Dominika Stevens

Studying for a flexible MBA has boosted Dominika Stevens’ career while juggling her busy job and family. The 34-year-old, who is also mum to twins, says Distance Learning has made the world of difference to her.

"People asked me why I was going to study for an MBA, saying it wasn’t going to benefit me. However, it has helped change my life because I’ve been fast-tracked for promotion thanks to my studies.

Since starting my MBA, I have been promoted twice and have been recognised for my ability to co-ordinate a career, my family and university course. My annual reports read: ‘Self-starter with bags of self-motivation with no apparent ceiling to her ability to work under pressure.

I’m a government official and looking to get promoted and that’s because of my MBA and the work I’ve done. It has been a huge benefit for me and I would recommend an MBA with Arden University to anyone.

I have always been keen to study for a masters’ degree after completing an undergraduate law degree in 2010. However, I was unable to find anything I could really get my teeth into. I knew that I needed to broaden my educational horizons to allow myself the best possible promotion path.

When researching for a masters’ degree, I looked at the Open University because I completed my undergraduate degree with them but I found it was unaffordable. I came across Arden University and got in touch. There were no hard sales or pushy tactics, but someone being genuinely helpful. At a third of the cost, it was the perfect choice.

With my job, life is everything but 9 to 5. I started my course in Germany, but have since returned to the UK. I have moved house numerous time within the UK. In addition, I have had to attend various career courses, all of which are several weeks long. Wi-Fi is not always available either, so a lot of catching up is required.

During the MBA course, I needed to be excused from my studies for six months. My manager wrote a letter and it wasn’t a problem at all. I also fell pregnant with twins. Life has been hectic since then and completing my MBA has been a great challenge – so the ability to study flexibly is incredibly valuable.

Studying for an MBA while working full-time is not easy, and you do need to have motivation because there’s no set time tables. With Arden, though, you get plenty of support. My tutors are easy to contact, including by Skype unlike other institutions. Everybody that I’ve come across at Arden has been really lovely.

I’ve enjoyed my MBA more than my previous university studies. Even though it was distance learning, I connected with a lot of fellow students. I spoke to a lot of people from around the world, you don’t feel alone. It’s a really good set up.

Distance Learning is the way forward when your life does not allow for regular attendance at a daytime university. Studying for an MBA it is so rewarding, I can only recommend it to anyone considering it."