Balance leads to MBA for Erica Nowicki

KALAMAZOO, Mich.— MBA student Erica Nowicki is taking full advantage of the HyFlex MBA program at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. Working full-time with the federal government at the Defense Logistics Agency while being a single parent, the flexible program has been a game changer for her career.

Originally from Battle Creek, Michigan, Nowicki attended Michigan State University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in global studies in 2013. Soon after graduation, Nowicki became an administrative assistant for the Defense Logistics Agency, later joining their sales team. Over the next nine years, Nowicki progressed up the ladder in the sales department through various roles, currently holding the position of lead warranted sales contracting officer. It was also during this time that Nowicki was able to become an MBA student at WMU Haworth, focusing on her professional and academic goals.

“I chose this program after joining the workforce because I realized how applicable a business degree is, both professionally and personally,” she says. “I was immediately satisfied with my choice because I was able to execute what I was learning to my work and could also draw from my professional experience to apply to the lessons. The information imparted is relevant to most aspects of life, not just the corporate world. Learning basic business concepts such as negotiation and financial management are practical skillsets that aid in real-life scenarios.”

As she finishes up her final year in the MBA program, Nowicki has been able to implement nearly all her newly learned skills and knowledge directly in her career. “The finance and accounting classes have improved my skills in conducting financial analysis on our sales contracts and to budget for future fiscal years,” she says. “The data analytics courses gave me greater insight into the enterprise resource planning system my agency uses. Additionally, as a leader, the communication courses have greatly assisted in improving my skills in communicating effectively with my team and industry.”

Working a full-time job while committing to an MBA is not easy. However, Nowicki has figured out how to gracefully carry both responsibilities. 

“The most important thing I have learned so far, if indirectly, is to lean into your strengths and experiences. The ability to relate your professional experiences to your learning allows you a deeper understanding of the subject matter, and immediately applying your learning to your career is invaluable.”

Having found balance in her professional, academic and personal life, Nowicki is ecstatic to be nearly finished with her MBA while still being fully engaged in the other aspects of her life. 

“Personally, I am most proud that I have been able to complete the MBA program while working full time and being a single parent,” she says. “This degree has been a long time coming but has been worth it.”

In her final semesters before graduation, Nowicki is grateful for the HyFlex MBA program as she was able to achieve her goal with fewer personal sacrifices. 

“As a parent, the option of more virtual classes has been essential. By increasing the availability of virtual and hybrid programs, WMU has given students the chance to progress more rapidly through the MBA program while still being able to have a well-rounded life.”

Learn more about the HyFlex MBA program at WMU.

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