Anysha Santiago Colon became the first member of her family to graduate from college when she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychological science from Fitchburg State University. She then set the bar even higher by returning to her alma mater to enroll in Fitchburg State’s online
MBA program.
“Education in my family is extremely important, especially because I’m first gen,” said Anysha. She explained that her grandmother Elizabeth, who only has a sixth graduate education, was her biggest supporter. Her grandmother always told her to “’make sure you guys are educated because that’s always going to help you out.’ She always inspired us to continue to pursue more and not limit ourselves.”
Anysha chose Fitchburg State’s online MBA program because of the top-quality education and support from professors she received during her undergraduate experience. However, even though their tuition is among the most competitively priced in the region and she would still be earning a paycheck while in school, Anysha was concerned about cost. “I had been thinking about getting a master’s degree, but one of the conversations I had with my family is, ‘I don’t know if I can afford this.’”
After researching financial aid options, Anysha applied for and was granted the Risepoint Joseph McAloon Memorial Scholarship. “It covers the entire cost of the program, which is amazing. When I told my family, I was literally in tears. It’s such a blessing.”
Time Management Skills Empower Success in Online Program
The online MBA program consists of seven-week courses geared toward working adults. “All the professors have been extremely flexible with my scheduling, whether it’s having a call after I get out of work or a Saturday call, which I extremely appreciate,” said Anysha. “A lot of them understand that [school] isn’t our only priority.”
Anysha likes being able to control her schedule. “I go to work and then I leave work and I can do a little bit of studying, take a quick break, and then go back to doing any school-related things,” she explained. “It takes a lot of time and consistency and being focused and determined. It’s all about being disciplined, having your schedule on track, and making sure you’re staying on top of the assignments.”
Her background in project management gave her exposure to differing styles of senior leaders. As a native of Puerto Rico and a bilingual speaker who was in ESL classes until the fourth grade, she also found group discussions of cultural bias especially interesting. “Diversity, inclusion and equality is a big thing and it’s starting to grow, which is great,” she said.
Her MBA is helping Anysha develop leadership skills and knowledge of core business functions. “I know that if I wanted to do project management, I could do that. If I wanted to get into HR, I can do that. Or if I wanted to go into accounting, I have that as an option. So, for me, there are endless possibilities,” she said. “I know [the MBA] is going to help me get to where I need to be and where I’d like to be.”
How to Choose an Online MBA Program
With so many choices available, it can seem overwhelming to evaluate online MBA programs. Here are some key factors to consider:
Accreditation – Employers want to see that you earned your MBA degree from an accredited business school. All MBA programs at Fitchburg State University are accredited by the International Accreditation for Business Education (IACBE).
Cost – Fitchburg State’s cost per credit hour is affordable and extremely competitive. Our tuition is the same for in- and out-of-state students, and we provide flexibility to help you continue earning an income as you pursue your MBA degree.
Financial Assistance – Explore opportunities for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Anysha’s MBA program was fully funded by a grant she received.
Career Relevance – Fitchburg State’s online MBA programs are aligned with high-growth fields. Areas of focus range from business analytics and finance to healthcare management, supply chain management, and more. Fitchburg State University also offers dual concentration MBA options that allow you to build expertise in two different fields of study.
Flexibility – Fitchburg State offers six start dates per year, so start when it works best for you. Each course is just seven weeks long. If you have pressing deadlines at work or a family vacation on your calendar, you can tailor your schedule accordingly. Or take two courses each seven-week term and complete your MBA in as few as 12 months.
Faculty Support – As a first-generation college student, Anysha appreciated the hands-on support, personal attention, and encouragement that her instructors provided.
Admission Requirements – Applying to Fitchburg State’s online MBA program is easy and includes a streamlined online application and the submission of official transcripts. Plus, we don’t require a GMAT.
How an MBA Can Impact Your Future
An MBA shows current and future employers that you have the initiative and persistence to advance your knowledge base and keep your skillsets up to date. Depending on your area of study, you will be prepared for a wide range of high-level roles such as:
• Business Operations Manager
• Management Analyst
• Financial Manager
• Controller
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Health Information Director
• Hospital Administrator
• Employee Relations Manager
• HR Specialist
• Marketing Manager
• Product Manager
• Supply Chain/Logistics Manager
• Senior Operations Manager
The next start date is right around the corner, and the sooner you begin, the faster you will finish. Gain a competitive edge by earning an in-demand MBA in as few as 12 months.
