BUILDING AN HR CAREER WITH IBM

Matthew S. Newman, MBA 2004
Human Resources Corporate Development Consultant, IBM

Matt Newman was an experienced Human Resources professional when he enrolled in the Wisconsin MBA. He was convinced, however, that a specialized MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management would open new doors for him - he was right.  “I came into the Wisconsin MBA Program right around the time the school was creating the niche of having focused programs and specializations.  It seemed like a great chance to get both an MBA and a focus in HR, also to be with a team of people who have the same interests."

“I was impressed by several things in the program: the expertise in HR of the professors, and their deep network of HR professionals across many diverse companies.  We had senior vice-presidents of HR from major corporations come speak to us.  It was a real treat to hear their perspectives."

After graduation, Matt was offered a highly coveted position with IBM in the Human Resource Leadership Development Program.  For the next several years, he had the opportunity to work in three unique roles as a generalist, supporting a business unit in both Executive Compensation and Corporate HR Strategy. 

Following his generalist role, he joined the Corporate Development Team that leads the HR function globally in support of IBM’s acquisitions and divestitures.  Matt is responsible for leading due diligence efforts and designing HR solutions to meet business needs and ensure proper conditions of employment for transferring IBM employees, with a focus on leader retention, cultural fit, compensation and equity solutions.  It is the type of big picture role in HR he had hoped to play.

Matt continues to stay connected to the Strategic HRM Program and since 2004 has been a member of the IBM campus recruiting team that recruits at the Wisconsin School of Business. 

“Overall, I feel the program gave me a better business focus.  With the curriculum covering HR courses and general MBA courses, you gain an understanding of the finance and economics behind how businesses operate. This is why I chose to pursue an MBA in HR instead of a master’s degree. In my opinion, with an MBA you can better learn how HR as a function fits within a business plan.  Armed with this knowledge you can think like a businessperson who has the expertise to drive resource solutions to help not only the employees but the company to achieve its objectives.  This is the level of engagement that companies are looking for HR leaders to provide.”