Robert Sweetman
Program and Year: FlexWeekend MBA, 2019
Describe your professional background.
From the age of seven, I have been an entrepreneur. I have started many endeavors. I excelled in business in my 20’s. I built three businesses that were profitable. The first was an insurance brokerage. The second was a promotions company. The third was a food service business. At 29, I enlisted in the Navy to serve my country. I was medically retired this year.
What attracted you to the Rady School?
I love the idea of a business school next to Jacobs School of Engineering. The final decision was because of the Lab to Market courses. I want to take my business from Lab to Market.
What do you believe differentiates Rady from other business schools?
The proximity to San Diego is the number one reason. Not only because of how beautiful it is. San Diego is on the brink of a technological explosion in business. I want to be in the middle of it.
What is your favorite Rady School class?
The Lab to Market series is the reason I chose Rady. I am so excited about completing these three courses.
How has your MBA course work applied to your current work? Have you been able to use what you’ve learned?
Absolutely. I launched a company last year. I use each class to refine the business plan.
How do you feel a Rady MBA will affect your career? What do you hope to achieve after you graduate from the Rady School?
I want to scale a company that can reach people across the country.
What would you tell a prospective student about why they should attend Rady?
The experience of learning (in the beautiful La Jolla weather) with an internationally diverse environment from world class professors is delightful!
How does your chosen Rady MBA schedule work for you?
FlexWeekend was a great choice. It allowed me to finish my Naval career and transition into full-time school with a business.
Anything else you’d like to add about your experience at Rady?
Yes. There are lots of opportunities outside the classroom for pitching and building your business!