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 Newsletter Home School of Business and Management News   

Leila Banihani, BSBA '12

"The University had the courses I wanted, the reputation as an excellent academic resource and the convenience of an online program that made earning a degree manageable," noted Leila Banihani, BSBA '12. Banihani currently serves as vice president of Operations for CMC Energy Services, Inc., a woman-owned and operated national provider of energy efficiency and conservation services.







(BSBA) degree program in Human Resources Management/Organizational Management

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree program in Human Resources Management, Organizational Management is a 120-credit program focusing on employee selection, training, management development, industrial relations, compensation and the dynamics of organizational behavior. Learn more.

 

Regaining Her Footing

Leila Banihani, BSBA '12

Leila Banihani's career was progressing rapidly – that is, until an economic downturn pitted her work experience against competition from degreed job seekers.

Banihani rapidly advanced in her career on the merits of her job performance and professional accomplishments. During a 10-year period beginning in the late 1990s, she progressed from an executive assistant position for an energy consulting firm, to the director of operations for the North American arm of a global real estate company.

And then the economy changed direction.

"During the economic downturn in 2008 our company went bankrupt, so I was left to compete for job openings against many others in the same job market," said Banihani, vice president of Operations for CMC Energy Services, Inc., a woman-owned and operated national provider of energy efficiency and conservation services. "Lacking a college degree put me at a disadvantage, reducing my opportunities. I had the experience and I was capable, however, without possessing a college degree it was challenging to compete with those who did."

As soon as Banihani regained her career footing, she promised herself that she would complete her bachelor's degree.

"Much of my education has come from hands-on experiences, and completing my degree was always an open item on my to-do list," said the 2012 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Human Resources/Organizational Management alum. "I have had much success and, like everyone else, some setbacks professionally. However, a degree creates a solid foundation on which to build on your successes. The University's process, content and curriculum provided me with an intensive academic experience and equipped me with the critical knowledge base and credentials to advance."

During Banihani's search for an institution in which to finish her degree, the University emerged as a good fit.

"The University had the courses I wanted, a reputation as an excellent academic resource and the convenience of an online program that made earning a degree manageable during a time when I was juggling a growing family and a career. My career has always been focused on getting things done efficiently and effectively, therefore the degree concentration in organizational management helped me foster relationships with the people who work with me to ensure that our deliverables are on time and on budget. The program also taught me a great deal about running a business, which has helped define the direction of my career. I am passionate about operations and my course work helped me focus that passion into success."

In her position at CMC Energy Services, Banihani develops, implements and administers business strategies and operations to ensure her company meets its goals and objectives. She leads all operational functions across seven states and more than 25 utility and government contracts with an emphasis on safety, quality, cost and timely delivery of CMC's services. She also plays an integral role in the growth of her company through management and expansion of the company's existing and new contracts.

While completing her course work, she said she greatly valued the flexibility of the online academic platform.

"Raising children and building a professional career was all part of my process, and the flexibility was the only way I could continue my college education," said Banihani, who also distinguished herself as a Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society inductee on the merit of her academic achievements.

"The professors and staff understand the TESU student. Their responsiveness and understanding kept me on track. The format of the online group sessions supported my understanding of difficult subject matter by creating an open learning environment. The years of experience I already possessed were also taken into account and I was able to utilize some of my professional life experience to earn credit through prior learning assessment."

Banihani described the value of her family's support as she worked to meet her academic goals.

"I love my 'Fam Squad' as I like to call them, and we are all there for each other. During the years that I took courses, my children came to understand my aspirations and helped by giving me the space and time to complete my assignments," noted Banihani. "Witnessing the effort I dedicated to finishing my degree, my children were influenced to understand its importance. They've now adopted that mindset to their own personal goals. Today, my daughter is a graduate of the University of Delaware and works as an associate scientist for a pharmaceutical company, and my son is a sophomore at Rowan University, still deciding on a major."

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