Chitray (Ray) Eddy

Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business

“Energetic and resourceful with a passion for growth; grounded with mutual respect, togetherness, and humility.”

Age: 30

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Fun fact about yourself: I have picked up a new hobby of reading and writing (well, attempting to write) Haikus!

Undergraduate School and Degree: Pennsylvania State University, BS Economics

Where are you currently working? IKEA Flow & Capacity Planner

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I was identified by my department to demonstrate an emerging technology to my peers. While this recognition was rewarding in-and-of-itself, after the training, I was approached by numerous co-workers who conveyed that they used the technology because my training made it accessible to them. To enable these co-workers with a tool that allowed them to garner and communicate data-driven insights is an opportunity I am forever grateful for.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? In my comprehensive search of online MBAs, W. P. Carey had a consistent reputation for rigorous coursework, compelling electives, and a fulfilling team environment. I knew this combination would give me the skills I desired in an MBA as well as lasting ties with peers. Outside of the classroom, I could see W. P. Carey provided world-class career support, campus involvement opportunities, and a network that spanned every industry. These benefits made W. P. Carey the perfect choice to pursue my MBA!

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? The classroom is wherever you are and ready whenever you are. I’ve been able to squeeze in quizzes on airplanes, stream classes on vacation, and attend office hours on the go. The fact that my education is not limited to a physical location or time is fantastic.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? I would feel just as connected to my classmates as I felt in my in-person undergraduate learning environment. I thought for sure the online mode in addition to dispersed classmates would make me feel disconnected, but I felt quite the opposite. I got to know my classmates much more intimately than I expected and have connections I will keep for life.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? In addition to feeling just as connected with my classmates as in my in-the-classroom experience, I would say I feel just as connected to the school as I did with my undergraduate institution. While I was not in Tempe for two years as I would have been in a residential program, I still bleed maroon and gold. All the opportunities W. P. Carey provides makes you feel like a Sun Devil through-and-through. I would say of comparing the two experiences there has been no noticeable difference other than the mode of delivery. I was looking for a true college experience in furthering my education with a graduate degree and W. P. Carey gave me that and so much more.

What would you change about an online MBA Program? I wish more online students would get involved. I know it may feel impossible to juggle another thing, but we can. And this out-of-the-classroom involvement will help you get another complete experience from your MBA. I am living proof of that; my extracurricular involvement has been exceptionally rewarding.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The time from knowledge acquisition to real-world application was immediate while pursuing my MBA online. You go from learning topics and then mastering them in real-world business situations within days. I was taking something from every single class and using it in real-time to perform an analysis, make an argument, or exhibit a concept. This immersive learning was invaluable for me and has given me confidence that my skills are tested and refined, all of which would have only been possible for me with an online education.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? No, I have not, I am still contemplating various options.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? I decided to pursue an online MBA program rather than a full-time residential program for two main reasons. First, I had competing priorities that would not allow for me to step away from my career for two years to pursue a full-time residential MBA. I also wanted to apply my learning directly to my career and hone those skills in real-time. An online MBA allowed the flexibility for both needs to be met, and W. P. Carey made them a reality.

The number of hours per week spent on an online MBA: Approximately 27 hours a week on average.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? Long-term, I would like to become a leading voice in supply chain business analytics working toward making a difference in people’s lives, possibly becoming an executive director of a non-profit and using my education and experiences to be confident in the lead when my supply chain is most needed.

DON’T MISS: BEST & BRIGHTEST ONLINE MBAS: CLASS OF 2023