Before the second, and final, firing, the piece is finished with a transparent glaze — although a small area where the shape rests on the kiln is wiped clean to ensure it doesn’t become welded to the kiln shelf during the glazing process. The chandelier then is assembled with carefully positioned hoops to create the clustered effect of candles as well as decorative pieces in the shape of cymbals, skittles and pears around the central column.
The process takes four to five weeks from beginning to end, Ms. Wilson said. If clay isn’t totally dry before firing, the pieces will crack or explode in the kiln.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word kiln in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
If you want a better idea of how kiln can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
For Sharon Leung, a dedicated healthcare professional with 15 years of experience, the pursuit of an engineering degree might seem a bit off course. However, Sharon’s commitment to lifelong learning and innovative problem-solving led her to enroll in the online Master of Engineering in Engineering Management program at CU Boulder. With this degree, Sharon is redefining the intersection of healthcare, technology, and business. Based in Hong Kong, she works full-time as a Managed Care Officer for an ISO-certified healthcare services provider while studying part-time. Her story demonstrates how creative upskilling and a dedication to personal growth can lead to unique interdisciplinary expertise.
Folding Engineering Practices into a Career in Healthcare
With a background in psychology, Sharon spent 12 years working in a clinical setting before transitioning into healthcare management. A year and a half ago, she joined a managed care team, making critical decisions that impact healthcare delivery. This shift sparked her interest in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and how engineering principles can be integrated into healthcare.
“People ask me: How is healthcare related to engineering? How is psychology related to engineering? To me, learning a new set of skills is an excellent way to tackle a complex healthcare problem, in an innovative way.”
The Journey to CU Boulder
Sharon initially explored online courses to upskill during the COVID-19 lockdown. She has since completed over 60 non-credit courses on Coursera outside of her degree requirements, selecting topics that she knew would expand her thinking within her career. When she discovered CU Boulder’s Engineering Management program, she was drawn to its flexibility, reputation, and unique approach.
“I knew CU Boulder had a strong reputation as a public research university, but I didn’t know they offered these kinds of programs. It was a great opportunity for someone like me, who doesn’t have a traditional engineering background.“
Unlike traditional engineering master’s programs that require an undergraduate degree in engineering, CU Boulder’s program embraces diverse backgrounds. The ability to preview courses before committing to full tuition was a game-changer for Sharon, allowing her to bridge knowledge gaps before taking more advanced classes.
A Unique Learning Experience
Sharon highlights CU Boulder’s supportive online environment as another key advantage. Unlike other online programs, where students may feel isolated, this program provides access to TA’s and a robust peer network.
“We have access to tutors and professors who answer our questions. There are office hours, lecture videos, and readings—rigorous enough for a master’s level program. Plus, the peer review system is valuable because it allows us to see how other students attempt assignments and we’re able to learn from each other.”
Networking opportunities also set the program apart. Through CU Boulder’s university Slack channel, Sharon has connected with professionals across various industries, including engineers, programmers, and entrepreneurs. She relishes the diverse student backgrounds that she can connect with and feels strongly that she is becoming a stronger engineer for the experience.
“I’ve made some great friends. We share articles, discuss new courses, and support each other. Many of my classmates are already in leadership roles, and I learn a lot from them.”
The Value of Performance-Based Admissions (PBA)
Sharon acknowledges skepticism surrounding CU Boulder’s Performance-Based Admissions (PBA) model, which allows students to prove their capabilities through coursework rather than standardized test scores or prerequisite engineering degrees. However, she emphasizes the program’s rigorous expectations.
“It’s not that easy to pass the first three classes. The grading scale is high, and they expect quality work. Everyone I’ve met in the program is a successful professional.”
Engineering Management: Beyond Technical Skills
While technical skills are essential, Sharon believes that engineering management also requires strong communication and leadership abilities.
“Managing people can be more important than just doing the technical work. This program is great for people who are interested in engineering but might be afraid of the tech side.”
For Sharon, she was able to brush up on her knowledge through additional non-credit courses in systems engineering, statistics, and AI.
A Future in Engineering-Driven Healthcare
Post-graduation, Sharon aims to leverage her engineering management skills to improve healthcare sustainability and efficiency. She appreciates CU Boulder’s career counseling services, which have guided her next steps.
