Jenkins Professional Online MBA Grad’s Story of Valuable Lessons and a Promotion

Jason (Jake) Brodsgaard is the CEO of ADAMA US in Raleigh, N.C. While pursuing his NC State Jenkins Professional Online MBA, Brodsgaard earned the promotion to CEO from Vice President of Sales. ADAMA is a manufacturer and distributor of crop protection solutions in the U.S. 

The Jenkins Professional Online MBA provided the flexibility Brodsgaard needed to continue his education and refine his skills in business.

When asked about advice for others considering continuing their education, Brodsgaard said, “I have recommended it to people currently working for me. It broadens your view.” 

We caught up with Brodsgaard to learn more about his experience in the Jenkins Professional Online MBA Program program and congratulate our #NCStateOnline spring 2020 graduates! 

Tell us your story. Why did you pursue the Professional Online MBA? 

I decided to pursue my MBA because I was in business but had not had any what I would call classical training as I have a Criminal Justice degree. I enrolled in fall of 2016 and decided on NC State because it was close and had a great reputation.

Describe your experience in the Professional Online MBA Program.

Overall, it was a good experience. The professors were all knowledgeable and available when needed. The work was time-consuming but fun so it was a challenge yet rewarding.

How did you balance working and completing your degree?

I had to do something out of my comfort zone which is just to be patient and take the hours which allowed work-life balance. I had my youngest son two weeks before I started so rushing through wasn’t an option. It took me three and a half years to get my undergrad but four years to get my MBA. Slow and steady.

How do you see your Professional Online MBA helping you in your current career? 

Because I have worked my way up pretty high in my career, the MBA helps me to do what I call connect the dots. The lessons have given me clarity to why certain processes are done a certain way or ideas to implement in my current role.

Did you have any faculty members who were particularly inspiring or stood out to you?

Vilma Mueller [assistant director of advising and student affairs] was great to work with. Dr Jon Carr and Dr. Jeffrey Pollack were very good professors.

Do you have plans to celebrate your graduation during this time of social distancing?

Not really. Just sit back and be proud it is done after four years. 

Congratulations to Jason and the rest of the NC State Jenkins Professional Online MBA spring 2020 graduating class! 

Are you interested in advancing your career by earning a Master of Business Administration degree? Visit the program page or online.ncsu.edu for a full list of degree and certificate programs.