Why the flexibility of an online MBA was perfect for my personal and professional goals

I realised this after researching the cost and time commitment required for an on-site MBA in the US. I didn't want to leave my job and family for two years to study, so I started reading up on flexible options.  

I went online looking for schools with a flexible schedule, but with all the perks of being there physically. A friend that lives in Illinois suggested I look up MBA schools in the region, and that's how I found out about Gies Business. 

I’d say the live sessions and the capstone projects. I have met and interacted with students from all continents through the capstone, and we get to work on some cool stuff like a business podcast, which I really enjoyed making! 

The live sessions give me direct access to the professors, so I join in live almost all the time.  

The flexibility of it all, such as the fact that I can email professors if I'm confused about a concept, and they respond quickly which is awesome.  

My biggest surprise is the weekly assignment. I assumed that since it was a not-so-linear programme, I'd just have to do exams-. The weekly assignments have actually been really helpful because I now have to commit to learning weekly and be disciplined so I do not miss assignment deadlines. I have been able to build a routine out of this.  

I think one major positive impact is meeting people that I would not have interacted with in the regular course of my life.  I met the deputy director of the ministry of trade in South Korea in one of my team assignments!  

This is only possible because the iMBA programme integrates people from every walk of life. I have been able to build meaningful connections with people, such that I can travel to their city and ask for a meet up.  

I opted for the entrepreneurship and strategic innovation specialisation as this really aligns with my purpose of attending business school, namely being able to scale my products into standalone businesses.   

I also did the mergers and acquisitions specialisation because the courses helped me understand the complex world of business capital structure, financial modelling and the use of financial information to gain insight into how businesses are doing.  

I wanted to understand the quantitative aspect of business to be able to apply it should the occasion demand.  

I would describe it as innovative and eye-opening, because there are so many different parts merging into one here. The global network, the interactive learning, the robust yet affordable curriculum, and the personal growth through critical thinking and problem-solving makes it all worthwhile.