“Boulder is really bold to introduce this program. It’s opening doors for people who might have potential in engineering but don’t have a traditional background. Engineers benefit from working with professionals from different fields, and healthcare can gain a lot from engineering approaches—especially in areas like error reduction and AI-driven solutions.”
With a deep curiosity and a commitment to deep, lifelong learning, Sharon is redefining the value of what it means to be an engineer in healthcare. Her journey at CU Boulder is not just about earning a degree but about equipping herself with the skills to shape the future of the industry.
In today’s competitive job market, staying relevant is no longer a choice; it’s become necessary in an arena where things can change at the drop of a hat! Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional considering a mid-career change, you need to practise constant adaptation and a proactive approach to career development.
Below, we explore ten powerful career development tips for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and the continuously evolving demands of the workplace. Following these strategies can help you navigate the future of work trends and position yourself for success.
10 Strategies to Stay Ahead of the Game in Your Career
Define Your Career Goals and Chart Your Course
Knowing where you want to go is the first step to staying relevant in a competitive job market. Take time to define your career goals. Ask yourself: Which industry do you dream of working in? If you aren’t sure yet, browse Alison’s extensive Career Guide for helpful information about careers and pathways into them. What specific skills and qualifications do you need to get there? Identifying your career goals will guide your decisions related to skill development and job search strategies. You can begin charting a course toward your dream job.
Keep up With Industry Trends
The world of work is constantly changing, driven by factors such as automation, the gig economy, and emerging technologies. It’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and challenges in your field to stay ahead of the curve. Who are the thought leaders, and what are they saying? What are your international counterparts doing that could be replicated in your location? Where is the growth potential?
Explore free online courses for upskilling to find relevant learning resources on the skills needed to succeed in the future of work. You will be better equipped to identify in-demand skills and start developing them. Research industry trends regularly so you can find a place to use your skillsets to fill the existing gap.
Boost Your Resumé with Valuable Certificates
Certificates are a fantastic way to showcase your expertise and commitment to continuous learning. Research certifications that align with your career goals and industry needs, and consider enrolling in online courses or attending workshops that aid upskilling and reskilling. All of Alison’s courses are accredited by CPD UK. Certificates and diplomas can enhance your resumé and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers and recruiters looking for individuals with specific skill sets. Use our free Resumé Builder to create a polished CV.
The Power of Networking: Building Relationships for Success
Your network is your net worth. Networking for career advancement translates into building solid relationships with professionals in your industry, which can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable mentorship, and keep you informed about hidden job openings. Join professional organisations, attend industry events, and connect with colleagues on LinkedIn to build a robust professional network and cultivate lasting relationships.
Craft a Compelling Personal Online Brand
In today’s digital age, your online presence is your two-minute elevator pitch. Personal branding for professionals like you involves showcasing your skills, experience and thought leadership on platforms such as LinkedIn. To further your cause of reinventing your career without changing who you are, make the most of our tried-and-tested personal branding tips for LinkedIn.
Share relevant industry content, participate in discussions, and build your reputation as a knowledgeable and valuable expert. Recruiters and other industry members can have a snapshot of your professional details and keep you on their radar when the right opportunities arise.
Embrace New Challenges: Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
Growth often lies outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and explore unfamiliar territory to demonstrate your adaptability, willingness to learn, and commitment to professional growth. Embrace the gig economy, volunteer for new projects, attend workshops on diverse skill sets, or even venture into freelance work.
Consider if branching out into a new position and sector is worth your while. You may have been in finance for years, but now could be the right time for a new career. This growth mindset can boost your confidence, prepare you for the future of work, and open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Alison’s free Workplace Personality Assessment is a short and straightforward way to measure your personality traits and cognitive abilities and discover your behavioural style. It can help you better understand yourself and your dream career.
Future-Proof Your Skills: Learning New Technologies
The rapid pace of technological change has an immediate impact on the way we work. To remain relevant in a competitive job market, you should invest time identifying and learning new technologies transforming your industry. Free online courses, tutorials, and workshops are all excellent self-learning resources for acquiring new technical skills and enhancing your value proposition.
Upskilling and Reskilling for Continuous Growth
A commitment to lifelong learning is the key to staying relevant in the workplace. Regularly assessing your skills can help you easily identify areas for improvement. When you take advantage of online learning resources and professional development programmes, you may find yourself ahead of your competition and in a better position to negotiate a higher salary.
