For Tavares Johnson M’26, earning an MBA from the University of Hartford’s Barney School of Business was about more than adding another degree to his résumé. It was an opportunity to build on years of professional experience, strengthen his leadership skills, and put proven business principles into practice.
Today, Tavares serves as senior manager of business development, EGWP client and market strategy, at Evernorth Health Services. His journey through the MBA program helped him connect his professional knowledge with the theories and strategies that drive effective business leadership.
Connecting Experience with Education
Having spent many years in the workforce before beginning his MBA, Tavares entered the classroom with a strong foundation of practical knowledge. What he gained at UHart was a deeper understanding of the principles behind the work he was already doing.
“UHart helped me better understand the ‘why’ behind many of the things I was already doing, which brought everything together and gave me a different perspective on how I approached my work,” Tavares says.
From leadership and strategy to communication and problem solving, he found opportunities to apply classroom concepts directly to his daily responsibilities. Putting those lessons into practice helped him become more intentional in his work, increase his productivity, and bring additional value to his team and organization.
For Tavares, the immediate connection between coursework and professional responsibilities was one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience. Rather than learning concepts solely for exams, he could apply new perspectives and strategies in real time.
Building Resilience Through the MBA Journey
Balancing graduate school with a full-time career and the responsibilities of fatherhood required determination and perseverance. Long days, late nights, assignments, and exams tested Tavares’ ability to manage competing priorities while keeping his long-term goals in sight.
There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming, but pushing through those challenges taught him valuable lessons about his own capabilities. “Completing the program added another layer of resilience that I continue to rely on today,” Tavares explains. “It taught me that sometimes achieving your goals requires being uncomfortable, making sacrifices, and continuing to move forward even when quitting may seem like the easier option.”
That mindset continues to shape how Tavares approaches challenges at work and in his personal life. When difficult situations arise, he draws on the experience of navigating demanding circumstances throughout his MBA journey, knowing he has overcome obstacles before.
Tavares Johnson M’26, Barney School of BusinessUHart helped me better understand the ‘why’ behind many of the things I was already doing, which brought everything together and gave me a different perspective on how I approached my work.
Turning Classroom Lessons Into Career Success
During the final week of his MBA program, Tavares helped secure a significant new client opportunity for his organization—one of his proudest professional accomplishments. It was the first major sales opportunity he had led independently, making the outcome especially meaningful.
The timing presented a unique challenge. While preparing for the final client presentation, Tavares was also completing his portion of the MBA capstone project. He even worked on his capstone while traveling by plane to the client meeting, balancing two major milestones simultaneously.
Ultimately, his capstone team delivered a successful final project, and Tavares helped bring home the new client opportunity. The experience represented the culmination of his academic and professional growth. He was applying the knowledge gained throughout his MBA while taking on greater responsibility and demonstrating his ability to deliver results under pressure.
“More than anything, that experience gave me confidence in my ability to lead, perform under pressure, and deliver results when the stakes are high,” Tavares says. Finishing his MBA and helping secure a major client win in the same week remains a defining moment in his career.
Investing in Opportunities and Relationships
For students and future alumni pursuing careers in business, Tavares emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities, even when they feel outside their comfort zones.
“Some of the greatest opportunities for growth come when you step outside of your comfort zone and trust that you can learn along the way,” he notes.
Tavares also encourages students to begin building their professional networks while they are still in school. Classmates, professors, and members of the university community can become valuable connections long after graduation, potentially serving as future colleagues, business partners, clients, mentors, or advocates.
Tavares believes that investing in these relationships is just as important as developing professional knowledge and expertise. Building and maintaining a strong network can open doors to opportunities that credentials alone may not provide.
His advice reflects the broader value of the MBA experience: success comes not only from what students learn, but also from how they apply that knowledge, navigate challenges, and cultivate relationships throughout their careers.
For Tavares, the University of Hartford provided an opportunity to strengthen the foundation he had already built, develop greater confidence as a leader, and turn classroom learning into meaningful professional results.