Ashley O’Brien

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

“People-centered, ambitious, and purpose-driven leader empowering others with vision, resilience, and creativity to build a bolder future.”

Age: 36

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Fun fact about yourself: My kids are sixth generation Chicagoans.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Hope College, Dance

Where are you currently working? Kraft Heinz, Senior Manager, Talent Management

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m most proud of my ability to pivot and adapt while growing my career. I’ve danced professionally, had a dance company with 60+ high schoolers, worked in retail management, worked in research and advisory, and moved into my current role as an HR leader. With the amount of change in the world, I believe leaders will need to continuously adapt and be able to learn quicky. These pivots have helped me navigate change while adhering to my values.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? When considering an MBA, Ross was always my top choice due to the culture and values of the program. This means that my peers and the global alumni network share similar values and a deep pride for Go Blue! Ross’ online MBA program allowed me to have the same academic rigor of a Ross MBA with a flexible schedule for class selections, not to mention the same duration to complete the program and the same location where I complete my course work. This meant I could get my degree while I grew my career without sacrificing how I wanted to be present for my family during these three years.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? Nothing beats the people at Ross. I have built a community of friends across the country (including online, weekend, and full-time programs) in a virtual environment while still feeling connected through in-person events. I’ve met up with classmates in the summer in different cities for a weekend trip; had fun being students when back on campus for residencies; and traveled the world through our international courses. My peers have become my friends that exchange holiday cards, cheer for Michigan’s football AND basketball championship teams, and support each other through work stresses, school challenges, parenthood, and celebrations.

Ross’ professors understand and value the demands of a working professional and parent getting their MBA. I’ve had a study session with a professor while in Florida on vacation with my family; had a networking call with a professor and alumni while on a train; watched a lecture video in an airport; and had class in Milan and outdoors of northern Michigan. Online provides the same education and community with the flexibility that comes from the digital format.

How did your online MBA experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? Ross’s studio makes the online experience very similar to the in-classroom experience, but in some ways even more fun. I remember one simulation where they changed the background to look like the professor was in a trading room, overlayed sound effects of the trading floor, and quickly changed our groups via break out rooms to add realistic pressure to the decisions needed within the simulation. The synchronous classes were very engaging and purposeful as other lectures were recorded and able to review asynchronously.

How has your online MBA education helped you in your current job? My online MBA education has given me confidence; ability to ask better questions; and the agility and adaptability to lead during changing times or moments of crisis. It has also expanded my network of support and knowledge; increased my negotiation and stakeholder management skills; and provided better business acumen that increases my competency and influence at work. The online MBA has given me everything from business knowledge to leadership abilities which makes me a better coworker, leader, and employee at work.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? I received a promotion into a management role several months after starting the program and changed jobs from research and advisory into an HR leader role halfway through the program.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? My son was 8-months-old when I applied to the program and my daughter was born three months before graduation. The online MBA gave me flexibility to grow my career and family while getting my degree. Also, I didn’t have to plan my work or family vacations around breaks in class as I could take class wherever I needed to be.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? ChatGPT was launched months before I started the online MBA at Ross, and it feels like everything has changed during this time. Early on, I took a class to better understand AI so that I could better spot fact from fanfare and practice how to use it as an early adopter through the version released by University of Michigan for students. I gained skills in prompt engineering, and it helped me break down complex concepts. Using AI in business school helped me understand the role of technology and what aspects of work still require empathy, human judgement, and leadership.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 10-15

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My professional goal is to be a high-impact CHRO empowering others to realize their full potential while leading an organization to great success. I enjoy doing hard things with great people, solving problems and paving new paths.

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