For many business professionals, it can be hard to stand out when trying to reach their career goals or get a dream job. That’s why Kristen Shand and Brittany Gapinski are pursuing a Master of Business Administration at North Dakota State University. They are at different stages professionally, but both know the MBA will accelerate their careers.
Shand, from Richfield, Minnesota, earned a bachelor’s degree in sport management with a minor in business administration from NDSU. She never saw herself as someone who would continue her education, but an impactful experience as an undergraduate at NDSU made her want to push forward.
“The NDSU College of Business opened my eyes to a whole new adventure that I could not pass up,” she said.
Shand’s goal is to work in the marketing department for a professional sports team. She knows the challenges women can face in the industry, but doesn’t plan to let that stop her from pursuing her passion.
“You can’t hold yourself back from things. Once you think about it, go do it,” Shand said. “You need to make an action in order to see success.”
For Shand, the MBA is a way to achieve a higher level of professionalism. It will prepare her to be a manager, which will separate her from other candidates in the sports industry. The skills and knowledge she is gaining in leadership, finance, and marketing will help her become more well-rounded as a professional.
“I knew NDSU’s MBA program would push me outside of my comfort zone to be a successful woman in business,” she said.
Like Shand, many students choose to pursue their MBA right after earning a bachelor’s degree. Other students, like Gapinski, return to school while employed full time. Gapinski has experience in a few different professional roles. She found her passion in the health care industry. She currently works full time at a physical therapy office in Fargo and plans to become the COO of a children’s hospital. “I think getting my MBA at NDSU will help me achieve it faster,” said Gapinski, from St. Michael, Minnesota.
Gapinski earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration. She chose NDSU’s MBA program because of its eight-week classes that are offered in the evening. The schedule allows her to finish her degree in a timely manner and connect with her professors face-to-face. She also can continue to work full time.
Gapinski has built relationships with her professors who have shown an interest in helping advance her career beyond coursework. Her mentors helped her meet with local health care business leaders to network and learn about her future career. The opportunity was offered because her mentors at NDSU cared about her success, Gapinski said.
The NDSU MBA program includes interactive features like case studies and in-class discussions. Students not only get to learn from professors with industry knowledge, but also from fellow students with varying backgrounds and levels of experience.
“Students build relationships in the classroom and learn from the case study method about how to solve complex business problems collaboratively,” said Scott Beaulier, Dean of the NDSU College of Business.
NDSU’s MBA program allows students to fit their degree to their needs. “Our slim core requirements allow for maximum flexibility for students to pursue specialties in Finance, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, Leadership, and many other areas of focus,” Beaulier said.
The course flexibility led Gapinski to take electives in public health, and Shand digital marketing and innovation.
Their time in the MBA program has Gapinski and Shand excited for the future.
“This degree from NDSU will keep pushing me where I want to go,” said Shand.
