Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
6 excuses Huntsvillians make for not getting their MBA
Sponsored
We’ve all heard quotes like: “If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” (Jim Rohn). But what about when it comes to excuses for getting your MBA?
We got an inside scoop from Grissom High School grad, current Madison resident and Director of Graduate Business Programs at the University of North Alabama, Dr. Wes Davenport, on the top excuses people make for not getting their MBA. Read on to learn what the biggest six are and why they’re often misconceptions.
1. “My job is too demanding.”
Dr. Davenport acknowledges that this may be the case for some, but many people can balance full-time work and an MBA with a bit of strategic thinking.
“It’s about blocking off small time frames when you know you can focus. Maybe you choose to have two nights a week after the kids have gone to bed when you work from 8PM-midnight. Then you dedicate a couple of hours to studying on the weekends.
Plus, the classes are asynchronous, so you can complete the coursework on your schedule.”
Dr. Wes Davenport, Director of Graduate Business Programs, UNA
Dr. Davenport also adds that the UNA faculty are very understanding about work restrictions and often respond to emails during evening hours to make sure the students have all the help they need.
2. “I don’t want to physically go to campus.”
If you’re living, working and enjoying hobbies in Huntsville, the last thing you want is an out-of-town commute several times a week.
As the largest MBA program in the state, UNA’s online degree features students from all over the world. Currently, the program has students studying in 28 countries, so you can rest assured you’re not expected to come to campus.
3. “Online degrees are too isolating.”
However, on the flip side, some students may be concerned that an online MBA will be a lonely experience.
Luckily, with UNA being only an hour and a half away, you can easily meet up with professors during the week to stay connected. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to meet with students from all around the world. Online students also receive the same opportunities as on-campus students and can travel on study abroad trips through the Sanders College of Business and Technology.
“As you’re journeying through the MBA as a group, you’ll see the same names in your classes and get to know them. You can interact with people you otherwise would’ve never met—students from all kinds of industries and backgrounds.”
Dr. Davenport, Director of Graduate Business Programs, UNA
Fun fact: Did you know UNA has the largest MBA program in the state? Apply today.
4. “I have young children.”
A few years ago, Dr. Davenport was at a soccer game and met Allison Fields—a mom with young kids who hesitantly expressed interest in getting her MBA.
She was about to step into a new position as the CFO for Troy 7 but didn’t feel prepared due to her lack of formal business training. An MBA seemed like the perfect solution for her, but she was unsure how to balance taking care of her kids, working and going to school.
“One of Allison’s concerns was that she didn’t have a business background, but I shared that UNA doesn’t require undergrad business coursework for the MBA. We have a couple of introductory MBA courses that cover the prerequisite basics.
I also told her about our eight-week class structure. If life got too busy for her, she could easily take a break in between the eight-week class chunks instead of committing to the traditional 16-week setup.”
Dr. Davenport, Director of Graduate Business Programs, UNA
Allison successfully graduated with her MBA and has now accepted a top-notch position as the CFO at Signalink in Madison.
5. “An MBA is too expensive.”
When it comes to MBA prices, there’s certainly a sliding scale. UNA finds itself nestled on the affordable end of the scale—especially considering it’s a brick-and-mortar institution and an AACSB-accredited business school.
Psst! Only 5% of business schools in the world have this accreditation.
6. “I’m an engineer, so an MBA isn’t relevant to me.”
If you’re a Huntsville engineer, you might be thinking, “why should I care about an MBA?”
However, an MBA might be just what you need to take on a leadership position, according to Dr. Davenport:
“There’s no doubt we have a very smart and talented workforce in the Huntsville area. But many professionals have not held positions or acquired formal training where they’ve had to learn leadership and communication skills.
When it comes to leading a company, you have to create a business vision and effectively communicate it with your team. The MBA is designed to develop those skills.”
Dr. Davenport, Director of Graduate Business Programs, UNA
Check out UNA’s MBA at a glance:
- Cost: $495 per credit hour + fees
- Time to complete:
- Full time: 12-18 months
- Part time: 18-24 months
- Format: 100% online
- AACSB accredited, making UNA in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
- No GMAT required.
- The next semester start date is June 4 + UNA is still accepting applications—apply now.
Sponsored by:
Ad