The Rise of the Gig Economy: Flexibility and Opportunity
The gig economy is a growing trend that offers workers flexibility and autonomy. Changing attitudes to work, technology, remote and hybrid working solutions, and the growth of platform-based business models contribute to its increasing popularity. If you are looking for a more flexible work arrangement, consider exploring freelance or contract work and temporary and short-term projects. Among the diverse benefits of the gig economy for workers are gaining new experiences in different industries, developing specialised skills, building your network, and supplementing your income.
Know Your Worth: Negotiating Your Salary with Confidence
Don’t undervalue yourself! Do your homework when applying for a new job so you know how to negotiate a higher salary and not be seen as pulling numbers out of thin air. Research salary trends in your preferred industry and geographic location. Your salary negotiation strategies should include a thorough understanding of your true market value, based on your current skills and experience so you are prepared to confidently articulate the value you bring to the table.
Alison’s free online courses can help you discover who you are, what you want, and where you wish to go before you make informed decisions that can help you step up your game and race ahead of others navigating job market competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I’m feeling overwhelmed by the rapid changes in the job market. Where should I start?
A. Staying relevant requires a proactive approach. Start by defining your career goals and identifying the skills you need to achieve them. Alison’s Career Guide can be a valuable resource for exploring different career paths and understanding the qualifications required. Our free online courses offer opportunities to upskill and reskill, helping you bridge the gap between your current skills and the demands of the evolving workplace.
Q. How can I demonstrate my commitment to continuous learning to potential employers?
A. Certifications are a powerful way to showcase your expertise and dedication to professional development. Alison’s courses are accredited by CPD UK, and upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate or diploma that you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile. This demonstrates your initiative and makes you a more attractive candidate to recruiters.
Q. I’m interested in exploring the gig economy. How can Alison help me prepare?
A. The gig economy offers flexibility and new opportunities. Alison’s courses can help you develop specialised skills that are in demand in the freelance market. Furthermore, building your network through LinkedIn (using the tips mentioned in this blog) can connect you with potential clients and projects.
Two years later, I’m still asked about them. People want to know: Did they stay on the Luddite path? Or were they dragged back into the tech abyss?
I put those questions to three of the original members — Ms. Watling, Jameson Butler and Logan Lane, the club’s founder — when they took some time from their winter school breaks to gather at one of their old hangouts, Central Library in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza.
They said they still had disdain for social media platforms and the way they ensnare young people, pushing them to create picture-perfect online identities that have little do with their authentic selves.
They said they still relied on flip phones and laptops, rather than smartphones, as their main concessions to an increasingly digital world. And they reported that their movement was growing, with offshoots at high schools and colleges in Seattle, West Palm Beach, Fla., Richmond, Va., South Bend, Ind., and Washington, D.C.
The Luddite Club is better organized these days, they said, with an uncluttered website to help spread the word. Ms. Lane, 19, is in the last stages of turning it into a registered nonprofit organization.
“We’ve even got a mission statement now,” said Ms. Lane, who is studying Russian literature at Oberlin College. “We like to say we’re a team of former screenagers connecting young people to the communities and knowledge to conquer big tech’s addictive agendas.”
Despite growing interest in the Luddite Club, some of its original members reported having conceded to smartphones because of changes to their lives brought on by college:
Unlike her fellow students, who do their banking on their smartphones, Ms. Watling uses A.T.M.s like a baby boomer. She said her biggest challenge was navigating dating and nightlife.
“Raves are big in Philly, and it’s a big part of student life at Temple,” she said. “You can end up in the middle of nowhere in some abandoned building for the rave everyone’s going to. I can’t go if I don’t know I’ll get home safely.”
She slowly pulled something from her satchel — a second phone, an Android.
“I own this now with a sense of inner torture,” Ms. Watling said, “but I have to look out for my well-being as a young woman. It’s too risky for me to put my life in the hands of a flip phone.”
She stressed that the smartphone was not part of her everyday life: “I use it only when I need to, mostly for Uber,” she said. “I’ve tried Hinge, too, but always delete it.”
And others have completely rejoined the digital world, including Lola Shub, who said she “started using a smartphone again pretty much the day I started college”:
“It’s constant access again,” Ms. Shub said. “It’s the relief of knowing I can do things easier. I got Instagram, too, and it’s been nice reconnecting with people on it.
