Meet Cassidy
Hi, I'm a second-year student in the Online MBA program at Northeastern University. I am a “Double Husky,” meaning I completed my undergraduate degree at Northeastern University, and I am delighted to return for my graduate education. I chose to enroll in the OMBA program to advance my career as a Senior Customer Success Manager at Adobe, while developing valuable leadership skills that will one day make me successful in managing a team. I was also attracted to the flexibility of the program, as I am currently based in Los Angeles, so the asynchronous format is a huge benefit. Finally, I am pursuing concentrations in Finance and Entrepreneurship and am set to graduate in May 2025.
A Day in the Life
As an OMBA student, every day is different, but I will try to give you a glimpse of what a typical day looks like for me. I work Pacific Time, but I use a variety of communication platforms to keep in touch with my professors and classmates based all over the country. I abide by my planner and ever-growing to-do list to keep myself organized, and typically focus on work during the day and school at night.
The short 7-week terms go by fast, which makes each class energizing and invigorating. Depending on the week, I can choose to attend a live session with my professors and classmates or may opt to watch the recorded lecture. Types of assignments include case study analyses, discussion boards, and even innovative assignments such as podcasts, which I was able to use Adobe technology for.
As a working professional with 5+ years’ experience, including my undergraduate co-ops in media, tech, and retail, it is extremely rewarding to tie my classwork to the work I pursue in the corporate world. For example, I am currently working on a high-profile internal facing project at Adobe, and I have been able to take a lot of the learning from my courses to keep myself organized and on track at work. I also appreciate the feedback and support I receive from my professors, who are experts in their fields and have real-world experience. They are always available to answer questions, clarify concepts, and provide guidance. Finally, if I ever want to take advantage of the OMBA’s global learning opportunities, there are study abroad options available. As an undergraduate I studied in Sevilla, Barcelona, and the South of France. Perhaps I will do so again in the next year.
Tackling Challenges
One of the biggest challenges of being an OMBA student is managing my time effectively. I must juggle multiple responsibilities and deadlines, while also making time for myself and my friends and family. To cope with this challenge, I use some digital tools and strategies that help me stay organized and productive. For example, I use Google Calendar to schedule my work, school, and personal events, setting reminders often. I also try to set realistic goals, prioritize the most important or urgent tasks, and break down large projects into smaller steps. Finally, I reward myself for completing a task or milestone, with incentives such as watching a movie, ordering takeout, or calling a friend. Living in Los Angeles, this connection to home helps!
Another challenge of being an OMBA student is networking in a virtual environment. However, I have found that there are many opportunities and platforms to connect with other students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals. For example, I have connected with many of my classmates on LinkedIn and in group sessions. Working with these cross-functional teams, I am exposed to a variety of different experiences, tenures, industries, and backgrounds. I have also attended some OMBA-sponsored events such as trivia nights to get to know my classmates better on a personal level. Overall, I am appreciative that this program allows us to show up as our whole selves, not just the student component, and I have met some amazing people so far.
Advancing My Career
Ultimately, a day in the life of an OMBA student is busy and challenging, but also rewarding and fun. I have learned a lot from the online program, not only in terms of academic knowledge, but also in terms of personal and professional skills. I have also met some incredible people who have enriched my learning journey and become my friends and mentors. I would recommend the OMBA program to anyone who is looking for a flexible, multifaceted, and quality education that can help them achieve their career goals and grow as a leader. My time as a Double Husky so far has certainly enriched me in a variety of ways, and I wish the same experience for others.
If you are interested in expanding your network and investing in your professional development, earning an online MBA from Northeastern University not only equips you with advanced business skills but connects you with a diverse and supportive community.
To learn more about our program, contact an admission counselor to discover how Northeastern can prepare you to succeed in today’s business landscape.
