Start date:<\/strong> Fall 2023
Anticipated graduation date:<\/strong> May 2027
Current location: <\/strong>Durham, NC<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life before Jenkins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Work experience:<\/strong> 11 years For Wesley, risk management isn\u2019t just about protecting value \u2013 it\u2019s about uncovering opportunities that lead to smarter, more strategic decisions. \u201cMy long-term career goal is to become a strategic leader in risk management, helping organizations not only protect their value but also uncover opportunities through smarter, data-informed decisions,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wesley is passionate about bridging the gap between technical analytics and business strategy, ensuring that risk insights are communicated clearly to decision-makers across the enterprise. He envisions himself leading cross-functional teams that design and implement enterprise-wide risk frameworks that are agile, predictive and aligned with organizational goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Master of Management, Risk and Analytics (MRA) program is a key step toward that vision. \u201cThe program\u2019s combination of technical depth and leadership development is exactly what\u2019s needed in today\u2019s complex risk landscape,\u201d he explains. \u201cThrough real-world projects and collaboration with industry professionals, I\u2019ve sharpened my ability to translate data into strategic action.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, Wesley aims to be a catalyst for change in how organizations think about risk \u2013 as a strategic advantage rather than a barrier. \u201cBy earning this degree, I\u2019m building the foundation to influence how businesses respond to uncertainty, innovate responsibly, and build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cBy earning this degree, I\u2019m building the foundation to influence how businesses respond to uncertainty, innovate responsibly, and build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable world.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n NC State\u2019s strong connection to the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Initiative was a major draw for Wesley. \u201cThe program is integrated with a collaborative network of risk professionals who actively shape the conversation around today\u2019s most pressing challenges,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through events like the ERM Roundtable Summit, students engage in dynamic discussions with experts from industries including finance, technology and healthcare. \u201cThe ERM Initiative\u2019s mission \u2013 to advance enterprise risk management and equip leaders with the latest strategies \u2013 aligns perfectly with my career goals,\u201d Wesley explains. \u201cNC State\u2019s ability to combine academic rigor with practitioner-driven learning made it the clear choice for developing both the strategic and analytical skills I need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wesley balances a fast-paced professional role with his studies as a third-party risk program manager at NetApp in RTP. \u201cThe flexibility of the MRA program allows me to manage coursework in the evenings and on weekends,\u201d he says. \u201cGroup projects are designed with working professionals in mind, which helps me maintain a healthy work\/life balance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outside of work and school, Wesley stays active and connected through kickball and mahjong \u2013 a game he played growing up that has become a way to reconnect with his cultural roots. He also makes time to give back, serving as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle for the past seven years. \u201cSupporting my mentee, who\u2019s now a high school junior, has been incredibly rewarding,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s a reminder of the importance of investing in others, even while pursuing my own goals.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n For Wesley, the most impactful moments in the program have been hands-on projects with real-world applications. In one class, his team led a site selection analysis to recommend the next five store locations for major brands like Chipotle, Dick\u2019s House of Sport, Walmart and Warby Parker. \u201cWe didn\u2019t just collect and analyze data \u2013 we looked at demographic trends, competitive landscapes, and geographic factors to make actionable, data-driven recommendations,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another project focused on a local coffee shop, where students built predictive sales models, optimized product offerings, and analyzed customer reviews to support its growth strategy. \u201cThese experiences sharpened my ability to translate complex data into insights that directly drive business value,\u201d Wesley says. \u201cThey\u2019ve shown me how analytics can be a powerful tool for risk-informed decision-making.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The program\u2019s concepts have translated directly into Wesley\u2019s current work in third-party risk management. \u201cWe\u2019ve shifted from static vendor risk evaluations to more dynamic, forward-looking assessments using predictive modeling techniques,\u201d he explains. This change has streamlined processes and improved how risks are communicated to business owners and leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow I can present insights backed by data and visualized in a way that makes complex scenarios easier to understand and act on,\u201d Wesley says. \u201cIt\u2019s strengthened cross-functional collaboration and positioned risk as a strategic enabler rather than just a compliance function.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wesley recommends the program to anyone interested in shaping the future of business through risk and analytics. \u201cWhether you\u2019re already in a risk-related role, looking to pivot into one, or just want to learn about risk management, the program offers practical tools and strategic insight that are immediately applicable,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cWhether you\u2019re already in a risk-related role, looking to pivot into one, or just want to learn about risk management, the program offers practical tools and strategic insight that are immediately applicable.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n His advice? \u201cCome ready to engage deeply with real-world challenges \u2013 this isn\u2019t just theory. The hands-on projects, industry collaboration and integration with the ERM Initiative make it a powerful experience that can transform how you think about and manage risk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Industries: <\/strong>Technology and banking
Role: <\/strong>Third-party risk program manager
Fields:<\/strong> Risk management
Undergraduate education: <\/strong>NC State. B.S. Business Administration – IT\/IS<\/p>\n\n\n\nCareer goals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why Jenkins? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Daily life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat makes it great<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Career impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Final thoughts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Get in touch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n