A Week in the Life
An online degree doesn’t mean that you forfeit traditional learning and networking opportunities.
The JWMI MBA program is built with student success in mind. Our flexible, interactive online format offers you the rare opportunity to advance your education no matter where you are in life, and without interrupting your career. Our students are busy working professionals, many with young children at home. The program’s flexibility allows them to do it all. They manage careers, a personal life, and a family life. It is possible.
Read how a typical student fits our program into their busy life:
Kelly Abcarian
Kelly is a driven executive who is constantly on the go, juggling a successful career and her family. Her average workweek is 65 hours and requires travel in various markets throughout the U.S. Because she is on the road or in the air, Monday–Thursday, she finds that structure is extremely important to her success at JWMI. Intellectually curious, she is motivated by the JWMI professors who bring the dialogue to life within the digital classroom.
Monday
My day starts very early. I’m usually taking calls and responding to emails before hopping onto an early morning flight. I like to take advantage of the quiet time in the air to catch up on my MBA readings because once I land, it’s non-stop work.
I workout for an hour at the hotel gym each night. It is important for both my mental and physical health that I can get in this "me" time.
Before I began the JWMI program, I used to eat dinner out with my work colleagues. Now, I usually eat dinner in which allows me to focus on my coursework later in the evening.
I reserve 2–3 hours each Monday night to read through the required assignments. During that time, I am 100% focused on my coursework. I shut off my phone, turn off the TV, and hide email alerts on my computer, so I’m able to focus on making the most of the limited time available.
Wednesday
While traveling for work, you never really start and end a day as you typically would in the office, but while on the go, I find getting an early morning head start to calls and emails sets the tone for the day.
I eat dinner in on Wednesdays so that I can finish my work early.
Discussion questions (DQs) are due each Wednesday at midnight. I outline my DQ on Tuesdays and review the "early DQ post-ers" to ensure my research is thoughtful. On Wednesdays, I finish any last minute changes and submit my DQ.
I take the night off on Wednesdays to enjoy life and catch up on TV shows. It’s important to take time for yourself, with a well-structured plan for the week, I’m able to get in this valuable chill-time.
Saturday
Wake up, breakfast with the family.
I take my girls, ages 11 and 5 to their early morning gymnastics class.
On Saturdays, I work on my DQ responses. This allows me to research and direct my responses to at least two classmates, ensuring that they are well-supported, professionally communicated, timely and show exemplary thought leadership.
Weekends are devoted to my family. As an executive, who’s also a working mom, it is essential to recharge with the three most important people in my life. My husband and children are a great support system who encourage me and allow me the opportunity to pursue this MBA dream.
