Life, Career and School Integration: How the Belk College Online MBA Program Provides Flexibility to Grow Personally and Professionally
By Katelynn Germain ’28
I began my career as a chemical engineer and have spent most of my professional life in sales and product management. These roles required me to connect technical expertise with business realities, but I often felt I lacked a strong foundation in business principles. I decided to pursue an MBA at the Belk College of Business to strengthen that foundation, improve my decision-making and gain confidence in the choices I make.
Engineering taught me how to solve problems with precision, but business challenges often require a different perspective. Questions about market positioning, financial trade-offs and long-term strategy require structured knowledge. I wanted to deepen my understanding of these areas so I could approach decisions with clarity and confidence. The MBA program offered the opportunity to build that skill set while continuing to advance in my career.
The flexibility of the Belk College of Business Online MBA program has been essential. Balancing a full-time career with personal commitments is not easy, but the online format allows me to integrate coursework into my daily routine. One of my favorite routines is spending weekend mornings at our local coffee shop with my husband and our dog. While enjoying a cup of tea, I listen to lectures or work on assignments. It’s a simple way to stay engaged with the program while still enjoying time together. This flexibility has shown me that learning can happen anywhere, not just in a classroom.
I’ve always been most productive in the morning. The online program allows me to take advantage of that by studying before the workday begins. Many mornings, I wake up early to review materials or complete assignments before heading into the office. These quiet hours help me focus and give me a sense of accomplishment. The ability to align my studies with my natural rhythm has made the program more effective and sustainable.
My role as a product manager can be demanding, but the program’s flexibility makes it possible to stay engaged academically while meeting professional obligations. The professors are responsive and flexible, always willing to meet at a time that works for me when I have questions about the material. This balance has reinforced my belief that pursuing an MBA is not about choosing between career advancement and personal fulfillment; it’s about integrating both.
As I progress through the program, I am already seeing the benefits. The coursework challenges me to think differently, question assumptions and apply frameworks that sharpen my decision-making. More importantly, the confidence I sought at the outset is beginning to take root. I feel better prepared to navigate complex business situations, and I know the skills I am developing will continue to serve me long after graduation.
The Belk College of Business Online MBA program has given me more than knowledge; it has given me the flexibility to pursue growth while maintaining balance in my career and personal life. Finding that balance is, I believe, the true measure of success.