“I’ve accomplished something big, and UTPB played a big role in that.” – Anthony Petry, online MBA graduate
Anthony Petry enjoys a close connection with UT Permian Basin. He earned his undergraduate degree online with UTPB, then recently graduated from our online MBA program—and he’s not done with us yet. A busy senior account manager for a real estate trade association in Houston, Petry graciously offered his time to explain what made him return to UTPB for his graduate degree, why he plans to stay connected with UTPB, and his most important takeaways from our MBA program.
Pursuing More Great Experiences Through UTPB
“I think I had a really great experience with UTPB for my undergraduate [program], and it was all done remotely, it was all online.” Petry said. “Before starting with UTPB for my undergraduate degree, I had bounced around between a couple of different schools. When I landed on UTPB, I mean it was just hands down better than any other experience I had. At the end of my undergraduate degree, I started getting emails from the graduate school and [pursuing UTPB’s online MBA] just seemed like the correct next step.”
Petry said he had been impressed with the UTPB undergraduate program faculty, and that was a factor in choosing us for his graduate degree. “I think for the most part, all of the professors had the courses clearly outlined. And so, I knew what to expect going in. And then along the way, if I had questions, they were quick to respond, and again, it seemed more like I could find the answers on my own, but they were there when I needed them.”
“[While finishing my MBA program] I was already looking for, ‘well what do I do next?’ you know. I’ve got this momentum, ‘where do I go now?’ And so, I’m trying to find an outlet for that.” Petry also expressed interest in further involvement with UTPB beyond academic pursuits: “I think the one thing that I reached out to [Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management] Dr. Spurlock about was just staying involved some way. Staying connected, particularly with other UTPB alumni that are in this part of the state.”
The Opportunities of Our Online Format
“I think studying online gave me an opportunity to be more disciplined,” Petry explained. “I set aside time every day for schoolwork. I could watch and re-watch lectures and read and re-read about topics until I mastered the content. The online classroom was easy to navigate, and studying from home helped me minimize distractions.”
Petry liked that our online program enabled him to walk in an actual graduation ceremony, and he found that experience rewarding. “I did attend the graduation for my graduate degree, and we flew there [from Houston] and then flew back. [A graduation ceremony] is sort of a clear demarcation of going from here, where I was in life, to there, where I wanted to be, and so I’m there now.”
MBA Concepts Brought to Life
Petry singled out some courses that made a strong impression on him: “Marketing Strategy [MRKT 6366] and Strategic Management [MNGT 6366] both helped me to think about business from the top of an organization. Strategy, competitive advantage, and strong management are concepts that were brought to life for me through reading, writing assignments, and special projects. I was [also] surprised by how much I enjoyed studying the legal system in general and how businesses use laws strategically to further their objectives in Legal Environment of Business [MNGT 6301].
A Tremendous Impact and Key Takeaways From Our Program
Overall, Petry feels UTPB’s online MBA program had a “tremendous impact” on his life, both personally and professionally. “I know I can think a lot clearer now and more objectively and I’m able to sort of take a step back and look at the big picture in a lot of things. I’m not just stuck in the weeds, and I know that was a problem I had before.”
Advice for Future Online MBA Students
Petry’s recommendation to others who may be considering UTPB’s online MBA program? “Go for it! It isn’t easy, but if you’re interested in landing a leadership role, improving your entrepreneurial skills, or transforming your current career path, UTPB’s MBA program will help you get there.”
Whether you’re finishing a bachelor’s degree with UT Permian Basin, as Petry did, or you’re enrolled in another bachelor’s degree program, take the next step and earn your MBA online with us! It can make a tremendous impact on your life, too.