Online MBA Helped Alumna Accelerate Career

NC State alumna Christina Colgan was working full time at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) while pursuing her MBA online from NC State’s Poole College of Management. The fact that NC State offered an online option was a key selling point for Colgan.

“The Online MBA was a perfect fit for my schedule,” Colgan said. “It allowed me the flexibility to earn my degree while keeping a job I love — I didn’t have to pause my career, in fact, the MBA program helped to accelerate it.

Colgan said NC State’s Online MBA program was great for working professionals who don’t want to give up their day jobs to earn their degree.

“They [faculty] do an excellent job bringing your day-to-day work into the classroom, and the skills you gain while earning your degree will be immediately usable in your work,” Colgan explained.

One thing that also helped Colgan balance her career with school was time management. She said setting a dedicated day to get her work done each week was key.

“Most weeks, I would wake up early on Saturdays and complete my work for the week. There were a few weeknight commitments, but setting aside a dedicated day each week helped make a good habit and the two years went by fast,” Colgan explained.

Soon after earning her MBA, Colgan said she moved into a management role at BCBSNC. She provides oversight of the employee wellness program.

“Coming from an exercise physiology background, the MBA was a great way to supplement my knowledge about business in general. I had never taken an economics class before starting my MBA, let alone accounting, finance, marketing or strategy. Learning these concepts has helped elevate my program to the next level,” Colgan said.

Students interested in NC State’s Poole College of Management’s Jenkins Professional Online MBA program can apply now. The college is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2018  semester.