2020 Best & Brightest Online MBAs: Regina Parker, Northeastern University (D’Amore-McKim)

Regina Parker

Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business Online MBA

Soldier and aspiring physician passionate about supporting others.”

Age: 26

Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC

Fun fact about yourself: I’m a private pilot and am currently working toward my instrument rating.

Undergraduate School and Degree: United States Military Academy, BS, Mechanical Engineering with honors and Political Science with honors. Top cadet in biomechanical engineering and the top cadet in the Department of Social Sciences.

Tsinghua University, MA, Economics and Business. Schwarzman Scholarship.

Harvard Medical School, MD candidate

Where are you currently working? I’m a student at Harvard Medical School and 2LT in the U.S. Army.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m proud of my commitment to serve others through medicine and the military.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I primarily chose the online MBA program at Northeastern for its flexibility. I was able to tailor my coursework to my schedule, which was constantly changing throughout medical school. The online lesson modules, assignments, and exams could be completed at any time of day (or night).

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? I loved interacting with other students through our online discussion boards. We all brought different experiences and perspectives to the table.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? I was pleasantly surprised by how well I got to know the other students in my class. I did not anticipate making so many friends through an online program.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? There are pros and cons to online learning and in-the-classroom learning. For me, the main advantages of online learning were flexibility and efficiency — I could complete an online MBA during medical school, whereas an in-person MBA would have required a 1 or 2-year time commitment. I ultimately felt that these pros outweighed any cons.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? I found it helpful to block-off time in my calendar to complete my online lessons and assignments. This helped me balance online and in-person commitments.

What would you change about an online MBA Program? I can’t think of anything I would change about the online MBA program at Northeastern.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? I can’t say that business education has helped me pass medical school exams. However, understanding business will pay dividends in the future by enabling me to better manage and lead people and organizations.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? I want to benefit patients through not only providing individual care but also improving our medical system. I imagine first serving as an Army physician and later transitioning to different roles in the government or private sector. Raising a family is also a big goal of mine that I certainly consider among my “professional” goals.

Don’t Miss: The Entire Honor Roll of the Best & Brightest Online MBA Grads of 2020

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