How an Oregon State MBA accelerated Ian Baker’s career
Oregon State University College of Business alumnus Ian Baker ‘15 earned his MBA in supply chain and logistics management at a pivotal point in his professional life. The degree gave him the skills, credibility and network to step into new opportunities and accelerate his career trajectory.
Baker spent four years after his undergraduate degree working in retail operations, advancing rapidly and taking on more responsibility. As his role stabilized, so did his growth.
“I reached a point where I wasn’t learning or developing anymore, and the next opportunities were still years away,” he said. That realization made it clear that pursuing an MBA was the right next step.
How the Oregon State MBA prepared Ian Baker for career acceleration
Baker credits the structure and rigor of the Oregon State MBA with giving him the tools to advance his career. The program challenged him to think strategically and apply classroom concepts to real-world business problems, laying the foundation for his professional growth.
“What surprised me most about the Oregon State MBA program was how different it felt from undergraduate education,” Baker said. “At the graduate level, OSU faculty are incredibly committed, highly intelligent and genuinely invested in student success. That level of engagement made a lasting impact and motivated me to stay connected long after graduating.”
The program’s focus on real-world application, business case analysis and analytics helped Baker develop the strategic thinking skills he now applies in every role. It also deepened his understanding of how data and analytics shape decisions across industries and leadership positions.
Opening new doors: Career growth after graduation
Earning his MBA allowed Baker to step into roles that challenged him in new ways and advanced his professional growth beyond what he had experienced early in his career.
“My MBA was the foot in the door,” he said. “It validated my experience and made me competitive for roles I could not have been considered for before.”
Within one year of graduating, Baker secured a new position with a 25% increase in pay, setting him on a path of continued advancement, promotions and greater career satisfaction.
Putting the MBA to work: Leadership & innovation
After completing his MBA, Baker spent nearly a decade applying what he learned in complex, fast-moving corporate environments. His work required him to analyze large-scale problems, collaborate across functions and make decisions informed by data — skills he developed and refined during his time in the Oregon State MBA program.
“The MBA taught me how to analyze complex global problems, work with diverse groups, and be more deliberate about my actions and strategic approach,” he said.
Today, Baker continues his professional work as a consultant and educator, applying the strategic and analytical approach he developed through his MBA in supply chain and logistics management.
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