Brandon Frederick ‘23, Engineering Manager, Core Technology Molding Corporation
For Brandon Frederick, pursuing an MBA meant preparing to solve problems with sustainable solutions while growing as a leader in his organization and community.
Get to know Brandon
Current role: Engineering Manager
Current field: Manufacturing
Current industry: Plastics
Current location: Greensboro, NC
Program start date: August 2020
Graduation date: May 2023
Program format: Part-time
Life before Jenkins
Undergraduate studies: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Applied Engineering Technology (2016)
Pre-program work experience: 4 years
Pre-program role: Project Engineer
Pre-program industry: Plastics
Why an MBA?
Brandon always knew that broadening his leadership skills was the next step in his career. “One of my main goals was to become a business leader who makes decisions across the organization,” he explains. “An MBA would build on the technical skills I learned as an undergraduate student by providing opportunities to enhance business acumen to permanently solve problems with strategic and sustainable solutions.”
Why Jenkins?
When it came time to select a program, NC State’s Jenkins MBA stood out. “On my journey, I found that the S.T.E.M. focus, community, and military friendliness made this the perfect atmosphere to continue my education,” Brandon says. The “Think and Do” hands-on curriculum and the flexibility of the part-time program sealed the deal.
What made it great
For Brandon, the people defined his MBA journey. “My peers and instructors turned my MBA candidacy into a journey I’ll always remember,” he shares. The collaborative environment fostered resilience and creativity. “When we’re facing challenges, teamwork and innovation are two critical components that will solve problems. The program really helped me remember that help is always closer than you might think it is.”
“My peers and instructors turned my MBA candidacy into a journey I’ll always remember.”
Hands-on learning, networking opportunities and flexibility were Brandon’s favorite parts of the program. These elements not only enriched his student experience but also positioned him for career advancement and long-term impact.
Career impact
Brandon’s MBA experience quickly translated into career growth at Core Technology, a company that makes high-tech plastic parts for cars, planes and medical devices. “While in the program, I earned the promotion from project engineer to engineering manager. I went from an individual contributor to managing a team of four engineers,” he explains. The leadership and strategy skills he gained also helped him expand his role beyond his company.
In 2022, he became program director for the nonprofit extension of his company, Molding Kids for Success. The initiative provides S.T.E.A.M. education through summer experiential programs and industry lunch-and-learns that bring K-12 students into a manufacturing setting. “Using the skills acquired through the program, we have gone from 25 students in 2022 to more than 1,000 students coming through the program in 2024,” Brandon says proudly.
The momentum continues. Core Technology recently announced a $28 million investment in a new 100,000+ square-foot manufacturing facility set to open in early 2026, which will include dedicated space for Molding Kids for Success. The expansion will triple the company’s footprint and is projected to add nearly 30 jobs by 2030. “I’m proud to be a leader in an impactful organization,” Brandon says.
Final thoughts
Brandon encourages anyone considering the Jenkins MBA to take the leap. “My advice would be to do it! There is no time like the present to get started.”
Get in touch
Connect with Brandon via brandon.frederick@coretechnologycorp.com or on LinkedIn.
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.
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