2018 Best Online MBAs: Taylor Meyer, North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)

Taylor Meyer

University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School

I like building things. I like competing and can be counted on to give my all to the endeavor at hand.”

Age: 27

Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Fun fact about yourself: I played varsity tennis at UNC as an undergrad.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

UNC-Chapel Hill – BS in chemistry, Spanish minor

UNC Kenan-Flagler – MBA

Where are you currently working?

Founder and Managing Partner at Hyperspace Ventures, a design, development and venture capital firm. Our objective is to leverage our expertise in software engineering and entrepreneurship to accelerate the growth of other companies. We specialize in web and mobile applications, digital strategy, online user acquisition, machine learning, database optimization, and complex algorithms. We conduct services under contract and invest in early-stage technology companies. Our first investment was in Own Your Golf Game, an online instructional platform for golfers to receive instruction online from some of golf’s most elite instructors.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? After exiting my first tech company UConnection (a food and drinks application that was acquired by private equity firm in 2016), my business partner and I started Hyperspace Ventures. I am most proud of this company because we’re able to leverage our prior experience in technology and entrepreneurship to help others make a dent in the universe.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Taking classes online enabled me to continue working full-time in addition to continuing my education. This was imperative to me so that I could continue advancing my professional career while learning new subject matter.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? The flexibility of the content delivery is unmatched. Earning my degree did not inhibit my ability to travel for work, spend time with family, or meet my professional goals.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? I was surprised to see how connected our group was, despite the online learning environment. Through weekend trips and immersions, our class was able to make key relationships and connections that will last a lifetime.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? I took part in a number of in-the-classroom experiences due to my close proximity to campus. While I still enjoy learning in a non-digital environment, I felt that the online platform was more efficient in a variety of ways. I could control the speed at which material was taught, I could take breaks when needed to catch up on note taking that I might have otherwise missed, and I could learn on a flexible schedule depending on what my workweek looked like.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? I would recommend getting ahead of schedule when you have the opportunity to do so. Earning a degree while working full time (in addition to all other things life throws your way) is not an easy task. Managing time efficiently is imperative, in addition to taking great notes and working hard to succeed.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The MBA degree has certainly helped me become more proficient in the business world. I frequently interact with investors, founders and executives, so having improved business acumen certainly helps. There is always more to learn in today’s ever-changing environment.

If you had to do it all over again, would you? Why? I would do it again. I really enjoyed the course material, professors and my classmates. I love the University of North Carolina.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? Long-term, I would like to continue to develop a variety of businesses that can make an impact in the world.

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.