2021 Best & Brightest Online MBAs: Sari Dorn, Lehigh University

Sari Dorn

Lehigh University College of Business

“Energetic, outgoing, and resourceful professional that enjoys contributing to, creating and smiling with teams.”

Age: 25

Hometown: Scotch Plains, NJ

Fun fact about yourself: My parents met on the “Love Connection”.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Maryland, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Where are you currently working? Lockheed Martin, Project Manager

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? It was completing the Operations Leadership Development Program through Lockheed Martin because I worked 3 different roles in 3 different business areas and locations. This helped me accelerate my understanding of operations and the company.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Flexibility built into the program and the variety of classes and opportunities offered.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? Working with others in similar careers and mutual understanding of balancing different responsibilities.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? Ability to connect with classmates and build relationships from seeing peers in multiple classes.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? Learning online as a graduate student felt much more approachable than learning in-person as an undergrad. The professors and students were relatable to the part-time learning situation. It also made meeting outside of class more enjoyable. Reducing the amount of commuting to in-person class made the learning experience more enjoyable with the ability to focus on the content.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Get organized early on! Understand where the information you need is and make it easily accessible. Take advantage of tools offered as a student such a Microsoft 365 for team work and meetings.

What would you change about an online MBA Program? Reduce textbooks required for courses. My most valuable learning came from current case studies and videos.  

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The ability to balance working full time and completing an online MBA has gotten me recognition amongst peers and management. The commitment to further learning shows others that I am willing to take on challenges and better myself every day. The content of the education has also helped me appreciate the bigger picture of company operations and make business decisions.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent On Online MBA: 10

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? Lead and work with a team that is developing long-lasting and sustainable solutions in renewable energy with impact beyond the company.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE BEST & BRIGHTEST  ONLINE MBA GRADUATES OF 2021