Hannah Morse-Croce (and Bailey)
Exploring the multifaceted experience of part-time MBA studies often reveals a challenging yet rewarding journey. Balancing career commitments, personal life, and the rigorous demands of a graduate program calls for a unique skill set. Part-time BC MBA student Hannah Morse-Croce, who works as a merchandise planner at LOFT, offers invaluable insight into the unique balancing act of a part-time MBA student.
Hannah is in her final year of the BC part-time MBA program. She navigates a dynamic blend of work, academics, and personal life on a daily basis and, unlike full-time MBA students, has continued her professional career, presenting a distinctive set of challenges and advantages.
The Daily Juggle
Hannah’s schedule fluctuates daily. Working from home, she finds that although remote work lacks the excitement of an office environment, it offers flexibility.
With classes scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday nights, she ensures her coursework is completed by Sunday night or early Tuesday. She has intentionally avoided registering for classes on Monday, her busiest workday.
Leveraging her remote work setup, she allocates specific time for studies, often integrating group projects into her work calendar.
Commitment to Education
Dedicating about five hours a week to her studies, spread across her workweek, Hannah ramps up this time commitment during midterms and finals.
Hannah manages to maintain balance by setting clear priorities. In her case, work comes first, but she also takes it upon herself to be proactive in communication with professors about potential class absences due to work-related travel. She notes that BC MBA faculty have been very understanding and supportive of her work commitments, and that it is important that students proactively communicate with their professors.
Benefits of the Part-Time MBA
Remaining in the workforce has been a significant advantage for Hannah. The BC MBA has allowed her to advance to a higher job title, an opportunity she might not have had if she pursued a full-time program.
Applying classroom learnings to her work in real-time has also been an enriching experience. Overall, Hannah believes that despite the balancing act, the part-time MBA pathway presents its own distinctive advantages. Hannah emphasizes that the BC part-time MBA program is not solely an academic pursuit, but a transformative journey and an opportunity for personal growth, professional advancement, and the formation of enduring connections with professors and classmates.