Making the most of the MBA program

MBA student Jody Murray took advantage of almost every experiential learning opportunity in the program, giving her an edge as she completed her degree.

Jody Murray (MBA ’24) developed a passion for healthcare from a young age. After gaining experience as a healthcare practitioner, she was later promoted to a clinical leader.

Now she is a clinical provider and healthcare director in South Florida.

She enrolled in the MBA program to further develop her leadership skills and strengthen her business mindset.

 “[The MBA program] gave me the opportunity to continue to pursue my passion in healthcare while also advancing my career,” she said.

Students are encouraged to engage in experiential learning programs to maximize their educational and professional experience while pursuing a master’s degree in business. 

With that advice in mind, Murray participated in several experiential learning opportunities offered by the Warrington College of Business’ MBA program to truly broaden and diversify her experience. 

“Having purely focused on my academics in undergrad, this time around, I made a conscious decision that in an effort to become a well-rounded leader I would immerse myself in the opportunities offered by the MBA program,” Murray explained.

Murray attended the Global Immersion Experience in Athens, Greece in October 2023, the Washington Campus program in Washington D.C. in March 2024, the Exploring South Florida Business program (now the MBA Summit Series) in April 2024 and the New York Domestic Immersion Experience in June 2024.

Through her experience attending each trip, Murray shared that she learned something unique both about and beyond healthcare.

During her time in Greece, she immersed herself in the dynamic world of international business, gaining hands-on experience and engaging with multiple companies from various industries such as transportation, dairy and technology.

“From a business perspective, I was able to take what I learned in the classroom and see it operationalized in a new cultural environment.”

In Washington, she learned about the political side of healthcare, particularly how bills are passed and how they impact the medical field.

She learned about the opportunities available right in her backyard in the Exploring South Florida Business program where she met with professional representatives from Amazon, the Miami Heat and Marriot International.

“It was an exciting experience because I had the chance to network with other business professionals in South Florida and gain valuable insights on how businesses operate within my local community.”

In New York, she visited Cooper & Cooper Real Estate and Samsung which gave her a vast perspective on business beyond the healthcare industry.

“This trip really helped to open my eyes to the professional flexibility that an MBA offers,” she explained.

Murray shared that her experience in the MBA program, both through her coursework and professional opportunities, has helped her grow immensely. The combination of both academics and social experiences has made the MBA program unforgettable.

Whether it was enjoying dim sum in New York’s Chinatown, exploring the iconic museums in Washington, D.C., or strolling through the busy streets of Greece, each experience offered its own distinct charm and valuable lesson.

“Being exposed to various areas of business, exploring different cultures and networking with professionals in and outside of my cohort has been the most enjoyable part of this process.”

She further believes these opportunities are important, because they allow students to be more versatile and aware of other aspects of business outside of their industry.

 “Take advantage of the opportunities offered in the program,” Murray advised. “Throughout your MBA journey, you’ll find numerous experiences that may not directly align with your current career path; however, the learning, personal growth and relationships you build are absolutely invaluable.”