“But then you get used to it all, is the problem,” she continued. “I feel like I’m not trying as hard anymore. When I had the flip phone, I had to put in effort to get to places, to talk to people. Everything was a task. Now it’s easy to do things. I guess I still don’t like needing the crutch of a smartphone, though I couldn’t figure out how to go on without one.”
What is your reaction to the Luddite Club? Had you heard of the movement before reading the article? Is there a chapter at your own school? Would you want there to be one?
If you own a smartphone, could you see yourself giving it up like these teens did, whether for an hour at a time or more permanently? Why or why not?
If you don’t have a smartphone, is that a choice you made or one your parents made for you? Are you happy about it? What benefits, if any, have you seen from being unplugged?
Some of the original Luddite Club members felt that going to college made it harder for them to get by with their flip phones. Do you think there is an age or time in life when it’s easier to live with less technology? Are you that age now? If not, when did it become impossible to live without a smartphone? What tasks made it necessary to have technology at your fingertips?
Do you think people should be concerned about their reliance on technology? Or is it just a part of life today?
Logan Lane, the founder of the Luddite Club, in a talk she gave on technology’s effects on society, said: “For the youth of today, the developmental experience has been polluted; it’s been cheapened. ‘Who am I?’ becomes ‘How do I appear?’” Does that statement ring true for you and your friends? Do you ever wonder what life would be like if social media had never been invented? Do you ever wonder what youwould be like without it?
Have you or the people around you been sick more than usual lately?
The Times reports that this flu season has been particularly brutal, and it isn’t showing signs of letting up.
How do you take care of yourself when you’re sick, whether with the flu, a cold or something else? What precautions do you take, if any, to prevent yourself from catching a virus this time of year?
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
In 2014, for his birthday challenge, Harding enrolled in a flight school in southern France. In his down time between concerts and rehearsals, he studied topics like aerodynamics and aviation law. At one point, he installed a flight simulator in his basement. After a few years, he earned his private and commercial pilot’s licenses, as well as certification to fly the Airbus A320.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word aerodynamics in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
If you want a better idea of how aerodynamics can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
I’m thrilled to unveil my latest project: two new premade blog designs – Charlotte & Sophia! Creating a beautiful blog can be time-consuming, so I designed these templates to make the process easier. Perfect for lifestyle and beauty bloggers, these black, white, and grey designs offer a clean, modern, boho-chic aesthetic, ideal for showcasing your stunning photos.
Available for both Blogger and WordPress, each design features a gorgeous scripted header – a watercolor effect on WordPress and a stylish grey gradient on Blogger. These templates are all about helping you create a polished and personal online space, so click below to learn more, or keep reading for all the details and live demos!
Effortless Elegance for Your WordPress Blog
Meet Charlotte, the WordPress theme designed to elevate your blog to the next level. This clean and modern design features a sophisticated black, white, and grey palette with a touch of bohemian femininity, perfect for lifestyle and beauty bloggers. Charlotte’s standout feature is its dreamy, watercolor-inspired header in a beautiful script font, adding an artistic touch to your site. It’s crafted to showcase your photography beautifully while maintaining a minimalist and easy-to-navigate layout. If you’re a WordPress user looking for a chic and effortless aesthetic, Charlotte is the perfect solution.
Styled blog with post excerpts and handy sidebar
Want to see how Charlotte can transform your website? Check out our live demo and explore the stunning design possibilities. From a large blog area to a gallery page and drop-down menu, Charlotte has everything you need to elevate your online presence.
If you need help with WordPress or domain set up – I’m here for you! Send me an e-mail or contact via social media for free consultations.
Installation Included
Once you make a purchase, I’ll get to work creating a preview of your new design with all the changes you’ve requested.
Once you’ve given the preview the green light, I’ll install and set it up on your WordPress website – and don’t worry, this is already included in the design price, so no extra charges!
With Charlotte, you can create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge and impress your visitors with its sleek and modern design.
Boho Beauty in 5 Minutes
introducing Sophia, a Blogger template designed for the modern bohemian blogger. This clean and sophisticated design features a timeless black, white, and grey palette, creating the perfect canvas for lifestyle and beauty content. Sophia’s header boasts a beautifully scripted font with a subtle grey gradient, adding a touch of elegance. Focused on showcasing your photography, Sophia offers a minimalist and user-friendly layout. Best of all, Sophia can be installed in less than 5 minutes and costs only $15!
