2018 Best Online MBAs: Brian Joiner, Georgia Southern University

Brian Joiner

Georgia Southern University

“Conscientious, self-motivated, eager learner. If I’m not growing, I’m dying.”

Age: 34

Hometown: Warner Robins, GA

Fun fact about yourself: I was my junior college’s 3-Point Shooting Champion.

Undergraduate School and Degree: BBA in Accounting from Georgia Southern University and now MBA from Georgia Southern University. Double Eagle!

Where are you currently working? Synovus, AVP of Commercial Banking

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I received my company’s annual Customer Covenant Award in 2014 and this is special to me because it’s a reflection of how both clients and peers perceive you and the dedication you put into your craft on a daily basis.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I wanted a reputable online program that would fit into my busy professional schedule and the school I chose was important to me because GSU was my alma mater.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? The thing I liked the most was the flexibility an online program offers. If I had a project deadline or upcoming exam, I always knew well ahead of time and could plan accordingly around my work schedule. There were plenty of late nights and early mornings finishing papers or taking a test at my leisure.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The relationships built with my teammates was most surprising to me and another thing I absolutely loved about the program. We formed small teams that we remained in throughout the entire program and those individuals have become true friends of mine. The camaraderie built through enduring the challenging assignments allowed for real camaraderie and team building, which I wasn’t expected considering we never met face-to-face.

 

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? With over 10 years lapsed between my undergraduate and graduate studies, there was an obvious difference in technological capabilities. My group members lived miles away from each other in multiple states. Thanks to the online platform and online video chats, it was easy to work on projects together as a highly effective team.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? The program is as much about team dynamics and leadership as it is about lessons learned from the books. Step up, take a leadership role, and put everything you have into the program. You’ll get out as much as you put in.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The broad base of knowledge the MBA covers in under two years is incredible. From fascinating organizational behavior studies to understanding business on a global scale, it feels like a lifetime of enlightenment that I’ll take with me both on the job and in life. The MBA has afforded me a distinction among my peers, while providing me with invaluable managerial skills I can apply in my banking career.

If you had to do it all over again, would you? Why? Certainly. This program has enriched my life in many ways. It’s both a personal and professional achievement that I’m proud of and I’ll look back fondly upon for many years to come.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? The program has furthered my interest in managerial strategy and, ultimately, I’d love to work my way into an executive management position in banking where I’m responsible for the overall strategy of the company. To have a successful career, I can feel satisfied by and enjoy the fruits of my career-long efforts.

DON’T MISS: THE COMPLETE 2018 LIST OF THE BEST & BRIGHTEST ONLINE MBAS or OUR DEBUT 2018 RANKING OF THE BEST ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS IN THE U.S.

 

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