Balancing Act: How Angela Mastered the iMBA as a Working Mom

Leveraging Flexibility and Innovation to Achieve Educational Goals

Angela Huwe’s journey through the online Master of Business Administration (iMBA) program from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a testament to the power of the program’s flexibility. As a working mom, Angela chose the iMBA program to enhance her business acumen and strengthen her problem solving skills to actively contribute to executive level discussions, a necessity as she transitioned into a new revenue strategy position.

Angela’s experience in the program has been rich in many ways. She highlights the flexibility of the program as a crucial factor that she used to juggle her demanding job and family responsibilities. “The flexibility that it provides is honestly a little bit unprecedented in other programs,” she notes. She was able to complete the open content courses ahead of the live classes, which gave her the ability to pace her coursework around her schedule. She deemed this as her key strategy to succeeding in the program. In addition, there were other Coursera features including interactive video transcription and in-course note taking that enhanced the online learning experience. This adaptability was vital for her to manage her studies and professional life.

Through the program, Angela could maintain balance in her life while achieving substantial professional growth. She particularly appreciated the data analytics courses, from which she gained skills in data visualization and financial analysis. As data is ingrained in her daily work, she found the application of the courses to be most valuable as she was able to immediately use what she learned in her job. With her strategic leadership courses, she also enhanced her understanding and execution of her leadership style.

Networking was another significant benefit for Angela. In the program, she facilitated connections both in-person and online, expanding her professional network and even fostering friendships. “It is possible to build true friendships in an online program,” Angela reflects. Moreover, on an immersion trip to Singapore and Malaysia, she enjoyed hands-on learning as she collaborated with other students to pitch solutions to a real company facing a key business challenge.

As Angela prepares to graduate in December 2024, she takes with her not just an MBA degree, but a suite of practical skills and new networks. She advises prospective students, “Take the leap. I think that if you are working or if you have life obligations, an online program like the iMBA gives you the flexibility you need while also providing you with the opportunities to network with students around the world.”

Through her story, Angela Huwe illustrates that with the right program, it is entirely possible to advance one’s career while effectively managing personal responsibilities. Her journey is an inspiring example for current and prospective students of the iMBA program, showcasing the achievable balance between work, education, and family.

Learn more about the iMBA program with Gies College of Business.

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