For Patrik Madar, earning his MBA with honors from Chapman University in 2011 was more than an academic milestone—it was a transformative experience. “My Chapman experience was amazing! I genuinely enjoyed every moment, from the engaging classes to the meaningful discussions with my peers,” he recalls.

The program provided him with invaluable professional and personal growth, driven by the guidance of supportive professors who encouraged critical thinking and exploration of new ideas. Every course he took played a role in shaping the professional he is today.

Climbing the Ranks at HP Inc.

Currently serving as a Senior IT Manager at HP Inc., Patrik leads a team of IT Managers and Project Managers specializing in ERP/SAP integrations. His journey with the company began shortly after graduation when he joined Hewlett-Packard as a Strategic Business Development Manager.

With a decade of experience in the IT industry, he transitioned into leading cross-regional supply chain projects, gaining a deep understanding of end-to-end business processes. His role in the 2015 Hewlett-Packard company split marked a turning point, opening new doors that led him back to his IT roots.

“I decided to return to IT, leveraging my business acumen, as an IT Manager,” he explains. Today, he applies a wealth of strategic and managerial expertise to ensure the seamless integration of critical IT systems.

The Lasting Impact of Chapman’s MBA Program

Patrik credits Chapman University’s MBA program with equipping him with the essential skills that shaped his career. “The comprehensive curriculum broadened my understanding in many areas, which became crucial for my career path. Some had an immediate impact, while others I came to appreciate with growing responsibilities,” he shares. Courses in Financial Management, Strategic Management, and Organizational Behavior provided him with the tools to navigate complex business environments.

His studies went beyond theoretical knowledge, directly influencing his daily work. “Topics like SOX, CAPEX/OPEX, and GAAP were not just part of the curriculum; they are now my regular work agenda.” Patrik also found significant value in Chapman’s interactive and game-like assignments, which effectively bridged the gap between classroom theory and real-world applications.

Mentors, Challenges, and Lifelong Lessons

Among the professors who had the most profound impact on his career, Francis Doug Tuggle stands out. Patrik’s favorite class, Organizational Behavior, helped him develop key leadership principles that have guided him throughout his career. “The principles of trust, integrity, and soulfulness that I learned from his class and his book have continued to resonate with me,” he reflects. “These values have become my key personal objectives, shaping how I lead my team.”

Chapman’s rigorous curriculum also presented challenges, particularly in the early days of the program. “As a European starting the U.S. accounting class, I quickly realized that this was not an easy program and that it would require significant daily learning,” he says. Fortunately, Professor Bruce Dehning’s encouragement kept him motivated. “He used to say, ‘If you get through this, the rest will be manageable,’ and he was right.”

Building a Strong Alumni Network and Lifelong Connections

One of the most valuable aspects of Patrik’s Chapman experience was the strong network he built through team projects and group assignments. The many evenings and weekends spent collaborating fostered an alumni spirit that remains strong today. “We meet on a regular basis, especially with our professors,” he shares. “A few weeks ago, we met with Doug Tuggle in Prague.”

Perhaps the most meaningful connection he made at Chapman was with his life partner. Among the countless hours spent with classmates, Patrik met the person who would become his spouse, leading to their marriage shortly after graduation.

Advice for Future Graduates

For students and recent graduates looking to follow a similar path, Patrik offers encouraging words: “It’s perfectly fine to change your field of work and explore new business areas. This experience can provide you with fresh perspectives, skills, and knowledge, which may eventually lead you back to your original path with a richer and more diverse background.”

Looking back, he has no regrets about his time at Chapman. “There is nothing I would do differently,” he affirms. His gratitude extends to the professors who played a pivotal role in shaping his career. “I would like to thank all the professors we had in our MBA classes as they made probably the biggest impact in our lives. Also, the best to our class of 2011!”

Patrik Madar’s journey is a testament to the power of a Chapman MBA. From classroom discussions to leading global IT initiatives, his career path showcases the lasting impact of a world-class education and the meaningful relationships built along the way.

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