Lynze Hagan

University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business

“Ambitious, hard-working, dependable, loyal, honest, reliable, organized, self-aware, altruistic, able, driven, motivated, sincere, competitive, thoughtful.”

Age: 38

Hometown: Burke, Virginia

Fun fact about yourself: I am ambidextrous.

Undergraduate School and Degree: The University of North Florida, Marketing

Where are you currently working?  Maxio as Operations Director, Payments.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of achieving my PMP (Project Management Certificate) and MBA. I can show these achievements as an example to my children that with hard work and dedication, a goal or dream can be achieved.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose the University of Maryland’s program for a few reasons. I wanted to enroll in a university that is recognized for having an outstanding online MBA program that also could fit in with my busy life as a professional, mother, and military spouse. I also wanted an opportunity to network with students, alumni, and professors, and to travel abroad or engage in global learning. And, I was looking for a program I would be proud to represent post-graduation.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? The access to data analysis tools and technology through the likes of Bloomberg, MorningStar, and Mergent Intellect, plus the relationships that formed with fellow students and professors.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? Having many of the same opportunities as in-person students. For example, OMBAs can run for and participate on MBA boards, attend speaker events, learn a new skill such as Tableau, and have the opportunity to work with businesses in Maryland.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? I was fortunate enough to do my undergrad both online and in-person, and my online learning experience has differed drastically between undergrad and graduate. My experience as a University of Maryland OMBA student has shown me how the use of technology can create a virtual classroom experience that’s similar to being there, in person.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? It is important to be organized to manage the various class assignments and due dates — to be self-disciplined to complete the work on time and flexible to meet with group members who are in different time zones. Ultimately, you get what you give. If you are in the program to only get a degree, that will be your experience. If it is more than a degree, you will see your efforts rewarded with long-lasting relationships, growth, and memories and experiences that will aid in your personal and professional life.

What would you change about an online MBA Program? There is not a lot that I would change. However, I think one area to build on is the communication and networking among cohorts and alumni. At times, it seemed the cohorts were siloed off from one another with insufficient networking by individuals outside of their respective cohorts.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? It has given me the flexibility to work on assignments during breaks at work and to support my clients after hours – during time I would use to commute to a class.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation?  Prior to joining Maxio, I joined Utilant (newly named Majesco) in August 2021 as a senior project manager.

Did you earn a raise during the online MBA program? Yes

Number of Hours Per Week Spent On Online MBA: It varied between 10-20 hours per week.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? To be a director of professional services or head of a PMO. I love project management. It is who I am as a person and a professional. The field is constantly changing, and I would like to share my knowledge while learning and supporting my team. Ultimately, I pave paths to makes things easier for others.

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