Braven Agency, Digital Marketing Manager.

Yes, I was able to effectively apply what I learned during my MBA program at IAU to my professional workplace. The program gave me a comprehensive understanding of key business functions, which directly enhanced my performance as a Digital Marketing Manager. For example, THE courses helped me make data-driven decisions for marketing campaigns, budget allocation, and pricing strategies. I also applied concepts from leadership and management related courses to better manage cross-functional teams and foster collaboration during high-impact projects.

Overall, IAU’s MBA program sharpened both my analytical and leadership skills, enabling me to drive measurable results and align marketing strategies with broader organizational goals.

During my time at IAU, several methods and lessons proved incredibly useful in my professional development. One of the most impactful was the case study approach used in courses like Executive Decision Making and Leadership in Organizations. These real-world scenarios challenged me to think critically, evaluate complex business problems, and develop strategic solutions—skills I now use daily as a Digital Marketing Manager, especially when making decisions that affect branding, client strategy, and cross-functional team execution.

Dr. Alex Sherm stands out as a particularly influential instructor. His teaching style emphasized practical application and encouraged deeper thinking about leadership ethics, decision-making frameworks, and financial responsibility in organizational settings. His feedback was always thoughtful and constructive, which pushed me to improve not only my academic work but also how I analyze challenges in the workplace.

In addition to the instructors, IAU staff were consistently responsive, supportive, and accommodating throughout the program. From enrollment to academic advising, I always felt that the staff genuinely cared about student success. Their support made it possible for me to balance my demanding professional responsibilities with my graduate studies.

Several classes in the MBA program at IAU were particularly beneficial to my professional growth, especially Executive Decision Making, Financial Management, and Leadership in Organizations. These courses provided a strong foundation in strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and financial analysis—skills I use regularly as a Digital Marketing Manager when evaluating campaign budgets, managing cross-functional teams, and making high-stakes decisions that impact client outcomes and company direction. The frameworks and models discussed in these classes helped me become more confident and effective in presenting data-backed strategies to senior leadership and stakeholders.

One of the most valuable resources IAU offered was access to experienced faculty and flexible learning tools. Recorded lectures, online discussion boards, and prompt feedback from professors made the learning experience engaging and practical, even while balancing a full-time job. I also appreciated the collaborative learning environment, where I could interact with peers from diverse industries, gaining broader perspectives that I now apply in managing marketing programs across multiple sectors.

Overall, the program was well-structured to support both academic and professional success, and the resources available allowed me to directly apply what I was learning to real-world business challenges.

The MBA program at IAU significantly contributed to my career planning by helping me clarify my long-term goals and develop the leadership and analytical skills needed to take on more strategic roles. Courses like Executive Decision Making and Leadership in Organizations helped me evaluate my strengths and guided me in shaping a clear path toward higher-level management and project leadership positions. As a result, I was confident stepping into my current role as a Digital Marketing Manager, where I lead national projects.

The program also offered specific experiences that prepared me for this role—particularly through case studies, group projects, and instructor feedback that simulated real business challenges. These activities trained me to approach problems with a structured mindset, assess risks, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

While the program was primarily hybrid and online, there were still meaningful networking opportunities through peer collaboration and faculty engagement. Interacting with classmates from various industries expanded my perspective and allowed me to form valuable professional connections that continue beyond the classroom. Instructors like Dr. Alex Sherm also played a key role in mentoring and guiding me as I navigated my next steps professionally.

One of the biggest strengths of IAU’s MBA program is its flexibility, which was essential for me as a working professional managing full-time responsibilities. The online format allowed me to study at my own pace, manage deadlines around my work schedule, and still maintain a high level of academic engagement. The program is designed with the working adult in mind, making it possible to apply what you’re learning in real-time to your job.

The class sizes were also ideal—small enough to allow for meaningful interaction with instructors and classmates, yet diverse enough to gain a variety of perspectives from different industries and backgrounds. This fostered a collaborative learning environment where discussions were both insightful and practical.

The workload was challenging but manageable. Courses were well-structured with clear expectations, and professors like Dr. Alex Sherm were always supportive and responsive. Assignments often had real-world relevance, which made the effort feel worthwhile and directly applicable to my professional role.

For future students, I’d emphasize that this program is a great fit if you’re looking to grow your career while continuing to work. The combination of academic rigor, practical application, and flexibility makes IAU’s MBA program truly valuable.