MBA Graduate Celebrates More than Two Decades at Microsoft

James Bolling MBA ’18 knew his decision to pursue a master’s degree from the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte would propel him to the next chapter of his career when he decided to enter the Master of Business Administration program in 2015. Now in his 23rd year at Microsoft, he serves as principal group engineering manager and Charlotte Campus director. He also serves the Queens community as a mentor for graduate students in the program.

“I was reaching a point in my career where an advanced degree in business almost became a requirement,” said Bolling. “I spent 18 years at Microsoft before making the decision to go back to school. Considering my next role and looking up my leadership chain, everyone seemed to have MBAs.”

Prior to enrolling at Queens, Bolling spent ten years in federal government consulting for Microsoft which required regular travel and allowed him to build an extensive network in Washington, D.C. Despite having a home base in Charlotte for almost 15 years, he felt that the right MBA program would connect him to professionals and companies in the Charlotte area and broader North Carolina region. Additionally, Bolling knew he wanted to enroll in a program that could be completed fully online while also offering physical access to a university that was central to Charlotte.

“One thing I have found fascinating about Queens, is that I keep coming across Queens connections in various corners of my professional work that I did not expect,” Bolling explained. “For example, the other week we welcomed Governor Roy Cooper to the Microsoft campus to discuss digital equity, and Queens is playing a huge role in the digital inclusion and equity work happening throughout our city.”

Bolling’s Queens connections do not stop in the boardroom. This semester, his wife is working as an adjunct professor in the Knight School of Communication. He also stays involved on campus as a mentor for MBA students in the McColl School of Business.

“My mentor while I was in the program was Sarah Hyche. She was fantastic and we spent about a year working together amidst a pivotal transition in my career at Microsoft,” said Bolling. “My first mentee in the program was Ratisha Rafaela MBA ’22, who is now a consultant at EY. Both relationships were so impactful to me and my career and I look forward to more experiences as part of the program in the years that lie ahead.”