Firat Gezen
I fly in every weekend from Montreal for class at Kellogg.
As CFO for a major defense industry contractor, I’ve been working internationally for years, so I’m accustomed to travel. I enjoy the challenge of taking on a job and going with it. I always meet great people, and my career is going well.
I was 30 when I launched my career. I head up offices in Madrid, Zurich and Montreal at increasingly large business units that have even greater opportunities. Now I’m looking at the next 10 years and want to grow more. I want to go into general management, maybe even become a CFO of a multibillion-dollar corporation. Of course I know accounting, but I’m looking at cases now and learning what others have done in their environments.
I’m obviously older now, but I know I’m in a great school with exceptional classmates and professors. I’m getting a different kind of “more” out of my MBA program. It’s definitely focused on management and leadership, but still touches on everything.
In acquisitions today, you rarely work on your own. You have to learn to lead and motivate groups. I listen first, understand the challenges, then offer an opinion or suggestions. If you don’t listen, you’ll never get anywhere.
I’m more energized, driven and ready to see what happens next. You don’t get many opportunities to directly shape your life. It’s a gift to be able to do that.
Firat Gezen '12
President of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems
based in :
St. Petersburg, Fla.
Campus attended :
Miami
Take Action
More student perspectives
Mina Foroohar
Neurosurgeon, Northwest Neurosurgery Institute
"If I were to pursue something entrepreneurial, I’d pursue it with someone from Kellogg. We have the work ethic, skills and talents to make it happen."
Maricarmen Toro
Director, Banco Santander
"The team environment works beautifully. It promotes open dialogue and helps team members develop strong relationships."