UNI MBA program offers new flexibility for busy professionals
UNI MBA program offers new flexibility for busy professionals
The Wilson College of Business’ MBA program has been updated to offer more flexibility and options for professionals looking to learn and advance their careers. Courses are now offered online, with a revised program structure and stackable certificates, allowing students to tailor their experiences to fit their personal and professional needs.
Anna Pesek chose the program for exactly those reasons. She’s an entrepreneur, co-running a horticulture and livestock farm called Over the Moon, works full-time at a nonprofit, and is a new parent. She appreciates the flexibility of taking classes online, but also takes advantage of the hybrid structure, meeting in person — she lives about an hour away in Delaware County — when she can.
I wanted a program that would let me take classes on my schedule but still feel connected, and this has worked really well for me. It’s been a really positive experience for me.
Pesek appreciates the fast-paced courses and has used some of the material in her day-to-day work. UNI’s MBA curriculum was revised to emphasize real-world, practical learning. In the business strategy course, students analyze several big companies, such as Chipotle and Amazon, and what drives their successes. Those lessons have helped Pesek reevaluate her own business decisions. She particularly enjoys engaging class discussions, which spur additional ideas.
Kristin Clark (‘04) shares a similar sentiment to Pesek. A parent of two children and the Manager of Web Development at Veridian Credit Union, Clark has plenty to juggle. UNI offers flexibility with a more intimate class size and personalized support.
It’s been 20 years since I got my undergraduate degree at UNI, so I’ve been adjusting, but UNI offering the MBA program online was appealing to me. It’s easier to log in and learn, so I have more time to get dinner ready for the kids or drive them to sporting events.
With a background in management information systems, Clark is looking to expand her business knowledge. She’s doing that in the same business strategy course, taking a closer look at Apple and its ascent to one of the most valuable companies in the world. She recently delved into its history, learning how essential founder Steve Jobs was in pushing the company toward innovation and subsequent success.
UNI’s MBA program is another example of how the university is making high-quality business education accessible to a broad range of students, cost effectively and efficiently.
“The structure and curriculum are great,” Pesek said. “With how busy my life is, I couldn't imagine a different structure.”