Spotlights

Alumni Spotlight - Derrick Warren

"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"

It's a question Executive MBA alumnus '96 Derrick Warren often asks himself.

"The question forces me to constantly learn and experience new things," said Warren. "It's important for people to be lifelong learners. It's an important way to continuously grow as a person."

Warren, who started at IBM in 1983 as an applications programmer, recently lived abroad in both Asia and Africa. During his time in Asia, Warren led IBM's account teams through three consecutive years of double-digit growth, and while in Africa, he was in charge
of strengthening one of the continent's largest mobile telephone operator's technology platform before the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Warren, who currently serves as IBM's vice president of Strategic Outsourcing Sales for Global Technology Services North America, said he decided on USF's Executive MBA program because he was impressed with the curriculum.

"I was sold after I met with the instructors," Warren said. "The College of Business really brought interesting topics, speakers, and interactive programs to the students. I was introduced to a broad group of leaders that really helped me build my tool kit. There were people from different backgrounds and different places who brought unique and interesting experiences to the table. The diverse education and interactive/innovative experiences were the best aspects of the Executive MBA program. "