Free time is a precious commodity for working professionals.
Recognizing that time constraints often present an obstacle for people interested in obtaining an MBA degree, theDaniels College of Business has launched a new Professional MBA (PMBA) program. Participants enter a greatly accelerated MBA program that allows them to work full-time while finishing their degree in two years.
Students follow a sequential curriculum consisting of eight 10-week courses. Courses are held on Saturdays from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. A modified summer schedule blends both classroom and online learning.
The program targets high potential, early to mid-career professionals with 5–9 years of experience.
A student who is motivated and aspires to a position of leadership will be successful in the PMBA, says Alex Bjork, recruiting, development and corporate relations manager for the Daniels College of Business.
“A successful student must be willing to step outside their comfort zone and blend the technical business knowledge with their own experiences to grow as a leader.”
The Professional MBA curriculum includes the Daniels Compass — 24 hours of integrated courses focusing on ethics, values-based leadership and sustainability — that starts with Leading on the Edge, a weekend experience at Camp Hale.
The curriculum also includes an international trip and a capstone community service-learning project.
Twenty students entered the PMBA program in fall 2008.
The cohort has an average of eight years of professional experience, Bjork says, noting that half work for large corporations, one quarter come from the nonprofit sector and the rest are either entrepreneurs, small family business owners or work in an engineering/science related field.
Carolyn Francis enrolled in the program after developing an interest in business and leadership by working with her family business for 20 years and co-chairing the board of directors of her children’s school.
“I choose this program because it allows me to continue being a mom and be around during the week,” Francis says. “Saturdays are hard to give up, but the two years will go fast.”
Program managers are currently accepting applications for fall 2009.