Portland State University

Ian SkellySpring is a busy time for MBA students, as first year students get ready to start summer internships and second year students land their dream jobs.

Students at Portland State University are achieving great success on both fronts. We’ve seen an uptick in the number of students with job offers before graduation, and there's still time before students don their caps and gowns to walk across the stage at the annual Hooding Ceremony.

So how are these students achieving this success? In recent conversations with MBA students, a few themes emerged.

ISSP and Net Impact Portland are presenting their final installment of the Big Ideas for Breakfast event series on the morning of Wednesday, June 19.

This month's talk will complete the year's focus on the theme of "Resiliency." The panel discussion will explore how technology, arts, nonprofits, business, community and food are interconnected.

One of the primary reasons that I decided to return to school to earn my MBA was because of my belief that business has the power to make a positive impact in the world.

My experience in the MBA program has proven this possibility on multiple occasions.

From participating in Net Impact to meeting with alumni who are making a difference in the community, the Portland State MBA program prepares students to use business for good.

Sara Tunstall (front) with Spooltown staff in their North Portland studio

Sara Tunstall (MBA '10) is living the Portland dream: owning and operating Spooltown, a small-run sewing company that specializes in leather, faux leather and waxed canvas products.

Her business helps designers manufacture their products locally. Her former employer, Queen Bee Creations, was her first client and gave her the steady business that has helped Spooltown grow. 

I recently caught up with Sara to find out more about Spooltown, and why she says the Portland State MBA program taught her the business knowledge and perseverance necessary for running a small business.