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Jenkins MBA

Ed Sazo, Sales Director, STMicroelectronics

A seasoned sales and marketing professional, Ed Sazo looked to the Jenkins MBA program to prepare him for an executive leadership role. Taking advantage of every opportunity at hand, Ed’s experience with the program is already making an impact in the workplace.

Ed Szo smiling

Get to know Ed

Program: Online MBA; Business Leadership and Marketing Certificates
Start date: September 2022
Anticipated graduation date: May 2025
Current location: Cary, NC

Life before Jenkins

Work experience: 30 years
Industries: Industrial Power (1 year), Semiconductor Industry (29 Years)
Roles: Account Manager & Sales Director
Fields: Technical Sales & Marketing
Undergraduate education: Queensborough Community College – AAS in Electrical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – BS in Electrical Engineering

Career goals

After 30 years in the semiconductor industry, including 26 years at STMicroelectronics, Ed Sazo’s long-term goal is to transition into an executive leadership role, focusing on global business growth, strategic sales leadership and mentoring the next generation of talent. “I’m passionate about leading high-performing teams and creating value not just through revenue but also through innovation, relationships and purpose.” Ed decided to pursue an MBA to elevate his strategic thinking, strengthen his financial and operational acumen, and prepare for broader leadership responsibilities. “I’ve built a strong foundation in technical sales and global account management. Still, I knew that adding a formal business education would round out my capabilities and give me the tools and confidence to compete for top-tier executive roles.”

“I knew that adding a formal business education would round out my capabilities and give me the tools and confidence to compete for top-tier executive roles.”

Why Jenkins?

NC State’s Jenkins MBA program stood out to Ed because of its reputation for practical, hands-on learning and its connection to the Research Triangle – a region known for innovation, technology and strong business networks. “As someone based in Cary, NC, the program’s flexibility and accessibility made it a perfect fit for my professional and personal life. I also appreciated the program’s emphasis on STEM, leadership development, data-driven decision-making and entrepreneurship – all highly relevant to where I see myself in the next chapter of my career.”

Daily life

Life as a part-time MBA student, full-time employee, husband and proud father of four daughters is a constant balancing act, but also deeply rewarding, says Ed. “My days are full, focused, and fueled by purpose. Before diving into the demands of managing key global accounts in the semiconductor industry each morning, I carve out quiet time to reflect, plan, and gear up for the day ahead. My role is fast-paced and global, so I often shift between time zones, customers and strategic priorities.” With 30 years in the field, he has learned to manage the pressure while focusing on long-term growth and innovation.

“Once work winds down, the student in me clocks in. Evenings are often filled with class sessions, project meetings or solo deep dives into case studies and financial models. What makes it all worthwhile is how relevant and practical the learning is. I’m constantly applying concepts from class directly to my day-to-day work. Whether it’s sustainability strategy or leadership development, the MBA program has helped me connect the dots more strategically and confidently.”

Ed has been intentional about getting the most out of the program experience. “I was honored to be selected as a McLauchlan Leadership Fellow, which allowed me to grow as a reflective leader alongside other driven professionals. I’ve also taken full advantage of the global learning opportunities, completing four study abroad programs in Brazil, Germany, Paris and South Africa. Each is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural fluency and global perspective in leadership and business.”

Outside the classroom, Ed also makes time for fun and creativity. “I love working with my hands, so tailoring and leathercrafting have become both hobbies and outlets for stress. Whether I’m making a custom men’s vest or working leather into a passport holder in my workshop, it’s where I tap into and express myself outside of business and academia. I’ve also taken up golf, which humbles me every time but brings plenty of laughs and lessons with my close buddies.”

Above all, Ed is a family man. His wife, who also returned to school to complete her doctorate in social work, and his four daughters keep him grounded and inspired. “They’ve seen me stay committed to my goals, push through tough days, and always show up when they need me. Being able to model lifelong learning and leadership for them is one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.”

What makes it great

There are plenty of advantages of the program, Ed says, including the flexibility for working professionals and hands-on, real-world application of what they’re learning in the classroom. “I’ve been able to apply what I’m learning immediately to my role, and that’s been game-changing.” Ed also appreciates the career services and executive coaching, which have provided him with feedback that he has used to reflect deeply and grow at a rate that he did not anticipate.

“I’ve been able to apply what I’m learning immediately to my role, and that’s been game-changing.”

Career impact

Since starting the Jenkins MBA program at NC State, Ed has experienced meaningful personal and professional growth. “While I haven’t made a formal job change yet, the program’s impact on my current role and future direction has been nothing short of transformational. In my current role as sales director, the program has elevated how I think, lead and contribute. I’ve been stepping into more strategic conversations, contributing to cross-functional initiatives and helping drive long-term customer value, not just sales numbers. I’m better equipped to connect the dots between operations, finance and marketing, and as a result, I’ve become a more well-rounded leader.”

Ed has also taken on additional corporate sustainability responsibilities, applying what he’s learned about ethical leadership, stakeholder engagement and long-term impact. The MBA program has given him the vocabulary and confidence, he says, to lead these conversations authentically and purposefully.

“One of the most tangible shifts has been how I mentor others, especially young professionals. Inspired by my leadership coursework, I’ve launched a passion project focused on mental wellness and a wealth mindset by offering workshops and tools to support young professionals navigating life and career decisions. The MBA helped me frame that work not just as mentorship but as scalable, mission-driven leadership.”He’s also benefited significantly from career services at NC State and credits the career team for being an invaluable sounding board – refining his resume for vice president-level roles, practicing executive-level interviews and evaluating job opportunities. “They’ve helped me clarify my post-MBA path, which includes transitioning into executive-level roles, and equipped me with the tools and strategies to get there. What’s been most exciting is the shift in mindset. I no longer see myself just as a sales leader. I see myself as a business builder, a change agent and someone who can inspire and lead at the enterprise level. That clarity has been a direct result of this program.”

Final thoughts

In reflecting on this decision to pursue his MBA at NC State, Ed says he couldn’t be happier. “The Jenkins MBA program is practical, strategic and deeply human, a rare combination. I have made long-lasting connections with talented peers from different business backgrounds. The program is helping me grow as a business leader and person, and that’s the highest compliment I can give any program.”

“The Jenkins MBA program is practical, strategic and deeply human, a rare combination.”

Get in touch

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn or edsazo@gmail.com.

Learn more

To learn more about the Jenkins MBA program, including tuition, curriculum, career opportunities and more, please submit the form below. 

This post was originally published in Jenkins MBA News.