Meet Three Mothers of Hybrid MBA

In honor of Mother’s Day, we are highlighting some of the many incredible mothers in the Hybrid MBA program who do it all; study, work, and parent! The Hybrid MBA program is unique in its flexibility, the program’s 95% online instruction allows students to learn and study at home. Many parents find this structure appealing, as it allows them to be at home with their children while completing an MBA.

To learn more about life as a mother in the Hybrid MBA program, we asked three students to tell us why they chose our program, how they balance their priorities and any tips they may have for incoming parents.

Jamie Chicoine Chartier
Class of 2022
Product Planning, Nordstrom 

Why Hybrid?  

Over the past five years, I have operated in a hybrid professional model, split between office and remote settings through various leadership and category roles. I find significant balance operating in an online focused setting, supplemented with group collaboration. The Hybrid program allows you to pursue your career and advance learning, without sacrificing gifted moments focused on family and wellness.

“The Hybrid program allows you to pursue your career and advance learning, without sacrificing gifted moments”

How do you balance work/life/school/parenthood? 

Setting clear priorities (which leads to clear boundaries) has been key. As a mother of 3 young boys, I made an unwavering commitment to not miss reading books at bedtime, mom/son date nights and weekend adventures. By knowing your priorities, you become extremely effective in managing your schedule, study time, and assignments completion.

Any advice (tips/tricks) for prospective students who are also parents?

The greatest advice I could give would be “go for it and never look back”.

There will be those (yourself included) who tell you going after your MBA as a parent, working or not, would be too hard. The irony is that most of those people have never actually done it. Growth comes when we challenge ourselves. I knew, at this time in my life, pursuing my MBA would be hard. I had two young sons and gave birth to my third the week before my first quarter began. There will be some late nights and some overwhelming moments. Never give up, take one day at a time, and it will be one of the best decisions of your life. 

Other tips I would share with others:

1. Ask for help! Others cannot help you if they do not know you need it. You will have incredible staff and amazing classmates who will not hesitate to go above and beyond to support you. I could not have done this program without the people. SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO MY TEAM ALTRUISTIC CAPITAL-SAMUEL, DOUG, SARA, ZACH & ARTHUR!
2. Participate in social activities and network (when you can): One of the greatest assets of the program is the community and incredibly diverse and talented people.  You may feel like you do not have time or are too tired, make the extra effort. I guarantee you will be so happy you did.
3. Focus on the learning, not the perfection. Do not be afraid to ask questions, reach out to classmates and professors – the program moves quickly – it is much better to truly grasp the concepts than flying through unsure and having to back peddle. You may not have as much time as you would like to study with family/life. That is OK.
4. Take my advice and go kick butt and change the world!

 

Jinee Han
Class of 2021
Content Business Manager, CLO Virtual Fashion

Why Hybrid? 

Flexibility was top of mind for me. I didn’t want to give up opportunities for career growth nor delay experiencing motherhood. This Hybrid program helped me have both. I can self-pace my study while still contributing to group work in the collaborative environment. The mostly online study saves me a lot of time and energy, allowing me to share it with my family.

“I didn’t want to give up opportunities for career growth nor delay experiencing motherhood.” 

How do you balance work/life/school? 

I start my work early and finish early. Then I watch my son while my husband is working. When my son is asleep, I start studying. I keep my schedule tight during weekdays so that I can spare my weekends with my family. This has been working well even during the pandemic. Time has flown by — I can’t believe I am already in my last quarter.

Any advice (tips/tricks) for prospective students who are also parents?

Plan your deliverables ahead and don’t miss a beat! I start studying two weeks before the first week of each quarter, so I am ahead of the schedule and can be ready for unexpected events. Also, the team members and faculty are amazingly supportive. Ask for help if you need it!

 

Qinglan Xiang
Class of 2021
Technical Product Manager, Intel

Why Hybrid? 

I have always aimed to pursue an MBA to compliment my technical background. Together, they have allowed me to pursue complex opportunities that straddle both areas of technology and business such as a Product Manager role. Since starting the program I have been promoted from a Product Marketing Manager to a Technical Product Manager- making this goal a reality.  

How do you balance work/life/school? 

In 2019, I became a mom which was very exciting for me; I knew this going into Hybrid MBA Program. I felt the Hybrid MBA program will fit my schedule best with work and starting a family. I can take online classes on every Tuesday and Thursday taught by Foster’s world-class MBA faculty. 

“I felt the Hybrid MBA program will fit my schedule best with work and starting a family.”

Any advice (tips/tricks) for prospective students who are also parents?

I would highly encourage young parents to engage with your partner and see where you could tag teams on childcare, work and school. I’m very grateful how much my husband has contributed in these two years. Can’t thank him enough!