Invited MBA alumna Rachel Renier pursued a part-time, mini MBA because she wanted leadership training and clarity in her career trajectory.
After completing a Liberal Arts degree and securing a marketing role in the reputation management space, Rachel had accomplished most of her goals in just two years. She was generally excited about her job, the company, and was excelling at solving SEO and advertising problems. But she had reached a ceiling and had not thought about her career path in a long time.
Rachel started researching different programs, learning opportunities, and MBAs, knowing she wanted to be intentional about any continuing education. She wasn’t committed to the idea of an MBA, but when the part-time, Invited MBA, mini-MBA was referred to Rachel by a friend, she thought it might be a good way to explore her interests further.
I didn’t think I would ever be a good candidate for a business curriculum, but the Invited MBA was positioned for leadership skills and advancing your career
“I didn’t think I would ever be a good candidate for a business curriculum, but the Invited MBA was positioned for leadership skills and advancing your career…. That was really attractive to me,” she said. “I was hoping for leadership training to help accelerate my trajectory within my current company and try out the business curriculum ahead of potentially applying to MBA programs.”
Within a few weeks, Rachel applied and was accepted into the Fall 2019 Invited MBA program. Immediately, she found accountability in the social environment and benefited from the diverse backgrounds within her cohort, learning lessons and perspectives from every industry. She also appreciated the real-world environment of the Invited MBA’s simulations.
“I loved the simulations,” she said. “Participating in those challenges taught me I’m motivated by competition, and I didn’t know that about myself. I realized I might thrive in a sales role. I also realized I wanted to be in a management position, making those decisions…. I was missing that autonomy in my other role.”
Halfway through the program, Rachel began a new role at her company which allowed her to apply some of her newfound passions and strengths. She credits the successful transition to the leadership skills she acquired through the Invited MBA.
“I didn’t even consider that communicating with clients in an external role would be something I’m even good at. Now in my current role, I have to regularly communicate with C-suite individuals and teams to both sell and manage projects. The Invited MBA mini-MBA helped me practice these skills that have led me to succeed in my new role,” she said.
Rachel appreciates the experiential learning model of the Invited MBA, pointing out the program’s advantages over the traditional, lecture-based learning she had previously experienced.
I’ve gone through many types of school and education…. The Invited MBA was so much more interactive than I’ve experienced in other learning environments
“That learning model is outdated and hard to get excited about,” she said. “This program was social, I was more motivated, and … I was so pleasantly surprised how exciting every aspect was, from the simulations to the weekly assignments and group sessions. It’s really unique, and that’s hard to find. I’ve gone through many types of school and education…. The Invited MBA was so much more interactive than I’ve experienced in other learning environments.”
Now, Rachel confidently brings in $400,000+ per year at her company and manages all of the accounts in a sales-focused role. Looking back, she encourages others, especially those who might not have otherwise considered a business education, to try a part-time, low-cost option.
She said, “Carve out a niche for yourself on your team…. Take on a program like Abilitie’s Invited MBA. You won’t regret it. Investing in a mini MBA program will accelerate your goals and teach you the skills to accomplish them.”
To learn more about the Invited MBA or apply to our Spring or Summer Intensive Cohorts, click here.
