“The one thing that I’ve found in brand managers that I’ve truly respected and I’ve truly enjoyed working for is a sense of empathy. Not only for your employees, but for consumers. If you don’t understand the consumer, you’re not going to understand how to speak to them. Also realizing that you yourself are a consumer and it’s not just about getting something out the door.”

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What do MBA applicants need to know about MBA careers in brand management?

Darren invites Michael Schwartz, NYU Stern MBA ’16, to share his experience working as a marketing and brand manager at companies like Philips, Unilever and Heineken.

Michael has worked in marketing and brand management for 10 years – don’t miss his hard-earned insights into the industry!

This is Part 5 of our MBA Career Series. Looking for more career-related podcasts? Click here.

Questions

• Michael’s background (2:30 )
• What do brand managers do? (8:54)
• Common entry points for MBAs into brand management and industry trends (12:04)
• Why Michael pursued an MBA despite wanting to stay in brand management (14:36)
• Misconceptions about brand management (24:06)
• Traits of successful brand managers (25:16)
• Best part of job? Worst part of job? (29:15)
• Michael’s recommended resources (34:00)
• Michael’s thoughts on the value of a part-time MBA (38:10)

About Our Guest

After graduating from Baruch College with a degree in Marketing Management, Michael Schwartz has worked in Marketing and Brand Management roles for Philips, Unilever and Heineken. Michael graduated from NYU Stern’s Part-time MBA program in 2016. Currently he is a Brand Director for Amstel at Heineken in New York City.

Show Notes

• NYU Stern MBA
• Heineken
• Adweek
• Vault – Best Consumer Product Companies
• Vault – Best Advertising and Marketing Companies

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