Heather George: Balancing Family, Career And Dreams Through Online Education
Last Updated February 16, 2024
Heather George’s story is characterized by determination and effectively balancing the roles of being a mother, an executive account manager at research company Lilly USA and an online student in Michigan State University’s Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership program.
It’s also a lesson in commitment to personal and professional development and understanding the value of diversifying your skills – which is what ultimately drove her to pursue the Strategic Management concentration offered as part of the M.S. in MSL program.
Choosing Michigan State University
Heather’s decision to pursue higher education wasn’t without hesitations, but once her daughter graduated, she saw an opportunity:
“I had wanted to get my master’s for decades,” she says. “I was a mom and working full time and did not think I would have enough time to dedicate to school. Therefore, when our daughter graduated and moved out of the house, I jumped at the opportunity to further my education. I decided that it was time to develop personally and professionally. I’m glad I made that decision.”
The desire to try an online degree program was motivated by the need for flexibility. Heather recognized that an online format would grant her the freedom to learn at her own pace and effectively balance her educational pursuits with her professional commitments.
In addition to student-life balance, her choice of MSU as her online education provider was influenced by the program’s curriculum offerings, particularly course requirements like Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and Strategic Management, which captured her interest and aligned with her career goals. The accreditation of the Broad College of Business by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) reassured her of the program’s academic rigor and quality.
One of her favorite instructors was Dr. Richard Gooding, whom she had for two different courses:
“He organized the classes nicely, appropriately pushed out homework at a perfect pace, lectures were enjoyable and he was always available when you needed him,” she says. “He had a nice way of putting you at ease with the task at hand. He was a total pleasure to work with.”
The Online Learning Experience
Heather was surprised by how enjoyable the online learning process turned out to be:
“I think I was prepared for it to be laborious and very task oriented,” she says. “I quickly learned that the professors made me love learning. The structure of the program created an amazing environment. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed working with my peers. These relationships developed into nice friendships.”
The program provided Heather with valuable takeaways. She realized her untapped potential and gained confidence in her abilities.
“I have learned that my ability to be visionary and strategic is like no other and I have many more skills to bring to my organization,” she says. “I have a keen sense of thinking outside of the box, coupled with strong negotiation skills and the ability to connect well with others. These are assets that can change the face of my organization. I have learned that I am just getting started.”
Heather’s MSU degree has contributed to her career advancement at Lilly USA, where she has worked for over two decades in sales, training and leadership positions. She is currently an executive account manager responsible for Arizona, Idaho and Nevada for the entire Lilly portfolio.
“The plethora of learnings will be with me for a lifetime,” she says. “It has already made an impact as I recently received a promotion. I have noticed a difference in my strategic thinking and negotiation skills.”
While she hasn’t made specific plans for further education, she has considered pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health, demonstrating her inspiring commitment to lifelong learning and growth.
Inspiration for Success
Heather’s educational journey at MSU also draws inspiration from her mother, a role model who instilled the values of education, hard work and dedication in her. Heather’s commitment to these principles is unwavering, and her internal drive to achieve greatness is fueled by her desire to make a positive impact on her family’s life.
For aspiring students considering the program, she is quick to offer some practical advice.
“You will be so happy that you took the time to invest in yourself,” she says. “This program [can help] change your life, your perspective and your career. Take the first step and just go for it.”
Learning about Heather’s story is a great reminder of the power of self-assurance and the pursuit of one’s dreams, as encapsulated in her personal quote:
“Always believe in yourself and dream big. Your job is to bring that dream to life.”
