Scott Francis

Like many Richmond MBA candidates, Scott Francis is excited about his future after graduation. Francis knows the education and opportunities he has received in The Richmond MBA will help him well into his future.

While studying engineering as an undergraduate, Francis had an enjoyable experience as an intern at Dominion Transmission and chose to return to the company in a full-time role after graduation.

At Dominion, Francis works in the natural gas pipeline development division, responsible for regulation and planning. “After graduation, I started full time in Dominion's Business Development group responsible for new wind and solar facilities, and have since transitioned into the natural gas pipeline division," Francis said. “Within these roles, I soon realized how much an MBA would benefit me. I was involved in planning and processing activities, financial analysis, contract negotiations and mergers and acquisitions. I looked at my skill set and my background in engineering and knew that an MBA would help me develop the skills I needed for future growth,” he said.

While in search of an MBA program, Francis knew he wanted to remain in Richmond. “The small class sizes, school’s dedication to its students, hands-on professors and prestigious reputation attracted me to the University of Richmond,” he said. “While exploring options, I sat in on a few classes at Richmond, and it was very apparent how committed the professors and students are to the program.”

Francis can already see how his education at Richmond is helping him in his professional career. “Through each of my courses, I can see improvement in my skill set and understanding of topics. Every class has been interesting in its own way. One of the first classes I took was studying financial analysis. Immediately that helped me better understand financial modeling and other information that is embedded in every decision my organization makes,” he said.

Since he is nearing the end of the program, Francis has a seasoned knowledge of what to expect for future candidates. “While the program can be very demanding on its own, working full-time also requires you to balance your time. However, learning the lessons I have while working at the same time has allowed me to directly apply what I have learned in the classroom to further my career,” Francis said. “I have had numerous opportunities to meet business leaders and expand my knowledge through extracurricular activities. The career management programs and the ability to interact with local business professionals have helped me tremendously. The professors take a very active approach to bringing in community leaders to interact and provide students with a real-world perspective.”

The lessons he has learned outside of the classroom with help from the University of Richmond are among Francis’ most valued experiences. Another one of significant importance was a study abroad program he completed this past summer in Moscow, Russia. For two weeks, he took a course on management and economic trends in emerging markets and was able to meet with local businesses and look at case studies of organizational opportunity and growth in those markets. While there, Francis applied his acquired knowledge to complete a project where he and fellow students developed a business plan for a local company, Dialoggy, that was looking to develop and grow market share in the region.

In the future, Francis hopes to continue expanding his international exposure both professionally and personally, and (because the community involvement at Richmond has made such an impact on him) he also plans to use some of his spare time to become more active in local organizations. “I recently joined the young professionals board of the Center Stage Group, bravo!, which is responsible for supporting arts in the community,” he said. “I am excited to find other opportunities where I can become more involved—perhaps in the science museum or organizations that align with my background in engineering and business.”

Whatever venture Francis takes on next, he is sure the knowledge he gained at Richmond will benefit him. “I have learned the skills necessary to perform at a high level, and I look forward to continually developing these and applying what I have learned toward my future.”