Class of 2015 Success Stories: Executive Master of Organization Development

A unique component of the Executive Master of Organization Development (EMOD) program at BGSU is the semester-long client project, which is part of the capstone Mastering Change course. The program seeks field experience projects typically from the nonprofit or public sector. These projects support the community and augment the client’s often limited resources by providing specialized expertise that might otherwise be unavailable.

This past summer, the students worked with The Andersons retail division. Throughout the course, the students have numerous virtual and in-person team and client meetings. The project spans six to eight weeks requiring students to identify, manage and complete multiple high-level tasks during a very compressed time period. Bob Swanson, one of the students who graduated in August 2015 said the students have an advantage in providing an objective view and being able to talk to employees and others affiliated with the companies to gather candid data.

Recommendations might address communication issues within the company, structural problems, logistics issues and delegation issues. Sometimes their findings corroborate leaderships’ assumptions and sometimes their findings are a surprise. “This course is the final leg in the students’ 18-month educational journey. The benefits are twofold. Our students apply their skills and knowledge through this real world experience and help local organizations that positively impact our community,” said Dr. Deborah O'Neil, director of the Master of Organization Development Program.