Management Professional Goes Back to School to Finish His Career Strong
Originally starting his education in computer-aided drafting, Jeff Booth realized he did not have the personality type to just sit at a computer all day. While working at a drugstore in Michigan, he got offered the chance to go into a management trainee program. Jeff says, “At first, I laughed at them because I did not think I wanted to be in management, but I ended up trying it and absolutely loved it, which led me to changing my major from drafting to management.” Now, Jeff is on the path to finishing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Rasmussen University.
While working in leadership and management for 25 years, Jeff decided he wanted to finish his career strong and have a higher impact in leadership. He says he knew that if he wanted to do that, “I was going to need more credentials, and an MBA was a good way to do that, so that became my goal.”
When asked why he chose Rasmussen to further his education, he cites two reasons: “I chose it for the affordability of the MBA, and because of the structure of the Competency-Based Education (CBE).” He describes himself as not your typical learner. “The model of doing deliverables, papers, and lots of interaction within the CBE modules and online classrooms is the ideal way I learn,” Jeff says.
Jeff would describe the CBE learning modules “The best possible learning experience you can do. It gives you an opportunity to have a much better learning experience [than] you might have had in undergrad in a typical school.” He appreciates that he isn’t in lecture halls with 200 people or more other students – and has relationships with all of his professors. He elaborates: “This is an online program, but not like the online programs back in the day. When all of the work was independent, you couldn’t have any interactions. This program can be a very interactive experience with your professor, or it can be noninteractive if you want it to be. It gives you choices on how you want to do your education.”
Throughout his time in the MBA program, Jeff has appreciated the connections he has made with other students. “I did not expect to make the connections I did within an online program. Every Sunday, my classmates and I meet via Zoom™ to get to know each other, talk about any struggles we’re experiencing in class, and any wins or proud moments we have experienced.” Jeff was surprised to have made some excellent friends from all across the United States.
During Jeff’s time at Rasmussen, he has appreciated the help he has received from his advisor, Brad, as well. “He has been amazing. He is always making sure everything is buttoned up, that my classes flow easily, and I don’t ever have to wonder when my next classes are being released,” he says. He also appreciated the “honest and frank” conversations he would have with Academic Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Caroline Gulbrandsen when he would get frustrated. “She would listen, but also give it back to me in a realistic way and put my concerns into perspective,” he explained.
Some of Jeff’s proudest moments have been helping his fellow students. “I have sort of been an unofficial tutor for the program and an advocate for the program. I don’t do anything for Rasmussen, but helping people is something I’m passionate about. I help students in my cohort and even ones that are behind me in other classes when they get stuck or are struggling. They’re part of our Zoom group and we also have a Facebook™ group where people can ask questions, and I will reach out and have Zoom sessions with them to help them through.”
Jeff sums up his time at Rasmussen University in this way: “This has been an awesome experience. I have four classes to go, and I am really proud that I’m working to get a degree from Rasmussen.”
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