Robert Berini

North Carolina State University, Jenkins MBA

“Leader in Human-Centered Experience, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, Runner, Triathlete, Musician, Husband, and Father.”

Age: 51

Hometown: Currently live in Davidson, NC, but grew up in Edina, MN and Sewickley, PA, among other places.

Fun fact about yourself: A few years ago, I completed the Uwharrie Mountain Run, which is a 40-mile trail run with challenging ascents and descents, and difficult terrain.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Where are you currently working? UBS Financial Services, Managing Director, Digital Innovation and Enablement

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m proud of my ability to adapt, be successful, and make an impact at some of the most highly regarded companies, including UBS, Deloitte, IBM, and Cisco.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Reputation and ranking, analytics emphasis, convenience, location, cost

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? It was the ability to self-pace and tune my learning path to areas of greatest interest.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The experience was much less solitary than I expected. Most of the courses featured fairly extensive collaboration and interaction with classmates.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? The in-classroom experience obviously had the benefit of greater interaction and dialogue, as well as building deeper relationships. Online had the benefit of being able to break-up lectures, and to revisit sections as needed.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Join scheduled office hours if possible. It is a great opportunity to reinforce concepts and to build a connection with the professor and fellow students. Also, if circumstance accommodates, register for 1 or 2 in-person classes (particularly if any courses of interest are only offered via the classroom).

What would you change about an online MBA Program? Consistent quality and recency standards for recorded lectures.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? I often found opportunity to directly and immediately apply concepts to my own work or that of my team. This resulted in more thoughtful decisions and higher quality work product.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? I joined UBS in my current position after starting the program.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? Flexibility and ability to minimize disruption to career and family.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 15-20

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? I want to continue challenging myself and embracing new opportunities; bolster career optionality and longevity; to continue learning; become a better leader; and develop other leaders.

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