UT Permian Basin Graduate Enrollment Counselor Kaden Hayes works as a liaison between students and the Office of Graduate studies, helping with everything from social media posts to student applications. There’s a reason Hayes excels in helping students: He is one.
From Communication Grad to MBA Student
Hayes earned his undergraduate degree in communication from UT Permian Basin in spring 2020. Like all other graduates that semester, he didn’t get to walk across the stage due to COVID-19 restrictions. Now he’s back, pursuing his Master of Business Administration online.
What inspired the leap? Watching the success stories unfold around him. “I’ve seen … hundreds of students go through our program,” Hayes said. “I’ve worked on applications … and then I see them walking the stage less than a year later.”
Why Earn an MBA?
For Hayes, an MBA is more than another credential for his resume; it’s about becoming a better leader. “And I think being a good leader is having a good education,” he explained, “or just being mindful of others and just being an overall team player.” Hayes believes that UTPB’s online MBA program will help him become the leader he aspires to be.
As a graduate enrollment counselor, Hayes also joined the program to better assist students. “People ask, ‘Okay, what’s the program like?’ And I can’t really give them a personal account of it,” Hayes explained. “So, I figured, if I’m going to be in this position moving forward, then it would be nice to have a hands-on experience and give students a better idea of what our master’s program is really like.” Now, Hayes’ experience enables him to assist prospective students in deciding whether online learning is right for them.
Accreditation Matters
One of the biggest reasons Hayes chose UT Permian Basin is its College of Business’ prestigious AACSB accreditation: a distinction held by fewer than 6% of the world’s leading business schools. “When you’re going through your studies,” Hayes said, “it does feel good to know that this program does have a standard that it has to uphold.”
Again, Hayes’ experience as a graduate enrollment counselor provides unique insight. Reflecting on how problematic a degree from an uncredited school can be, Hayes explained: “[I]t becomes a huge issue or obstacle once you get further down the line in your academic career.” Rest assured; a UT Permian Basin degree is both accredited and legitimate.
The Perks of Online Learning
Although Hayes works on campus and could easily attend class in person, he prefers the flexibility of online learning. “I like to have a good work-life balance,” he explained. “I can kind of just do it in my own time. I can do it from the comfort of my home, in my home office. It just makes things a lot easier for me, so I don’t have to worry about being in class at a specific time.” To hear Hayes tell it, being successful in an online learning environment is as easy as logging on, reviewing assignments, and keeping up with deadlines.
The pacing isn’t half bad, either. “You can finish it within a year if you put your nose to the grindstone,” Hayes said, “It’s only 30 credits long.” However, Hayes is going at his own pace, preferring to take one class per semester.
Hayes recognizes that his academic journey is uniquely his own. He’s not navigating a job transition, supporting a family, or studying across the country—or in another country, for that matter. But he knows that’s the reality for many UT Permian Basin students. “I would recommend this program to a lot of students,” Hayes said, acknowledging that for some, an online college program isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity.
Hayes’ Advice to Future Students
Considering UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program? Hayes offers this advice: Take a look at what you’re trying to do within academics, with your career, and with your life. “What is your end goal? Because if you don’t have a goal, then you’re not going to have the motivation to go through the program … having that motivation, having that reason to do something … makes things a lot easier to work towards.”
Hayes never had the chance to walk at his undergraduate graduation, but he’ll soon have another chance to walk across the stage—only this time, as a graduate of our online MBA program.
Supporting Students Every Step of the Way
Hayes had one final message: “When applying to a graduate program at UTPB, always feel free to reach out to grad studies.” Whether you’re working on your application or are still on the fence about applying, the Office of Graduate Studies is here to help.
You heard him! Check out UT Permian Basin’s online MBA program, and if you have any questions, Hayes and the Office of Graduate Studies will be happy to assist you.