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For Patrik Madar, earning his MBA with honors from Chapman University in 2011 was more than an academic milestone\u2014it was a transformative experience. \u201cMy Chapman experience was amazing! I genuinely enjoyed every moment, from the engaging classes to the meaningful discussions with my peers,\u201d he recalls.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/h3>\nCurrently 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI decided to return to IT, leveraging my business acumen, as an IT Manager,\u201d he explains. Today, he applies a wealth of strategic and managerial expertise to ensure the seamless integration of critical IT systems.<\/p>\n
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The Lasting Impact of Chapman\u2019s MBA Program<\/h3>\nPatrik credits Chapman University\u2019s MBA program with equipping him with the essential skills that shaped his career. \u201cThe 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,\u201d he shares. Courses in Financial Management, Strategic Management, and Organizational Behavior provided him with the tools to navigate complex business environments.<\/p>\n
His studies went beyond theoretical knowledge, directly influencing his daily work. \u201cTopics like SOX, CAPEX\/OPEX, and GAAP were not just part of the curriculum; they are now my regular work agenda.\u201d Patrik also found significant value in Chapman\u2019s interactive and game-like assignments, which effectively bridged the gap between classroom theory and real-world applications.<\/p>\n
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<\/h3>\nAmong the professors who had the most profound impact on his career, Francis Doug Tuggle stands out. Patrik\u2019s favorite class, Organizational Behavior, helped him develop key leadership principles that have guided him throughout his career. \u201cThe principles of trust, integrity, and soulfulness that I learned from his class and his book have continued to resonate with me,\u201d he reflects. \u201cThese values have become my key personal objectives, shaping how I lead my team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chapman\u2019s rigorous curriculum also presented challenges, particularly in the early days of the program. \u201cAs 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,\u201d he says. Fortunately, Professor Bruce Dehning\u2019s encouragement kept him motivated. \u201cHe used to say, \u2018If you get through this, the rest will be manageable,\u2019 and he was right.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Building a Strong Alumni Network and Lifelong Connections<\/h3>\nOne of the most valuable aspects of Patrik\u2019s 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. \u201cWe meet on a regular basis, especially with our professors,\u201d he shares. \u201cA few weeks ago, we met with Doug Tuggle in Prague.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/business\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2025\/02\/Picture-7.jpeg\")
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For students and recent graduates looking to follow a similar path, Patrik offers encouraging words: \u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking back, he has no regrets about his time at Chapman. \u201cThere is nothing I would do differently,\u201d he affirms. His gratitude extends to the professors who played a pivotal role in shaping his career. \u201cI 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!\u201d<\/p>\n
Patrik Madar\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n