Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I am from Cleveland, Ohio, and earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Dayton in 2012. I am currently working on starting my own marketing company, where I will help small companies build their brand through social media.

Why did you decide to pursue your master’s?

I have been interested in making a career change to marketing but did not have that background coming out of undergrad. I realized that I needed some experience and decided to earn an MBA to get a start in marketing and develop other skills that would help me start my own company.

What has been your experience collaborating with classmates in an online environment?

I have had a good experience working with my classmates. Though it was challenging at first, not being able to physically meet with people, having the opportunity to interact and work with people is something that I appreciate about the program. My past experiences in online classes were extremely different: there was no interaction with the professor or my fellow classmates outside of posting on a message board or emailing my professor.

How will this degree move you closer to your long-term career goals?

The degree has already helped me a lot. I have begun the process of creating my own marketing company that is going to help develop brands and build social media presence.

What advice do you have for others considering this degree?

Go all in with the program. Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves while you’re in class. The faculty and staff are willing to help you if you ask for help — they want to help you succeed and do an amazing job showing that they do. Talk to your classmates at immersions. The opportunity to network with them is something that you should take advantage of. You never know who will be able to help you with a class that you are taking that they already took, or just support you during the program.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about the MBA@Dayton program or your experience?

I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this program. I have been challenged more than I ever thought I would have been and gained skills that I didn’t know I needed but will help me for the rest of my life.