Forging a new path with HyFlex
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Life after undergraduate graduation can become bustling with many different options. With career opportunities, family life and day-to-day responsibilities, time can begin to slip away faster than expected. For Andy MacMillan, a stay-at-home dad in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Western Michigan University's HyFlex MBA program has allowed him to begin a new path.
Following his 10 years as a process engineer, MacMillan decided to take on another role—one that has had great significance to his family.
“In 2017 I became a stay-at-home dad,” he says. “However, I have maintained a connection to the industry through working part-time as an independent engineering consultant for a former employer of mine.”
Obtaining an MBA has always been an interest for MacMillan, though not always logistically possible. However, Western HyFlex MBA program has provided him with a way to finally act on completing his MBA.
“I have wanted to pursue an MBA for years but kept putting it off because I couldn’t find the time,” MacMillan says. “The HyFlex format has been great for balancing my personal schedule without major sacrifices to the classroom experience or getting to know my classmates. Also, the versatility of the curriculum has allowed me to choose several electives which are personally interesting to me.”
As MacMillan continues in his third year of the MBA program, he has the resources to cover topics he was never able to explore before. “There were so many technical topics covered in my undergraduate studies that we barely had time to cover things like financials, accounting, marketing and sales. It has been really exciting getting the opportunity to experience all aspects of business.”
Having worked in the chemical engineering industry for 10 years, MacMillan has many professional experiences to pull from. His courses, specifically MBA 6002 Leadership for Managers, have provided him the chance to not only learn new skills, but also reflect on how he managed employees in the past. The course has given him an outlet to focus on how he can improve his management skills as he furthers his career.
“I think that a WMU MBA will allow me to take on broader projects and better interface with peers in different areas of the business,” he says. “As I intend to look for higher-level positions, I will be able to directly use the skills I've learned in negotiation, accounting and data analytics.”
The MBA program has also given MacMillan a way to experience business in the real world—even internationally. He was able to participate in a faculty-led study abroad trip to Lisbon, Portugal, with fellow MBA students.
“My favorite course was definitely BUS 6960 Business and Culture in Portugal,” he says. “Cultural exchange is such an important part of global business, and this course enabled me to further my understanding of European business practices and cultural context. We visited some fascinating businesses, such as a cork farm, wineries, an urban mushroom farm, markets and a startup incubator.”
An educational and professional journey like the one MacMillan has been on leaves room for self-discovery, especially when focusing on personal growth.
“I am learning that I really enjoy education. The topics and experiences during my time at WMU have been ones which I find fun, and I look for ways to incorporate them into my personal and professional life.”
Continuing graduate studies looks different for everyone. For MacMillan, it was after 10 years of field work and six years as a stay-at-home dad. This is what the HyFlex MBA program was made for—to make education accessible.
“If someone is considering starting their MBA, I highly recommend the WMU program,” MacMillan says. “The schedule is flexible for working professionals and those with families, and the curriculum is interesting and rewarding. The WMU professors are engaging, knowledgeable and focused on student success.”
Learn more about the WMU MBA.
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