A Journey of Lifelong Learning: Laurence De Raet’s Pursuit of an M.B.A.
Laurence De Raet, a seasoned professional from Belgium, has spent 36 years crafting a dual career that spans academia and consultancy. Her impressive portfolio includes roles as a university employee and as a freelance psychologist, consultant, and organizational specialist. Holding a Master’s degree in psychology and specialized certifications in Business Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, HR analytics, and HR assessments, Laurence has dedicated her career to understanding career development, motivation, and the use of testing tools.
Yet, for Laurence, education is an unending journey.
"I have a growth mindset. I need to keep learning. Building expertise is crucial when you’re passionate about something. My interest lies in leadership and motivation within the workplace because often, people leave a manager, not the organization. Enhancing leadership skills in management is a significant challenge, and that’s what I’m passionate about," she explains.
When Laurence decided to pursue an M.B.A., she had three specific criteria in mind: it had to be online, affordable, and accredited by the AACSB. This search led her to the Illinois Tech M.B.A. program.
Choosing Illinois Tech: Flexibility Meets Quality
For Laurence, selecting an M.B.A. program was not just about the curriculum but also about practicality.
"My research focused on ‘M.B.A.,’ ‘online,’ and ‘AACSB-accredited,’ along with affordability. What stood out about Illinois Tech was its pathway program, which allows you to take three courses to gain entry. This is particularly valuable for someone from Europe, where getting foreign diplomas recognized can be challenging," Laurence noted.
She commenced her M.B.A. journey in January 2024, having already completed two of the pathway courses on Coursera.
Challenges Along the Way
Laurence acknowledges that she faced uncertainties regarding certain subjects, particularly finance.
"I’m not good with numbers; it’s not my domain. Seeing courses like forecasting and financial analysis was daunting. Coming from a background in psychological sciences, I wondered, ‘OMG, how will I manage that?’" she recalls.
Despite her apprehensions, Laurence’s determination was unwavering. By dedicating her evenings to study, engaging with professors and teaching assistants during office hours, and learning to effectively demonstrate her thought process during exams, she excelled even in the most challenging courses.
"I anticipated scoring 70% in the final financial analysis assessment, which was the biggest challenge of my life. But through hard work and effort, I achieved a 92%. I followed every piece of advice from the TA to prepare thoroughly," she shared.
Live Engagement and Real Flexibility
Laurence credits Illinois Tech’s flexible course design and active faculty engagement as pivotal to her success.
"I loved the live events. Each course includes them, and they help us connect our learning to real-life experiences. I recall many discussions, whether one-on-one or in small groups, where we could exchange ideas effectively," she said.
She also appreciates the program’s self-paced nature.
"It’s fantastic because you can work ahead during breaks at a pace that suits you. In M.B.A. programs, most of us have jobs and families, so you can allocate your time as needed. You can also strategically take non-credit courses on Coursera to challenge yourself further," she pointed out.
Laurence is particularly excited about Illinois Tech’s integration of new tools.
"The new ‘Coach’ feature on Coursera is amazing. While we have ChatGPT for in-depth explanations, Coach is linked to the videos. You can ask direct questions, review concepts in simpler terms, summarize, and take exercises. It’s incredible," she enthused.
Advice for Future Students
Laurence is set to graduate with her Illinois Tech M.B.A. by the end of 2025, adding yet another degree to her already impressive academic achievements. However, for her, the most significant accomplishment has been demonstrating to herself and others that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
Her advice for prospective students revolves around perseverance, determination, and the value of continuous education:
"If you have the motivation and follow the professors’ guidance, it doesn’t matter how complex it seems. The more effort you invest, the more you will gain. Grit is essential," she advised.
To those who may doubt themselves or hesitate to pursue higher education later in life, Laurence offers encouragement:
"It will be challenging, but you can do it. Even if you haven’t worked in that field before, you can succeed. You never know your potential until you try. Regardless of age, Illinois Tech provides everyone the opportunity to find motivation within themselves, to be uplifted and supported by exceptional professors, and to receive top-quality education. I am truly grateful," she concluded.
Laurence De Raet’s journey serves as a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, no matter the stage of life. Her story is an inspiration for anyone considering further education, proving that with dedication and the right support, success is attainable.
For more information on the Illinois Tech M.B.A. program, you can visit their website.
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