by Lauryn Fetkovich
Over a semester and a half of being in Duquesne’s MBA-Sustainable Business Practices program, I’ve learned that I’m a lot more resilient and mentally strong than I give myself credit for. I thought I knew what managing my time was in undergrad, but I stand corrected!
Making the scary transition from being in college to adulthood was difficult for me. Being 24 years old, you’re in that awkward transition between still trying to be a young, youthful member of society while also figuring out your professional path for the rest of your life. After working about a year in the industrial sales industry, I realized that type of selling was not for me. I absolutely love sales, but that job/industry was not fulfilling my inner values or long-term passions.
I’ve learned that it is good to place yourself outside of your comfort zone and take chances on things that may not be familiar.
Once COVID-19 hit, I realized this would be a good time to invest all of my time into pursuing my education further. I’ve always wanted to get my MBA, and this just seemed like the stars were aligning and it was perfect timing.
At first, I definitely thought we’d still be able to still have mostly in-person classes and communication. Earning my MBA through Zoom meetings has been different, but it’s allowed me to learn from a different angle. I’ve learned that it is good to place yourself outside of your comfort zone and take chances on things that may not be familiar. Engaging with my cohort has been different, but I’m still making great friends and people that genuinely want to help me and see me succeed. The skills I’m gaining through online learning will be extremely helpful when I get out of this program and have to find a job in a “new normal” world.
I know that joining this program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and no one can ever take away my education from me. Moving forward, I hope to inspire others using skills that I have gained within my management, sustainability, and presentation-based courses. I am forever grateful that I have been accepted into such a prestigious program, and do not take for granted the things I am learning that could change the world one day.
One-Year MBA 