Jason Bateman

University of Minnesota Twin Cities – Carlson School of Management

“I am a father, husband, and a person who cares deeply about others.”

Age: 44

Hometown: Prior Lake, MN

Fun fact about yourself: I lived in a foreign country for a total of five years.  

Undergraduate School and Degree: Colorado State University – Global; Accounting

Where are you currently working? I am currently searching for my next opportunity.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Growing my replacements and leaving my previous roles in good hands.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? The Carlson School has an excellent reputation, and I planned to live in Minnesota where the alumni network is strong.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My classmates were all very impressive and a pleasure to work with. I enjoyed learning from them as much as the course work.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The most surprising for me was the way the Carlson School integrated the program with their residential cohorts. They did a great job making everything available to me as an online student that I would need to be successful.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? I also did my undergraduate online. I will say the experience at the Carlson School was outstanding and they did a really great job of creating ways to deliver the material in a manner that allows you to engage with other students. This is something missing from other programs I looked at.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Communicate early and communicate often with your groups. Everyone is busy with their lives outside of school; the earlier you start on your projects, the more time you have to create a good product.

What would you change about an online MBA Program? I thought the program was great. I would like to see the stigma associated with online education go away. There does seem to be a shift happening, and I see online education being more accepted than in the past, but a few holdouts remain.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The education has sharpened my ability to critically think and approach problems differently. From an online standpoint, my ability to self-motivate and get the work done before deadlines was certainly honed.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? No, I entered the program following military service and am looking for new opportunities. However, the degree has given me access to conversations and interviews I would not have been a part of in the past.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? My wife is active-duty military and we moved three times during my program. A residential program didn’t fit my family’s situation at the time.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 20

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My goal is to be a part of an organization where I can use my talents and abilities to do meaningful work that creates value for the company.

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