2018 Best Online MBAs: Megan Broccard, Auburn (Harbert) by: Jeff Schmitt on June 06, 2018 | 694 Views June 6, 2018 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Megan Broccard Auburn University, Harbert School of Business “Hard-working, driven professional that seeks to be the best fiancée, sister, daughter, friend and coworker.” Age: 31 Hometown: Montgomery, AL Fun fact about yourself: I have lived in 7 states in my life, of which 4 have been in the last 4 years! Undergraduate School and Degree: Anderson University – Bachelor of Arts in Music and Business (Minor: Voice Performance) Auburn University – Master of Business Administration in Management (Concentration: Information Systems Management) Where are you currently working? Deloitte Consulting; Strategy, Analytics and Technology Consultant What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I began my career as a call center representative for a telecom company in 2009. When I graduated with my undergraduate degree that year, the economy was very poor, and it was difficult to find work for recent college graduates. I stuck with that job, continued to network, and was slowly promoted over the years. The heads down, grinding mentality that I developed in the early years of my career laid a foundation for hard-work and drive that led to greater success down the road. I’m now enjoying the benefits of that effort, but that mentality continues to drive me forward to other goals and desires I want to achieve in the coming years. Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Online program options and recognition, cost. What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? Flexibility. During my MBA program, I moved three times and accepted three promotions. It allowed me to continue to pursue my career and personal goals without sacrificing locations or learning environments. What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The network! I gained a huge network of working individuals in addition to on-campus students I met during my coursework. After attending on-campus orientation, a small group of online MBA students that I met decided to form a virtual study group. We continued as a study group throughout our program, which allowed us to work together intimately and develop great relationships. I am very good friends with everyone in the study group – one individual in the study group will be my husband and everyone will be coming to the wedding! How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? I went to a very small, private undergraduate program. For graduate school, I was seeking a larger university with recognition that could give me the flexibility between school and work. While I did miss being in the classroom, lectures were very well-produced, and professors did a great job ensuring that the online community was accommodated and addressed in lectures. What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Be as engaged as possible! Just because you pursue an online option, that does not mean it should be an excuse to hide behind a computer. I attended on-campus orientation and graduation, and I took every opportunity I could to come down for a football game or meet with professors. How has your online education helped you in your current job? As mentioned above, the flexibility was HUGE. I never had to step away from my career to gain the knowledge I was seeking in the classroom. I was able to apply concepts real time, which was gratifying and exciting. If you had to do it all over again, would you? Why? Absolutely. Without question. The Auburn MBA program has changed the trajectory of my career by increasing my marketability, my business acumen, and my network. I have already referred approximately four individuals to the program since I graduated, and I encourage anyone that expresses an interest in an MBA to pursue Auburn! What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? I have two goals: 1. I would like to serve in upper level management in a Fortune 500 company, and 2. I would like to work internationally for a period of time (~3-5 years) on a long term assignment! 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.