Alycia Michels

University of Minnesota Twin Cities – Carlson School of Management

“Curious and passionate about bringing people together for problem solving and continued growth.”

Age: 35

Hometown: Lakeville, MN

Fun fact about yourself: In 2020, I did a week-long solo camping and hiking trip in Utah.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of St. Thomas – B.A. Business Supply Chain & Operations Management

Where are you currently working? Cargill, Digital Technology & Data Growth Business Relationship Manager

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I honestly get the most joy working with others and helping solve problems regarding how we can work differently. I enjoy exploring new technology implementations that can increase efficiencies or working with teams on opportunities to optimize their processes. I have been lucky to work with a lot of great people over the years on projects that have reduced or avoided costs, improved efficiencies, or helped generate revenue.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I was traveling a significant amount for work and was looking for a program that offered flexibility. When I met with the Carlson representative, they shared that I would have the most flexibility with the online program and still be able to take in-person classes. I took both in person, online, and hybrid courses which worked.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? The flexibility to take classes and complete assignments anywhere is great. It is great that the study abroad opportunities are also available to the online and part-time program.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? One of the most surprising things was how some professors really utilized the tools available to make an online learning experience both engaging and interactive.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? With being in an online/part-time program, I had to be more intentional about building relationships compared to my experience in my person undergraduate program. I actively looked for opportunities to get more involved and joined the Carlson’s Part-Time & Online Student Leadership Council and during my time in the program became the President. I can be a little introverted so this was a great way for me to help create relationships and also partner with others to start rebuilding the Part-Time & Online community in a post COVID-19 world.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Be proactive and focus on time management. If you have upcoming commitments with work or in your personal life, you can often work ahead. Proactively managing assignments and kicking off group projects will give you more time to complete your work and it will help reduce stress.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? Many of the core requirements reinforced concepts from my undergraduate degree in business. After being in Information Technology, the refresh in these areas was beneficial. The most beneficial classes have been around leadership and personal development and strategy. These classes have been introspective for me to reflect and identify on value alignment and opportunities for growth. They have also allowed me to apply frameworks to real world projects that I am working on and discus them with my peers.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes, I earned two promotions during the program. The first was from a Generalist Business Relationship Manager (BRM) role to an Operations BRM role and then to my current role as Growth BRM.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? I enjoy the organization that I work for and my role so I wanted to continue working. I also needed the financial stability so the only option for me was an online or part-time program.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: Carlson allows you to choose your own adventure and take 2.5 to 7 years to complete the program. For me, some semesters were heavier than others and I spent anywhere from 15-30 hours a week.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? One of my goals would be to continue to progress towards an executive level role that would be responsible for leading teams. Someday, I would also like to join a board of a for profit or non-profit.

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