Patrick Surrett’s Journey: MOOCs to Gies iMBA Mastery

A Transformative Journey: Patrick Surrett’s Experience with the Gies iMBA Program

Embarking on the journey to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is often seen as a strategic step for career advancement, but for Patrick Surrett, it was much more than just adding a prestigious credential to his resume. His pursuit was driven by a deep-seated desire for lifelong learning, personal growth, and becoming part of a vibrant community. Patrick’s path to the University of Illinois Gies College of Business iMBA was far from conventional. After enrolling initially in a different online MBA program, he discovered the Gies iMBA through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on Coursera. This discovery led him to make a significant shift, finding a program that perfectly matched his professional goals and learning style. Today, Patrick is not only a student but also an ambassador for the iMBA program, actively engaging with the Gies community and passionately advocating for the program’s benefits.

Discovering the Right Program through MOOCs

Patrick is a seasoned professional based in Washington, D.C., with over 15 years of experience in consulting. Balancing a demanding full-time job with academic responsibilities presented its challenges. However, the structured routine and flexible design of the iMBA program helped him navigate these challenges smoothly from his second semester onward.

The decision to pursue an MBA came around Patrick’s 48th birthday. At that moment, he realized that continuous learning was a core value he wanted to uphold. Initially, he applied to five different MBA programs, none of which included the Gies iMBA. After receiving acceptance letters from all, he chose a nine-month online program. To prepare for this new academic journey, he enrolled in MOOCs in Accounting and Statistics from the University of Illinois on Coursera. This experience opened his eyes to the iMBA program.

As he delved deeper, watching YouTube videos and attending informative webinars, Patrick realized that the Gies iMBA offered far more than his current program. The two-year structure, comprehensive curriculum, and the ability to transfer components from MOOCs made the iMBA an attractive choice. With just weeks left before starting his initial program, he withdrew and enrolled in the Gies iMBA in August 2024.

An Engaging and Connected Experience

One of Patrick’s initial concerns about pursuing an online degree was the level of engagement it would offer. His undergraduate experience at Western Governors University, while valuable, lacked the interaction he desired. The iMBA program, however, quickly dispelled his concerns.

In the fall of 2024, Patrick attended iConverge, an event where he met fellow students and the Dean of Gies. He was impressed 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 remarked. "You can tell she truly cares about the students and the future of this program."

Now immersed in the program, Patrick feels part of something much larger than just an online degree. The program includes weekly live sessions, breakout rooms, and group projects, ensuring a collaborative learning environment. Professors, many of whom he encountered in his MOOCs, are dedicated to creating a seamless transition from independent learning to structured coursework.

"The program is truly ‘online by design,’ and they mean it," Patrick noted. "They’ve done an amazing job crafting an interactive, community-driven experience."

The flexibility of the program is another key advantage. Live sessions are offered at various times to accommodate different time zones, allowing students to choose lectures that fit their schedules. Alternatively, they can watch recordings asynchronously. Additionally, there are plenty of office hours, with professors and Course Assistants (CAs) providing multiple sessions each week.

Immediate Application of New Skills

Patrick’s role as a program manager for federal government projects has already benefited from the iMBA coursework. Leadership and strategic management courses have reshaped his approach to team engagement, client interactions, and project planning. His cost accounting class has equipped him with the technical language necessary to discuss financial matters more effectively at work. Business writing courses have also refined his communication skills.

"The skills I’m learning aren’t just theoretical—they’re immediately applicable," he explained. "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 Building Lasting Friendships

Beyond academics, Patrick has found a true sense of belonging within the Gies community. He serves on two committees and is an ambassador for the Gies iMBA, assisting prospective students in navigating the enrollment process. Through LinkedIn inquiries, webinars, and office hours, he shares his experiences, hoping to inspire others as he was inspired.

"I’ve completely bought in—I’ve ‘drank the Kool-Aid,’" he joked. "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 extend far beyond the virtual classroom.

"I’m surrounded by 400-500 of my best friends," he said 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, where he will work with a company to solve a real-world business challenge. This experience, along with 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 said. "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.

For more details on the Gies iMBA program, visit the official website.

For more Information, Refer to this article.