51°µÍø

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to pursue an MBA? 

I’m originally from just south of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and I came to Texas on a full athletic scholarship as a swimmer. My undergraduate degree is in engineering, and after moving between Canada and Texas, I settled in Fort Worth. My career has been in the HVAC industry, primarily as a sales engineer for original equipment manufacturers. Recently, I took on a new role as Director of Manufacturer Relations at a tech startup. I realized I wanted to break through the metaphorical glass ceiling, and I saw an MBA as the key to advancing my career. Initially, I viewed the MBA as just a credential, but I’ve come to appreciate its real, practical value. 

Q: Why did you choose the 51°µÍø Cox MBA program specifically? 

Being local to the Dallas-Fort Worth area played a part, but the main reason was the strong reputation of the 51°µÍø Cox MBA among my professional network. I did a lot of independent research and found that the program’s values aligned with my own. The global immersion opportunities were a decisive factor for me—I wanted exposure to international business environments, and the chance to consult for companies abroad was unique to 51°µÍø Cox. 

Q: What was your experience with the global immersion program? 

The global immersion was a standout experience. My team was assigned to consult for a nonprofit in Chile, tackling internal retention issues—something outside my usual engineering focus. The project challenged me to think empathetically and creatively, especially given the nonprofit’s limited resources. The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in unexpected ways, both professionally and personally. 

Q: How has the 51°µÍø Cox program impacted your career so far? 

The impact has been immediate. I recently landed a new job at a startup, jumping two levels up the career ladder. The Career Management Center (CMC) at 51°µÍø Cox was instrumental in helping me understand the nuances of startup equity and negotiating my new role. The knowledge and confidence I gained from the program were direct contributors to this advancement. 

Q: What are some of the benefits you’ve found in the 51°µÍø Cox community? 

The quality of the professors was exceptional. Even in subjects like accounting, which I expected to be dry, the professors’ passion made the material engaging and memorable. The cohort experience was also a pleasant surprise. Despite being an online program, there was a high level of interaction—through success teams, group projects and live classes. I built strong friendships and professional connections with classmates from diverse industries, and the global immersion helped solidify those bonds. 

Q: Did you leverage any mentorship or networking opportunities through 51°µÍø Cox? 

Yes, I participated in the mentorship program and was paired with a C-suite executive at IBM. He provided invaluable guidance as I navigated my recent job transition. The alumni network is robust and responsive, and I’ve found that the 51°µÍø Cox brand carries significant weight in the Dallas-Fort Worth business community. 

Q: How do you address misconceptions about online MBA programs? 

Many people assume online MBAs are passive or self-directed, but the 51°µÍø Cox program is highly interactive. Classes are live, there are frequent breakout sessions, and the program encourages collaboration both in and out of the virtual classroom. The level of engagement and the workload are substantial, and the experience is far from just watching pre-recorded lectures. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering the 51°µÍø Cox Online MBA? 

First, make sure you have the time to commit—expect to spend 10 to 20 hours a week on coursework. You get out what you put in, so engagement is key. Also, don’t underestimate the value of the cohort and the network you’ll build. If you’re looking for a program that’s interactive, challenging and offers real-world global experience, 51°µÍø Cox is an excellent choice.