2019 Best Online MBAs: Lindsay Scherer, Arizona State (W. P. Carey)

Lindsay Scherer

Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business Online MBA

“Woman who wants to help the world run better.”

Age: 26

Hometown: Tempe, Ariz.

Fun fact about yourself: I’ve been an announcer for middle and high school robotics competitions for the past 10 years, announcing local, regional, and international events (Vex Words!).

Undergraduate school and degree: Arizona State, BSE in industrial engineering

Where are you currently working? SAP, Quality Engineer in retail software development

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Last year, I had the opportunity to coordinate a customer workshop. The workshop, among other things, provided an opportunity for customers to test the software while the development team learned about business best practices. Software users were able to directly ask developers questions and vice versa, which enabled ad hoc design thinking sessions. I am most proud that a few of the solutions produced by the design thinking sessions have been successfully integrated into our software product and are used by customers today.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose W. P. Carey’s program for a multitude of reasons. My alma mater was always in the running for my graduate school studies (go Sun Devils!). In addition to W. P. Carey’s renowned reputation, the alumni I knew from the program highly recommended the school and praised the staff. After researching other options, it was clear that W. P. Carey’s flexible, customizable MBA program was the program I had been searching. I’ve been able to take classes both online and in-person, while having the option to tailor my plan of study to the software development industry.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part has been participating in discussions with both staff and peers about their variety of experiences in each of the classes. Whether through formal exchanges, like lectures and discussion board posts, or informal communications, like office hours and small talk during group work, these collaborative interactions have provided opportunities to discuss real-world experience with subject matter experts. Overall, these experiences have significantly enhanced the program’s curriculum.

What would you change about an online MBA program? One aspect I would change in online MBA programs is to have more live sessions, at least two per class. Bearing in mind the importance of schedule flexibility, I believe live sessions provide experiences that help students and faculty relate and identify with each other. They eliminate anonymity and other barriers created by technology, helping everyone see each other as people.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? Generally, my communication to management has improved because I can link ideas from technical details through to impacts on the bottom line without missing a beat. Specifically, I now have a holistic understanding of supply chain management business practices. This adds value by providing more business acumen to my development team, and better product quality and user experience to our customers.

If you had to do it all over again, would you? Why? Unequivocally, yes. The MBA program accelerated my professional growth. This growth has helped me negotiate promotions and raises that would have taken years otherwise. Combining these with the other services offered through the program, like networking events and career services, and the benefits have greatly outweighed the costs.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate, long-term professional goal is to become a director in quality management. I want to keep learning, both in my technical and leadership skills, while being able to mentor and uplift others.

DON’T MISS: THE ENTIRE LIST OF THE BEST & BRIGHTEST ONLINE MBAS OF 2019 or POETS&QUANTS’ 2019 RANKING OF THE BEST ONLINE MBA PROGRAMS

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