master's degree and then a co-worker told me about ESI. I was looking for tools I could use and build immediately on what I already knew. The ESI program seemed like it could help me come up to speed quickly."
2. How will the material covered in the master's certificate help you on the job?
"Well, it's already helped me. By doing the case studies in class and working with other students on the case studies, I learned a lot more than I thought I would about working with a team and team dynamics. I've grown tremendously as a result of this, especially with regard to my view and approach to teamwork. I observed different approaches and personality types and group interaction. The case studies presented me with opportunities to use new approaches to working in a team. And, I could easily translate what I learned in the classroom to my own work situation."
3. What did you like most about your ESI courses?
"I enjoyed the group interaction and the practical information I received. Every day I received information I could put to use immediately. When I got home, I marked things I was going to keep in my resource area at work. I have reference materials that I keep for managing projects. I gleaned all of these great new ideas in class, and the instructors were able to put a new spin on ideas that were already familiar."
4.What is your biggest challenge on the job?
"While my responsibilities require me to continually analyze and assess business risks, I use much of what I've learned at ESI to assist my customers in the development of workable solutions for their risk concerns. I treat each business risk issue as a 'mini' project, which allows me to more efficiently monitor progress towards resolution. People generally don't want to think about risk or the things that could go wrong. Therefore, to be successful in a role where I don't control resources or make the final decisions, I'm constantly challenged to be innovative in helping them to arrive at feasible solutions."
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