Ben Burns appeared to have it all — a loving family, a thriving career as a director for planning, design, and construction in a reputable health care organization, and a wealth of experience in his field. However, he couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that something was missing — an MBA degree.
Despite his impressive professional accomplishments and 25 years of dedicated work, Ben had reached a plateau. He realized that to break through to the next level of his career, he needed to acquire more education.
"I had graduated with a music education degree, and while I found my position and skill set to be suited for the business side of health care, I faced limitations due to my background in music. To continue on my desired career path, I knew I needed to pursue that next level of education."
Ben's realization was a turning point in his life. He had excelled in his role and demonstrated strong leadership skills, but he understood that in today's competitive business landscape, an MBA would provide the strategic edge he needed. Determined to continue his upward trajectory, Ben set his sights on obtaining his MBA and embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth.
His decision to pursue an MBA was not only driven by the desire for career advancement but also by the recognition that his passion and talents were better aligned with the business side of health care. As he climbed the corporate ladder, Ben realized the significance of complementing his practical experience with the theoretical knowledge and strategic acumen that an MBA could offer.
Ben's story serves as an inspiration to those who find themselves at a crossroads in their careers, yearning for new opportunities for growth. He recognized the value of acquiring the right educational foundation to support his professional aspirations, proving that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams and unlock new pathways to success.
Finding the Right Fit
If – and it was a big if – Ben were to go back to school to pursue his MBA, the program had to be the right fit for his lifestyle and not the other way around. Classes that would still allow him to work full time in his demanding role as director, spend time with his family, and if possible, balance other aspects of life like paying bills, traveling, and the general busyness that always seems to fill our lives.
“I chose UAGC for my MBA program because I spoke with an enrollment advisor, and they talked about the program being set up for success for people that are working full time, and I had co-workers that had gone through the program and raved about the MBA program at UAGC.”
While there are no guarantees in life, Ben wanted to know that any program he signed up for, especially after being out of school for more than two decades, would offer the support he needed to be successful in his endeavors. Success is what he found in the form of online assignments, 6-week classes, flexibility, support, and more.
“After 20 years of being out of college, I decided that I wanted to continue my education with my MBA program, and I was looking for an opportunity that was setting me up for success. And it's been a long time since I was in school, so UAGC gave me the opportunity to do that while I was working full time and also with my family and being able to live my life. So it was just a good setup for me and the program, and what gave me confidence is how they set the program up so that within a 6-week class, I was able to work full-time and stay on top of my classes.”
Reaching His Full Potential
The flexibility of the UAGC MBA program played a pivotal role in Ben earning his degree while juggling a full-time job. With a well-defined structure and a manageable workload, Ben was able to navigate his coursework without ever feeling overwhelmed. What truly impressed him was the program's adaptability to his lifestyle. Even during vacations, Ben could work on assignments and stay on track with his studies, ensuring he never fell behind.
One aspect that stood out for Ben was the program's timeline. Assignments were due by Thursday, which meant he had the entire weekend to unwind from the demands of work and classes. This precious time allowed him to rejuvenate and spend quality moments with his family, striking a healthy work-life-school balance.
The pace of the six-week classes further contributed to Ben's engagement and success. It kept him motivated and focused, allowing him to delve deep into the subjects at hand without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The manageable workload, combined with the clear structure and supportive resources provided by UAGC, made the journey toward his MBA degree a fulfilling and enriching experience.
By offering a flexible program that accommodated Ben's busy schedule and commitments, UAGC empowered him to pursue his educational goals while maintaining his professional and personal responsibilities. The program's thoughtful design and emphasis on work-life-study harmony have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on Ben's journey toward personal and professional growth.
The Lasting Impact of an MBA
With his MBA degree in hand, Ben noticed a significant change in his professional life. The skills and knowledge he acquired during the program broadened his understanding of the business realm in many ways, and particularly in finance. This newfound expertise allowed him to contribute more effectively to organizational discussions and make informed decisions. Additionally, the MBA program enhanced his leadership abilities, enabling him to excel in his role as a director.
But nothing can quite compare to how the accomplishment of earning his MBA from UAGC feels.
“It's a good feeling,” he shares. “I think I was so intimidated at the beginning of the program before I started, I saw that progress bar of how many classes I had to do. And when I finished my last assignment, I looked at that progress bar and it was all green, and that felt really rewarding. I look at the hard work I put into it, I was successful with it, and it feels really good to be done.”
Completing his degree at UAGC was a gratifying and impactful experience. Overcoming the initial intimidation, he successfully navigated the MBA program and finished with a sense of pride, knowing the degree will help take him places professionally. He says the structured curriculum, supportive professors, and meaningful connections made him proud to be a part of UAGC MBA program. Looking to the future, he feels confident his MBA will open doors to new opportunities in the health care industry, allowing him to contribute even more as a leader.
Ben's journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and the importance of finding the right program that fits one's needs. Ben serves as an inspiration to others seeking career growth and personal development through higher education.