Rachel (Rae) Feinberg

Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan

“Lover of Broadway, science fiction and fantasy, and cat photography. Data and efficiency-driven decision maker.”

Age: 35

Hometown: Wood-Ridge, NJ

Fun fact about yourself: My wife and I recently joined the newly formed Montclair LGBTQ+ Pride Choir. I have absolutely no formal singing training or ability to read music, but I have found a great deal of joy in performing with my community. The choir has grown over its first year of existence and represents a space where everyone can come together as their authentic selves to create beautiful music.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Boston University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Where are you currently working? Omnicom – Director, Global Financial Processes and Integrations

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? My proudest moment is from one of my first career roles. I observed an inefficient process and was determined to come up with an automated solution using SQL and VBA without any real knowledge of those languages. I spent many late nights on my own time researching and coding to get the exact result I was hoping for. I successfully created an automated tracking file that was rolled out to the entire agency and continued to be used after I had moved on. This was actually used until that agency transitioned onto a new system, and in my capacity in a different role, I was able to replace those reports with new ones that I had helped develop. It was a full circle moment for me that I was very proud of, and it gave me the confidence to continuously work towards creating change to improve processes.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? When I was considering applying to Business School, I was 10 years out from my undergraduate degree and working full time. I was looking for a program that offered the flexibility I needed to plan around my work schedule and personal life. When researching programs, I was impressed by the size and strength of the University of Michigan alumni network, as well as the exceptional reputation for academic excellence. I also happened to be a fan of University of Michigan football, marrying into a University of Michigan family. Discovering that U of M had an online program felt like it was meant to be.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part about an online program is the flexibility it offers and the ability to immediately apply course learnings to my day job.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? I was surprised that I was still able to make significant connections with the faculty, staff, and my peers despite being an online program. The University of Michigan goes above-and-beyond to provide opportunities for students to connect, both remotely and in person, through in-person residencies and local events. Faculty and staff also made themselves accessible outside the classroom to enhance the learning experience and, sometimes, just to get to know students and help them on their career journeys.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? 10+ years and a great deal of life experience separated my undergraduate and graduate degrees. In becoming a graduate student and furthering my education, I committed to making the most of it. At the start of the program, I promised myself I would speak up in class and get to know as many of my professors as possible, something I did not do as an undergraduate. I immersed myself in the experience and found that my time at the University of Michigan had a holistic impact on my life and career.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? You get out of it what you put into it. With an online program, it is possible to coast through, completing the assignments and engaging with classmates and faculty only when needed. I believe, however, that there is so much to be gained from an online experience (especially as workplaces become hybrid or fully remote), and the more you jump in, the more you can get out of it. Time is always a concern when working and completing a degree, but the flexibility of the program makes it possible to still find ways to engage.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? I have consistently been able to take course learnings and apply it to my work. This ranges from confidently speaking about debits and credits in accounting to focusing on the strength of team relationships and the importance of ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard in every conversation. I believe that this program has made me a better employee and leader, while giving me a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to run a business.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? I earned a promotion near the end of my time in the program. I was previously Vice President, Financial Systems and Operations, supporting the Healthcare agencies under Omnicom. In February of 2024, I was promoted to a worldwide role as Director, Global Financial Processes and Integrations, working across all 1500+ Omnicom agencies.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? I felt that my career had momentum that I wanted to continue to grow with and worried that taking time off to complete a full-time program would inhibit my success. I wanted to have the ability to continue developing my career and education simultaneously.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: This has varied significantly over my time in the program, based on the number of courses I was taking, as well as the number of projects I was working on outside of curricular activities. I spent anywhere from 14-25 hours a week on my online MBA.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? As I grow into more senior-level roles, I have the goal of creating inclusive environments where all employees can thrive and bring their whole selves to work. We spend so much of our time working, it is imperative that we create spaces where everyone is welcome, fostering the ability of individuals and organizations to succeed together.

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