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Application Process (Thomas Farrell): The application process was easy enough to navigate
through the extremely helpful guidance of the MBA office. The professors and GA's
have always been open and available in any assistance I've needed throughout each
course I have taken.
Online Learning (Gemma Giuffrida): Online learning adds to the flexibility of the
program. I did not have to spend time driving to and from the university, which gave
me more time to be able to spend on my work. I was also able to complete my work from
any location. This helped me mentally, as I was able to complete my work from wherever
I was happiest and most comfortable in completing my work. With the advancements in
technology, the classes were easily accessible and able to understand, making a seamless
online learning experience.
Work/Life Balance (Rachel Clouser): The online classes opened opportunities to complete
the degree that I would not have otherwise due to the lack of flexibility. This schedule
made it easy to for me to coordinate between school, career and life commitments.
WCU’s online MBA allowed the flexibility to take classes, view lectures and turn in
assignments at my convenience.
Flexibility (Kara Robbins): The program is nice because each class is only 7 weeks
long, so it goes by very quickly and doesn't feel as daunting. The professors in
the MBA were easily accessible if needed and responded to emails quickly.
Preparation for Today’s Workforce (Rachel Heist): The MBA program prepared me for
today’s workplace, where companies are turning to remote work more and more often.
I’ve gained experience working in groups and teams that are entirely virtual, and
that has prepared me for my current career path with a remote company. This made the
transition to remote work very seamless and gave me a head start on how to be successful
and collaborative in a virtual community.
Work/Life Balance (Emily Cooper): Having 100% online classes, with no set meeting
times, has allowed me to fit the MBA program into my life seamlessly. Manageable workloads,
clear deadlines, and professors who are eager to assist if needed have made me confident
in my ability to meet all requirements throughout the program. Each of the 10 MBA
classes in the program are 7 weeks long and there are 5 sessions each calendar year
which makes finishing in just 1-2 years possible while still juggling full time work,
life, and school.
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Online Learning (Rachel Clouser): One of the most positive aspects of this online
learning experience has been the time that I have saved from not having to travel
from one place to the university. This has been for one of the reasons I have selected
the WCU MBA over other MBA Programs in Pennsylvania. Learning online has created a
new dynamic of communication between myself and the professors, and studying from
my house has given me the ability to dictate the speed of my learning, as I can spend
as much time on certain topics as I need to understand them completely. Further, online
learning allows me to better manage my own time more efficiently.
Application Process (Courtney Medwin): The MBA office was extremely helpful during
the application process. My advisor was very responsive and worked with me every step
of the way! It truly felt as if everyone wanted to see me succeed.
Preparation for Today’s Workforce (Rachel Clouser): The WCU MBA prepared me and my
peers for today’s workplace, where teams are split into multiple offices, and clients
can be located around the world. Organizing time and resources in the program becomes
the key to success and with this brings a career advantage. When working with other
students remotely, I needed to share documents, set priorities, solve problems, deliver
presentations, coordinate research, and write theses without physically meeting with
my team, which is required in much of today’s job markets.
Real-World Application (Emily Cooper): Throughout the program, professors try and
incorporate real-life events into the course work. In addition to relevant events,
I have also found myself incorporating the coursework into everyday life and work.
With a deeper understanding of all aspects of business, it has allowed me to think
more thoroughly about company, financial, or political decisions and the “why” behind
them or the implications they may have. In comparison to undergrad, I believe you
have more real-life experiences under your belt when entering the program, which makes
the course content more digestible. I find myself more easily being able to comprehend
the topics and relate it to experiences I have had in life or employment, which has
been a great benefit to the program.
Work/Life Balance (Thomas Farrell): As a full time working professional, I have been
able to manage both work and school due to the flexible schedule of the West Chester
MBA program. The asynchronous learning style makes earning your MBA obtainable while
still working full time and not giving up your personal commitments or social life.
Networking (Rachel Heist): The MBA program has offered me the unique opportunity to
collaborate with peers in both similar and very different career paths than me. I’ve
been able share ideas and strategies with peers who are in similar careers, and I’ve
also learned about other careers that out there that I have not even considered in
the past. The MBA program at WCU has opened my eyes to other career paths that may
be available to me and has also helped me improve my existing professional skills
because of the networking I have been able to do with other students in the program.
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Work/Life Balance (Kara Robbins): My experience was kind of unique since I had a baby
during the program, but it was still doable. The workload is manageable, but students
will need to carve out time and understand that some weekends may include finishing
group projects, papers, or quizzes. What made getting a master's financially possible
for me was consistently having a graduate assistantship position. I wish I would have
known those were available sooner because I would have gotten my MBA years ago! Each
semester I worked 10 hours as a graduate assistant, in addition to working my full-time
job, and caring for my 3 young children. Some semesters it worked best to log those
hours over the weekend, and other times I "scheduled" an hour before or after work
and an hour during my lunch break to get the hours in. It was a lot at times, but
completely worth it!
Online Learning (Courtney Medwin): As an out-of-state student the online learning
part of the MBA program is very beneficial. I’m able to learn from great professors
and collaborate with classmates regardless of where I’m located or my schedule. It’s
been great to learn and work at my own pace.
Networking (Rachel Clouser): There is an abundance of opportunities for students to
build personal connections with current students. WCU’s MBA is online, however, it
requires me to interact with my peers regularly, including collaborating on assignments
and encourages the exchange of ideas and information. Each student brings a unique
perspective and background to the work, allowing everyone to learn from one another.
The chance to network with my peers from all industries, backgrounds and geographic
locations is invaluable and can help me build my career potential.
Real World Application (Rachel Clouser): It has been most beneficial for me and my
peers that readings and assignments are based on real-life business scenarios, such
as the Silicon Valley Bank's Parent Company filing for bankruptcy, and allow us to
tailor projects to our specific industry problems we face today that need solving.
This means that course content avoided giving students the same “bland” experiences
each week and provided assignments/readings based on real opportunities to develop
insight to grow as a learner in our fields.
Flexibility (Gemma Giuffrida): Because the whole degree is online and asynchronous
it allows for individuals in many different stages of life to be able to complete
it. I work a full-time job, a small part-time job, and am taking part in a GA position
during my last semester of the degree. I have always been able to find time to complete
my work since I could do it early in the morning, late at night, whenever I had time.
