As an online graduate student at the Florida Institute of Technology, Erika Bauerlein found immense success in her pursuit of a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management. With the convenience and flexibility of online learning, the program provided her with a quality education and valuable practical skills that she’s been able to apply to her career and life. In this student spotlight article, the Class of 2022 graduate discusses her experience in the program and her advice to prospective students.
As a Partner Marketing Manager, Erika’s role was centered around marketing, but when she looked into online graduate programs, she was drawn toward Florida Tech’s MBA with a concentration in project management because it was something new to learn about and she wanted to make herself more marketable before moving into a new phase of her career.
“While still new in my role, I hope it showcases my willingness to keep learning and to try something new, even if it’s uncomfortable or unknown.”
About the MBA in Project Management
The online MBA in Project Management at the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business is designed to provide a well-rounded, high-quality educational experience that prepares graduates for a variety of project management careers in the global business environment. Accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs, the program provides students with hands-on experience in planning and managing projects in the modern business environment.
The College of Business also upholds the highest standard of education in this program by providing students with foundational knowledge in all areas of business, including project management strategy, strategic decision making and leadership challenges.
Balancing Life and Coursework
Erika found Florida Tech’s online MBA in Project Management as nothing short of challenging in the best way. She said she particularly enjoyed the project management concentration courses – Strategic Project Management, Project Tools and Techniques, Cases in Applied Project Management and Mastering Project Management – and found the core courses, specifically Marketing Management and Organizational Behavior- to be rigorous and fascinating.
She shared that starting an online program, after not being in school for a few years, took some time to get used to and offered advice to those who may be on the fence about enrolling. “Allow yourself to get adjusted to a schedule, one that works for you and how you want to organize yourself and remember that the feeling of uncertainty is temporary.”
Throughout the two years that Erika was in her graduate program, she was appreciative of the flexibility that her online degree offered.
“I found Florida Tech’s online program to be the best fit for me as it allowed me flexibility within my professional and personal life to decide when I would get assignments done. As someone who started at one company and moved to another during my time in the program, it was steady and attainable to adjust to a new work environment and maintain the level of commitment I had to school,” Erika said.
Favorite Part of the Program
Erika found her Student Success Coach to be a great asset during her academic journey.
“My Student Success Coach was incredibly impactful throughout my time in the online MBA program. They were always willing to provide advice, regularly checked in, and always expressed an interest in my successes. The Student Success Coach was probably one of my favorite parts of the program as it provided me with a direct resource who understood what I was experiencing and how to help if there were moments of uncertainty.”
During her time in the MBA program in Project Management, Erika gained insights into real business situations by actively engaging in case study analysis, as well as leadership and teamwork, and credits Florida Tech’s program for helping prepare her for new challenges.
“I loved my experience in Florida Tech’s online program. It was attainable, fulfilling and challenging in the best way. I would highly recommend the program to anyone who is interested in pursuing their MBA.”
