Tina Zingmark’s International Experience Leads to Serving Carson Cougs
By Lauren Lesmeister
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Tina Zingmark (‘22 EMBA) had the opportunity to realize her dream of earning an executive MBA. Now, she is giving back to the next generation as a member of the college’s International Business Advisory Board.
As a lifelong learner and driven professional, Zingmark always wanted to earn a master’s degree, but as a working mother of two, she couldn’t find the time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was sent to work from home. With her commute eliminated, she had an opportunity to do something with the extra time.
“I could either watch Netflix or study, so I decided to pursue my online executive MBA at WSU,” she says.
Discovering the ‘Go Cougs’ Community
Zingmark began researching schools and was impressed with the WSU EMBA program, which was among US News and World Report’s top-ranked programs. Ultimately, it was what she refers to as the “Go Cougs community” that drew her to WSU.
Even though it is an online program, Zingmark and her classmates developed close relationships. Her cohort maintained a strong connection through group chats and Zoom meetings. There was a sense of camaraderie that kept Zingmark motivated and also allowed her to establish a strong professional network.
“My world got bigger, in multiple ways,” she says. “We are cheerleaders for each other. Any time someone gets a new job or a promotion, you can count on your cohort to be the first to like or comment.”
Making Career Moves
After 14 years in the grocery retail industry, Zingmark had been eyeing a move into the technology sector. She wanted to expand her network and climb up the ladder, but she felt stuck. The EMBA program was just what she needed to help her make the jump.
Zingmark learned about different companies and their corporate cultures through class discussions and meetings. In those conversations, Adobe stood out to her, and she decided to pursue a position. Zingmark landed the role of finance manager for Adobe Technology Services a few months before she was scheduled to walk at commencement in Pullman.
“I called Dr. Mario Reyes and told him I got the job. He was thrilled,” she says. “My program was all online, but the connection is amazing. Professors are just a phone call away. Everyone is accessible.”
Giving Back to the Next Generation
During the program, Zingmark traveled to the Czech Republic and Estonia with some of her cohort and professors. The trip was a highlight of the program as she learned invaluable lessons about culture and business directly from executives of the companies they visited. She saw firsthand the impact that an international experience can have on a business professional and was inspired to give back to the Carson College of Business on the International Business Advisory Board.
One of Zingmark’s goals while she serves on the board is to encourage the college to promote international experience opportunities for all students. She is also an advocate for first-generation business students, working to establish scholarship and mentorship programs tailored specifically to their needs.
“When reflecting on the early stages of my career, I recognize the value of mentorship and wish I had received advice on prioritizing critical elements for career development, obtaining international experience, and effectively addressing challenges and adversities,” she says. “Armed with knowledge acquired from the EMBA program, I am excited to pay it forward and make a difference in developing outstanding business leaders and scholars.”