Carrie Dembeck         

The University of Texas at Dallas, Jindal School of Management

Age: 41

Hometown: I grew up in Houston, Texas and relocated to Denton, Texas 2.5 years ago.

Fun fact about yourself: When I’m not in school, I like to compete in powerlifting. I’m not amazing at it, but I really enjoy pushing myself and setting new goals. Competing keeps me motivated, and I’m excited to get back into a training routine next year!

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Undergraduate – University of Houston – Clearlake – BS in Accounting & Finance

Graduate – Villanova – MS in Analytics

Where are you currently working? I work at Celanese as the Americas Business Manager for Polyamide

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the achievements I’m most proud of is my commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. Throughout my career, I’ve sought out opportunities to challenge myself—whether that’s building models, projects, and dashboards that have had lasting impact, or enrolling in multiple master’s programs while working full time. I believe curiosity is one of the most powerful drivers of growth. Asking “why” and staying open to new ideas has helped me evolve, stay relevant, and contribute meaningfully in every role I’ve taken on.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose this school’s online MBA program because it offered a wider range of marketing electives that aligned closely with my interests and professional goals—more so than other programs I considered. UTD’s strong reputation and higher rankings for both its MBA and online MBA programs also played a key role in my decision. The flexibility of the online format was essential given my work demands and travel schedule, and I appreciated that I didn’t have to sacrifice elective variety or program quality to get that flexibility.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part of the online MBA program has been connecting with other students and expanding my network. While group projects can be one of the more challenging aspects of an online class, they’ve also been the most rewarding.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? My undergraduate experience in in-person classes was valuable because it kept me accountable throughout the semester. Being physically present in class helped me absorb the material steadily, so I didn’t fall into the trap of cramming before midterms and finals. With the online format, I appreciate the flexibility it offers. I can pace myself based on my schedule, getting ahead when I have time or catching up later if needed. This flexibility has been essential for me, especially when balancing my work commitments.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? My biggest piece of advice is to fully take advantage of the resources and opportunities available—online students have access to the same support and many of the experiences as in-person students. I’ve used advising services multiple times to stay on track with my program and graduation plan, and they’ve been incredibly helpful. Beyond academics, I’ve joined virtual coffee chats on Microsoft Teams, participated in the MBA trip to Seattle, and enrolled in the International Management course, which took us to Sweden in 2024 and Japan in 2025. These experiences have not only enriched my learning, but also helped me build meaningful connections with classmates and UTD alumni, both online and in-person.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? It absolutely has. When I enrolled, I intentionally selected electives that aligned with my current role and areas where I wanted to grow professionally. Courses in marketing analytics directly supported my work in business analysis, while classes in strategy, international management, and negotiations helped me prepare for future leadership opportunities. The flexibility to tailor the curriculum to my career goals has made the experience immediately valuable in my day-to-day work.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes, I did! About a year into the program, I moved from a business analytics role supporting the polyamide segment into the Americas Business Manager role for Polyamide. I believe two key factors contributed to this transition. First, my leadership team recognized my drive and commitment—despite the demands of the program, I continued to meet challenging deadlines and deliver strong results. Second, the program gave me the chance to have meaningful conversations with leadership about my coursework and how it aligned with my long-term goals. Those discussions led to opportunities to serve as a back-up for a few business managers, which ultimately paved the way for my promotion.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? Flexibility was the main reason I explored the online MBA option. With a demanding work schedule and frequent travel, I needed a program that could adapt to my lifestyle. What made the decision even easier was the wide range of online courses offered through UT Dallas—I was able to customize my learning experience without compromising on quality or variety.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? AI is woven into our curriculum, especially through the analytics courses in my dual degree program, where I’m pursuing both an MBA and an MS in Marketing. These courses offer great opportunities to dive into AI and its applications. While the technical aspects are valuable, what stands out most to me is the leadership perspective. It’s become clear that as we move further into the analytics age, data security and ethical guidelines are more important than ever. I think that it is important for those working toward leadership, understand the importance of data, and data security.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: The number of hours I spend on my online MBA varies depending on the semester and course load. Right now, I’m enrolled in 11 credit hours, which means about 11 hours of lecture per week. Additionally, I typically dedicate another 6 to 12 hours each week to assignments and projects.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term professional goal is to continue working toward leadership roles that challenge me and provide opportunities for continuous learning. I’m also focused on finding roles where I can make an impact, influence change, and drive success. A big part of my journey is mentoring others through the challenges of corporate life. I’ve been fortunate to have had great mentors and a strong network, which has connected me with roles across various functions, ultimately giving me a broader perspective. I once heard that the best way to thank a mentor is by paying it forward to someone who’s in the same place you once were, and that really resonated with me. These leaders and mentors didn’t owe me their time, but they chose to share it to help me learn and grow, and I want to do the same for others.

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