Brian Shelburne is an MBA student at the University of Dallas. While a student, a professor sat with Brian, encouraging him to dive into an entrepreneurial venture. The flexibility of UD's graduate business program allows him to juggle a full time job, his new business and school all at once.
We sat down with him to learn how he makes it all happen.
Why is receiving your MBA important to you?
I don't want people to tell me when I've gone as far as I can in my career. I want
to be able to make that decision for myself. To do that, I knew I would need to gain
practical work experience and continue to learn, grow and adapt along the way. I found
that an MBA from UD would help me accomplish this.
“
The UD graduate business program provides instant credibility and helps me make the
best possible decisions for my business thanks to the insights I've received.
”-
Brian Shelburne, MBA Student
What drew you to UD for graduate business studies?
With six Fortune 500 companies headquartered within a 5-mile radius of UD talented people come here from every corner of the world. As a student, I get to share a classroom and collaborate with many of the same people from these organizations.
How have you used what you have learned at UD in your current career?
The ultimate goal for receiving an MBA was to start my own business. Before even completing my degree, I've already designed and implemented a business model from work I've done in class. The program has been invaluable in providing structure to a business that sprouted from common interests and organic relationships.
How has your program equipped you to achieve your professional goals?
As an entrepreneur it provides me expertise in managing a growing enterprise while taking care of my employees and clients in a sustainable way. As a professional the UD graduate business program provides instant credibility and helps me make the best possible decisions for my business thanks to the insights I've received.
What do you enjoy most about the UD graduate business program?
Most of my classmates are in their mid-30s and have significant experience in a variety of different industries. Each professor at UD not only has an advanced degree but also has several years of work experience in the business world. This cumulative business knowledge creates a great dynamic in the classroom as colleagues relating their stories to the concepts we're all learning about.
Which classroom format, online or on campus, do you prefer?
For subjects I have less experience with I prefer to be in the classroom. Establishing a relationship with a professor can be invaluable if I need something explained a different way or if I am struggling with a concept. However, I with running a business in addition to my full time job the flexibility that online courses afford is invaluable to me being able to juggle the different roles of my life simultaneously.
Has there been a moment when a faculty member made an impact on you, either personally or professionally?
My objective has always been to launch my own business after completing my MBA degree. In my first semester, during an online course, I indicated this when introducing myself to the class. The professor took note and because of mutual interests, without any strings attached, he offered to help me get my business off the ground. I'm already building the way towards my goals and applying what I'm learning along the way.