2024 Best & Brightest Online MBA: Rita Elizabeth Saikali, University of Massachusetts Amherst (Isenberg)

Rita Elizabeth Saikali

University of Massachusetts Amherst, Isenberg School of Management

“Persistent, labelled as a “detailed oriented”, striving for excellence both on professional and personal life.”

Age: 30

Hometown: Lebanese-Canadian. From Ajax, Ontario, Canada. Currently residing in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada.

Fun fact about yourself: Despite living in Yukon, Canada—a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts—I am surprisingly not very outdoorsy! However, I do enjoy the occasional Northern Lights as I fall asleep. I truly enjoy studying and learning: I was one of the recipients of the “Love of Learning Award” from Phi Kappa Phi in 2023.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

– MASc. in Structural Engineering (2019). York University, Toronto, ON, Canada | Pass w/No Revisions; Letter Grade: A+.

– Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering, in Public Works and Transportation (2016). Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, École Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Beyrouth, Mkalles, Lebanon | GPA: 3.66

Where are you currently working? I began my career in the public sector with the Yukon Government (YG), driven by a passion for highways and bridge construction. Starting as an Engineer in Training and bridge inspector, I advanced to the role of Project Engineer while completing my MBA. Although I briefly left YG to pursue other opportunities, I am returning as the Project Director to work on the longest and largest bridge replacement project in Yukon history. I am very excited to take on this challenge.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of accomplishing several professional and academic milestones early in my career and by the age of 30, which was a personal goal of mine. It was not easy, and it took a lot of dedication. After earning my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MASc degrees in Civil Engineering, I worked full-time as a Project Engineer on Highways and Bridge projects, deepening my technical expertise in this specialized area (Full-time sometimes meant around 70 hours a week, depending on the project demand). During that same time, I applied for and obtained my Professional Engineering (P.Eng.) licenses from two different provinces—Yukon and British Columbia. I also authored research papers with my previous professors from York University, where one of them was published in the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Structural and Materials Journals. I completed these milestones concurrently while studying for my MBA degree. I plan to set the bar even higher as I enter this new phase of my life and take over additional professional goals.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose the online MBA program at UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management because of its strong reputation for delivering a rigorous business education tailored for working professionals. Coming from Canada, I was keen to broaden my academic and professional horizons by earning a degree from a prestigious U.S. institution. UMass Amherst is considered one of the top online MBA programs in the States. Furthermore, Isenberg’s focus on practical applications and diverse networking opportunities made it an ideal choice for my professional growth.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part of being in an online MBA program was the exceptional flexibility it offered, allowing me to tailor my study schedule around my professional commitments. This was beyond the typical expectations of online education. Unlike other institutions, UMass fully embraces the concept of remote learning, where the program is designed to accommodate its students’ varying schedules and locations. For instance, I frequently travel to remote areas for work, where internet access is limited. I once spent one week in Eagle Plains for a bridge inspection, a very isolated area in North Yukon with no service and a very slow motel wifi (Good thing I got to cross the Arctic Circle when I was there).

UMass professors and colleagues understand and adapt to such challenges; any live sessions, such as Zoom meetings, are always recorded, ensuring that no student misses out due to their geographic location or internet availability. I was able to continue advancing my career in Engineering while acquiring new skills and knowledge in business management without needing to put either of them on hold. As a working professional, I could immediately apply the business concepts and strategies I learned directly to my job and my manner of handling things.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The most surprising aspect of the online learning environment was the in-depth interaction and connection developed between peers and instructors despite being a fully digital platform. I was initially concerned about feeling isolated, mainly because with an MBA degree, communication, and engagement are skills that need to be developed throughout the process. These collaborative tools and the team-building assignments allowed me to engage in all classes and build a sense of belonging to a community.

My previous graduate and undergraduate programs were predominantly filled with peers with an engineering background, so discussions were primarily confined to our field. In contrast, the online MBA program at UMass Amherst was incredibly diverse. Each student brought unique experiences and perspectives from various industries, enriching our discussions and enhancing my learning, offering varied and valuable insights.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? The online MBA experience was strikingly different from my undergraduate studies in several ways. Reflecting on my previous educational journey, being physically present on campus significantly impacted my daily routines and delayed the start of my career. Initially, I thought pursuing an MBA would force me to choose between advancing my academic credentials and continuing my professional development. That decision seemed daunting, particularly in today’s competitive landscape. However, choosing an online program changed that perspective and allowed me to keep on building my career while studying and also finance my tuition.

Also, the physical requirement of attending classes in person during my undergraduate studies sometimes meant that I was more physically present than mentally, especially on days when I was tired. This could lead to missing important parts of the lecture. In contrast, the online MBA program allowed me to access and revisit the course material at my convenience. This flexibility was invaluable as it meant I could engage with the content when I was most alert and receptive, ensuring a more profound and effective learning experience. The former not only suited my personal learning style, but also fit well with my professional schedule, allowing me to integrate my studies more smoothly into my busy life.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? My online education has been instrumental in my current job, especially in the post-pandemic environment where much of our work has shifted to digital platforms. I’ve noticed some of my colleagues struggling with this transition, finding it challenging to adapt to online tasks. For me, the shift was seamless due to my familiarity with virtual environments gained during my MBA program.

Having an academic and professional life is not just a great opportunity to enhance your learning experience, but it also equips you with the ability to apply what you learn in class into your day–to-day operations and with your team. It’s about bringing real-world situations or conflicts you are facing at work into the classroom, and developing means and methods to best resolve them as part of your coursework.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? While in the MBA program, I received several promotions with my previous employer, highlighting the immediate value of ongoing education. Although I eventually left that company to pursue a better opportunity at a contracting firm, the impact of my MBA continued to resonate. A few months ago, my first employer reached out and offered me a position as a Project Director—a significant leap in responsibility and recognition. This opportunity was a testament to the skills and knowledge I acquired through my MBA. Being near the completion of my degree and poised to graduate undoubtedly played a crucial role in qualifying me for such a high-level position.

The primary goal of pursuing my MBA was to transition from a technical focus to a managerial role within the construction industry. I aimed to enhance my capabilities in team leadership and overall project management. The MBA program equipped me with the essential skills and knowledge required for these responsibilities. I believe that completing this MBA has successfully enabled me to achieve this transition, allowing me to take on roles where I can lead projects and manage teams effectively, aligning perfectly with my career aspirations.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? The flexibility of the online format allowed me to live and work in various communities and provinces throughout my degree. My role often requires travel to construction sites for weeks at a time to oversee projects, and the ability to study from anywhere—be it airports, coffee shops, construction trailers, construction rooms, train/boat rides, hotel rooms—meant I could seamlessly manage job relocations and time zone differences without interrupting my education. I sometimes took my exams while on vacation; it was a great way to start my morning looking at the beach and sunrise! This adaptability was not just a convenience but crucial for maintaining my professional responsibilities while progressing academically.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: The weekly hours spent on an online MBA vary based on individual commitment and course requirements. I typically dedicate 10-12 hours per week for each course. This allowed me to participate actively in all discussions, complete readings and lectures, prepare for assignments, collaborate on team projects, and take any required quizzes.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? Obtaining my online MBA was a transformative step that encouraged me to pursue additional certifications in construction law and Project Management Professional (PMP), continually enhancing my managerial skills. My long-term goal is to eventually leverage this growing expertise to manage my business. Whether it remains within the engineering field or ventures into new territories, I am committed to leading projects I am passionate about. I aim to ensure client satisfaction and team success, drawing on my comprehensive background and leadership capabilities.

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