Fully editable & customizable
Don’t let the simplicity fool you! Sophia is fully editable and customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your unique brand voice. Play with fonts, colors, and layouts to make Sophia Design your own. Plus, it is a responsive design that adapts flawlessly to any device, ensuring your blog looks stunning on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Want to see it in action?
Head over to our live demo and experience the magic of the Sophia Template for yourself!
Thinking about advancing your career with online courses? Platforms like Coursera and Udemy claim to offer free learning, but once you visit their sites, you’ll find that only a small fraction of courses are truly free. Most require payment for full access or certification. With Alison, you don’t have to worry about hidden fees.
ALL our courses and certification are 100% free (with the option to purchase Certificate parchments and PDFs at a nominal price after you complete your course).
We provide high-quality, industry-relevant education that has helped millions of learners worldwide.
Can’t find the course you’re looking for? Let our learning team know! If it’s in high demand, we’ll either find a similar course or create one just for you. Request a course by emailing us at [email protected]
Start learning today and take the next step in your career and for free!
Our course comparison highlights the top free courses available on Alison, covering a wide range of subjects. Unlike Coursera and Udemy, where many courses require payment, Alison offers every course 100% free.
Once you complete a course, you can immediately start another and at no cost. Keep learning, keep growing, and upskill for free with Alison.
Explore free courses now!
Why choose Alison
If you’re searching for a completely free way to upskill without compromising on quality, Alison provides top-notch education at no cost. After completing your course, you have the option to buy a Certificate that validates your skills.
Access 100% Free Courses: Choose from over 5,500 CPD-accredited Diploma and Certificate courses across a wide range of categories completely for free. No matter what your learning goal is, we have the perfect course for you.
Gain Globally Recognised Certificates: Stand out to employers worldwide by earning Diplomas and Certificates after completing your course. Certificates are optional and you can purchase them if you want to showcase your achievements.
Learn At Your Own Pace: Enjoy the flexibility of online courses ranging from 1.5 to 20 hours. Study anytime, anywhere, and fit learning seamlessly into your schedule.
Delivering engaging and effective presentations is important when it comes to teaching or when presenting work at conferences. As teachers, we may want to help our students to develop their presentation skills and prepare them to become confident speakers. Today’s digest offers resources on boosting presentation skills.
A very quick read that highlights ten concrete tips for effective presentations and public speaking. The concluding remark of this resource points out that it is all about authenticity when it comes to presenting and less about perfection: “Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect.”
This post outlines how teachers can support their students in overcoming anxiety and how to structure teaching in order to encourage students to develop their presentation skills.
As much as presentation slides can be helpful, they can often be text-heavy and challenging to follow. Disorganised slides can reduce the overall presentation quality. This paper provides ten tips on how to make looking at your slides a joyful experience.
Speech Anxiety by the Department of Communication, University of Pittsburgh
While it is normal to feel nervous before a presentation, this feeling should not take over and dominate you as a presenter. There are things you can do to reduce the fear of public speaking. Take a look at the tips in this resource. They may not work immediately, but with time can be helpful to tackle anxiety around presenting in front of an audience.
Last, but not least, it is important to deliver inclusive presentations. Making presentations accessible for people with disabilities will enhance the quality of the presentation as a whole. This resource provides concrete tips on increasing presentation accessibility.
From time to time, we pick a theme and provide a curated list of links. If you have a theme suggestion, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Occasionally we publish a guest digest, and If you’d like to propose a guest digest click here. Our 5 most recent digests can be found here:
For Patrick Surrett, pursuing an MBA wasn’t just about adding a credential to his resume—it was about lifelong learning, growth, and finding a community. His journey to the University of Illinois Gies College of Business iMBA was anything but traditional. Having initially enrolled in a different online MBA program, Patrick discovered the Gies iMBA through MOOCs on Coursera and made the leap, finding a program that better aligned with his professional aspirations and learning preferences. Today, he’s not just a student; he’s an iMBA ambassador, an active participant in the Gies community, and a passionate advocate for the program.
