Eve Burkhart

University of Washington, Foster School of Business

“Passionate, driven leader who embraces challenges and inspires teams to win on any terrain.”

Age: 31

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Fun fact about yourself: I slimed someone on Nickelodeon during a commercial break for a SpongeBob episode.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, May 2016

M.E. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Dec 2017

Where are you currently working? Boeing: 737 Mechanical Systems Manager

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my most significant accomplishments was launching a job-shadow program in partnership with a local technical college that specializes in a critical and highly specific skill. At the time, no internship opportunities were available for Technicians in this field at Boeing, making it challenging to attract and develop talent. The program began with just one student, who progressed from job-shadowing to a co-op position, and ultimately secured a full-time role at Boeing after graduation. Watching this individual grow through each phase of the program was incredibly rewarding. Beyond the success of the first participant, the initiative laid the foundation for future workforce development in this field, which has become increasingly challenging to hire for, helping to ensure sustained success in our talent pipeline.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose Foster’s online MBA program because it offers a unique balance of quality, flexibility, and community. It is a well-established, high-caliber program located in the Seattle area, connected to the professional network I want to grow in. Several key mentors also recommended the program, giving me confidence that it was the right fit for me and my goals. Lastly, the quarterly in-person immersions are a big plus, as they provide valuable opportunities to connect face-to-face with classmates and professors.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My team – “The Bees.” I could not have dreamed of a better group of people to “bee” stuck with for the past two years. Humor aside, each teammate brought unique perspectives, backgrounds, and strengths. I’ve learned so much from them, not just about business, but leadership, collaboration, and resilience. We pushed each other to grow and showed up for one another in ways that made this program feel much less virtual. It taught me what a truly functioning team looks like. I am incredibly grateful for these connections, which have enriched my experience in the program and will continue to be a source of support and inspiration well beyond graduation.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? I’ve never felt more connected with classmates than in this online program. I appreciated being able to immediately apply classroom learnings to work challenges the following day and then share how it went with classmates the next time we met. The flexibility of the online format allowed me to learn more effectively than in previous programs due to more control over my schedule. The assessments were also more reflective and aligned with real-world situations, making the learning experience more practical and relevant.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? An online MBA program may sometimes feel overwhelming, but be present and make the most of every moment because it will be over before you know it. The people are genuinely the best part; prioritize building strong connections, and you’ll gain a support community for years.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? During the program, I moved to a new role within Boeing supporting the 737 Program directly, which was my goal.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? I chose an online MBA because flexibility is essential to me. The online format allows me to manage my time effectively and continue growing without stepping away from my career or hobbies. An added bonus is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse cohort from a wide range of industries across the US.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? In certain classes, we were encouraged to use AI as a tool while working on assignments. At the start of the program, I had minimal experience using large language models, but the program’s openness helped me learn to incorporate AI in ways that improved my efficiency and enhanced my problem-solving creativity.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: ~20 hours for a typical week, but sometimes more during weeks with major assignments and exams

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? Never be bored: continue to learn and grow, tackle complex problems, and empower others to reach their full potential.

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