Current Student Credits Growth and Promotion to EMDC
Kim Darke (EMDC '22) talks about her new role and how she's seen herself become a more impactful employee and better person during her time in EMDC.
Sloan is one of the world's leading manufacturers of commercial plumbing systems, and is at the forefront of the green building movement with its water and energy-efficient products that provide sustainable restroom solutions. Kim Darke (EMDC '22) has spent the past four years at Sloan, where she serves as a resource for architects and designers to ensure they know about the company's latest products.
Darke was promoted to her current role as senior manager of strategic accounts in January 2021.
"I try to be the expert for my customers," Darke said, "making sure they always have someone they can count on to help them be successful with their projects."
The projects Darke assists with range from a completely new build to retrofitting an existing product to helping reduce water consumption. She credits her time in Northwestern Engineering's Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction (EMDC) program for helping her secure the new position. Though she's only been in her current role for a few months, she's already seen the influence of her EMDC experience.
"The interactions and learning between my fellow students are incredibly helpful and insightful, and the instructors push us and challenge us to go beyond our comfort zones," Darke said. "That has helped me grow and have a better understanding of how I can help others succeed as well as help Sloan succeed."
EMDC helped Darke become more structured in her work, and the program taught her to look at her role more holistically. She's become more confident in her position and has a better understanding of how her work contributes alongside the other components of design and construction projects.
The program also helped her learn how to become more patient.
"I look at all of the angles of a problem or opportunities to find a solution instead of going with my initial reaction," Darke said. "I think things through more and I seek others opinions much more than I have in the past."
With one year left in EMDC, she said the sacrifice of returning to school while working has been well worth it.
"Everyone involved in EMDC has helped me become a better person and more confident that I can affect positive change with my career," Darke said. "When I applied to the program, I could visualize using the insight I hoped to gain to further Sloan's vision and in turn create success for myself. Thankfully, I was right."
