I liked the flexibility to be able to choose my own path. There were options available for each category. It wasn’t like there was only one class you had to take and that was it. It was kind of building your ideal degree to how you want it. ... You realize, ‘Using this theory or changing my mindset to this will help me succeed in my job or succeed in my daily tasks.’ There were a lot of personal takeaways and not just business takeaways. It wasn’t just ‘How can this help me advance in my professional career?’
Great Valley allowed me to attain skills within business and data analytics. These two fields are intertwined in industry as more and more companies are using analytics to drive decision-making. My time at Great Valley has allowed me to create connections with other students and faculty that I will keep throughout my career.
Paul Minninger, MBA, Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics
I was moved out of my comfort zone into courses that really challenged me. Some of the skillset was not just in the subject matter, but it was also in learning how to ask for help and having to just rework how I was studying and learning the material. I realized that if I opened up and branched out, I would find other students who could help me along based on their strengths and I could also help them based on my strengths, and that’s exactly what happened. Everyone has just been totally supportive. I think that makes this a special place.
Jessie Whiteman, MBA
Some of the value in the courses is learning to work with others. You’re all learning new material at the same time, focusing on one goal together. I think the life skills along with the course content go hand in hand. I feel like the level of my work is elevated.
I owe a great deal to the education I received at Penn State Great Valley. In the MBA program, I was first exposed to the tenets of transformational leadership. The education I received at Penn State Great Valley helped shape my leadership philosophy which includes character, competence, and resiliency. I used my education at Penn State to succeed as a leader in the Army and in my endeavors as an entrepreneur, author, and leadership consultant.