MOOC Exploration and Finding the Right Fit
Patrick, a seasoned professional based in Washington, D.C., has been working in consulting for over 15 years. As a full-time employee, balancing work and school was initially more challenging than expected. However, with a structured routine and the well-designed flexibility of the iMBA program, his second semester and forward outlook have been far smoother.
His decision to pursue an MBA came around his 48th birthday when he realized that continuous learning was a core value he wanted to uphold. After applying to five MBA programs (none of them being the Gies iMBA) and receiving acceptance letters from all, he chose a nine-month, online program. To prepare, he took MOOCs in Accounting and Statistics from the University of Illinois on Coursera and this is when he discovered more about the iMBA.
The more he researched, watching YouTube videos and attending webinars, the more he realized that Gies had much more to offer than the program he was enrolled in. The iMBA’s two-year structure, comprehensive curriculum, and ability to transfer MOOC components convinced him to switch. With only weeks to spare before starting his initial program, he withdrew his acceptance and instead enrolled at Gies in August 2024.
An Engaging and Connected Experience
One of Patrick’s biggest concerns about an online program was engagement. His online undergraduate experience at Western Governors University, while valuable, lacked the high level of interaction he desired. The iMBA, however, immediately proved different.
In the Fall of 2024, Patrick attended iConverge, where he got to meet fellow students and even the Dean of Gies. He was struck by the program’s commitment to engagement, diversity, and innovation. “The Dean is one of the most innovative and driven individuals I’ve ever met,” he says. “You can just tell she truly cares about the students and the future of this program.”
Now a student in the program, Patrick commented on how he quickly felt part of something larger than just an online degree program. Through weekly live sessions, breakout rooms, and group projects, every class includes a collaborative component. Even the professors—many of whom he had already encountered in MOOCs—remain dedicated to creating a seamless transition from independent learning to structured coursework.
“The program is truly ‘online by design,’ and they mean it,” Patrick says. “They’ve done an amazing job crafting an interactive, community-driven experience.”
The flexibility of the program has also been a key advantage. With live sessions offered at different times to accommodate various time zones, students can choose the lectures that fit their schedules, or opt to watch the recordings, async. Additionally, office hours are plentiful, with professors and Course Assistants (CAs) offering multiple sessions each week.
Applying New Skills Immediately
Patrick’s role as a program manager for federal government projects has already benefited from his coursework. Leadership and strategic management courses have reshaped his approach to team engagement, client interactions, and planning. His cost accounting class has given him the technical language to discuss financial matters more effectively at work, and business writing courses have refined his communication skills.
“The skills I’m learning aren’t just theoretical—they’re immediately applicable,” he explains. “I’ve been in business for a while, but this program forces me to be more concise and strategic in my writing and decision-making.”
Becoming an Ambassador and Developing Lasting Friendships
Beyond academics, Patrick has found a true sense of belonging. He now serves on two committees and is an ambassador for the Gies iMBA, helping prospective students navigate the enrollment process. Through LinkedIn inquiries, webinars, and office hours, he shares his experiences, hoping to inspire others the way he was inspired.
“I’ve completely bought in—I’ve ‘drank the Kool-Aid,’” he jokes. “But it’s because I genuinely believe in this program and the opportunities it provides.”
Through meetups, group projects, and networking events, Patrick has built friendships with peers from around the world. Whether it’s casual happy hours in the D.C.-Baltimore area or football game meetups, the connections made possible by Gies go far beyond the virtual classroom.
“I’m surrounded by 400-500 of my best friends,” he says of the Gies community. “The global networking opportunities are phenomenal.”
Looking Ahead: Immersions and Capstones
In March, Patrick will participate in an immersion opportunity in Miami, working with a company to solve a real-world business challenge. This experience, alongside the program’s capstone courses, will further refine his skills and expand his professional network. With three capstones in total—two specialty and one program-wide—he’s excited to tackle new challenges and continue growing.
A Journey Worth Taking
Patrick’s story is a testament to the power of finding the right educational fit. “I wake up excited every day,” he says “Even just talking about this program reignites my passion for learning.”
Through the Gies iMBA, he has discovered a program that not only provides academic excellence but also fosters a strong, engaged community. From his career advancement and networking opportunities to the friendships he’s built, the decision to switch to Gies has been nothing short of transformative.
Craft a Compelling Personal Online Brand
