By Sarah Schwartz ’10

Since graduating from Arcadia University’s accelerated M.B.A. program, Najah A. Samuel ’09M.B.A. has found many areas of opportunity at home and abroad. Commenting on how she has grown since entering the 22-month program, she says, “Arcadia helped me to take charge of my career path.”

While Samuel maintains her previous position as a Marketing Coordinator for the law firm, Drinker Biddle & Reath, she also is currently forming a side venture that provides marketing support for small business entrepreneurs, independent film productions and government assistance programs. “My main point is to have clients think of the ‘why’ anyone would want to do business with them and the ‘why’ anyone would support their ideas with money. From there, I help that ‘why’ answer grow into a ‘why not.’”

As a working professional, Samuel chose Arcadia’s program due to its convenient location and international approach. The program requires two overseas experiences—one to a developed economy and one to an emerging economy. Samuel’s group, cohort eight, traveled to Costa Rica and Spain. “My experiences overseas helped me to realize that there are several development opportunities in both countries that I would like to pursue.” As a result, she has plans to engage in real estate opportunities in Mallorca, Spain, over the next five years.

“I have become more confident in my capabilities to operate as a business professional,” she says. Clearly, Samuel’s newfound poise and self-assurance is prompting her solo endeavors both near and far.