Madeline Robles

University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business MBA Online

“Highly motivated professional, dedicated to promoting positive change and health within organizations and communities.”

Age: 27

Hometown: Paradise, Utah

Fun fact about yourself: I love baseball. One of my bucket list items is to see a game in every MLB Stadium.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Southern Utah University, B.S. in Human Nutrition with minors in Chemistry and Sociology

Where are you currently working? United Way of Northern Utah

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? When working with the Weber Communities that Care coalition, we were awarded the Blue Ribbon Coalition Award for our efforts and effectiveness. I was invited to the White House to receive our award. This was a really proud moment for me, especially because I got to bring along the President of our Youth Council and provide an amazing opportunity for her and her mom to have a once in a lifetime experience in Washington D.C. and to celebrate the power of prevention.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Attending the University of Utah was a dream of mine from the time I was a little girl. When I was accepted into this program, it really was a dream come true because I knew I would have access to high quality faculty and be in class with top caliber students from all over the world.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? This program offered me the flexibility to prioritize my career and my education at the same time. I genuinely appreciate the flexibility and that I have been able to continue working. The program respects us as working professionals and values our unique perspectives we bring to the table because they know that the students in the online program are solving tough business challenges on a daily basis.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? I was surprised by the camaraderie. I was worried I might be a little isolated in the online environment, but I made so many friends, and got to know so many amazing professionals in this program. Meeting people in-person is fun whenever it works out, but I still felt very connected and supported by others in the program.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? By being able to complete the online program within my own timeframes and in whatever environment, I had a greater balance between work, school, and life than being in-the-classroom. Although I missed being able to connect with my faculty within the classroom at times, they still felt within reach, and video conferencing platforms made all the difference in still building connections. There are pros and cons to each experience, but the online experience was perfect for me as a working professional.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Don’t mistake being online with not needing to be involved and engaged. I chose to engage as much as possible. Because of that, I got a lot out of the program. If there are live webinars, attend them. If there are socials, try to be there. The University of Utah offers a lot of perks and supports to students, so take advantage of being a part of the university system, even if for you that just means utilizing the counseling or career services, utilize all your resources to get the most out of the experience.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? This online MBA has made me better at managing people, navigating difficult conversations, and being strategic in how I made business-wise decisions which has translated into making me more effective in the various roles I’ve held while in the program.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? I was promoted while in the program, moving from a mid-level management position leading out program initiatives, to being a member of the senior level management team. My current title at United Way of Northern Utah is Director of Human Resources.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? I needed to continue working, and the online program allowed me to do that. The flexibility and opportunity to do the program asynchronously was the right fit for me based on my time schedule and responsibilities.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 8-20 hours depending on the respective class, projects and assignments assigned at the time.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? I desire to continue working with organizations that are driven by a strong mission, vision, and value proposition that help us all live better, healthier lives. I envision myself serving in senior leadership roles and above to help inform the ethical management of resources and strategic planning across the organization. The needs of our communities are always evolving, and I intend to use my versatile skillset to help organizations adapt, respond, and continuously improve their services and long-term viability.

DON’T MISS: BEST & BRIGHTEST ONLINE MBAS: CLASS OF 2024