After 36 years in the professional realm, Belgium-based Laurence De Raet had successfully forged a vibrant dual career—serving as an employee at a university while also working independently as a psychologist, consultant, and organizational expert. She attained a Master’s degree in psychology, finished specialized certifications in Business Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and HR analytics & assessments, and amassed considerable experience in career advancement, motivation, and evaluation tools.
For Laurence, education is an enduring journey.
“I possess a growth mindset. I must continue to learn. Cultivating expertise is vital when you’re passionate about something. I’m very intrigued by leadership and motivation within the workplace because frequently, individuals leave a manager rather than the organization! Developing leadership skills in management is a true challenge; that’s the core issue. That’s where my passion lies.”
When Laurence chose to embark on an M.B.A. journey, she recognized three essential qualities she required: online, economical, and AACSB-accredited. This led her to discover the Illinois Tech M.B.A.
Selecting Illinois Tech: Quality Coupled with Flexibility
For Laurence, finding the ideal M.B.A. program encompassed more than the academic syllabus; it also involved practicality.
“My inquiries included ‘M.B.A.’, ‘online’, and ‘AACSB accredited’. Naturally, I considered the cost as well. The advantageous aspect of Illinois Tech is the pathway; it permits you to complete three courses before admission. For someone from Europe, that’s immensely beneficial, as getting foreign qualifications recognized can often be complex.”
She commenced her M.B.A. in January 2024 after finishing two preliminary pathway courses in advance on Coursera.
Obstacles Encountered
Laurence acknowledges her lack of confidence in various subject areas, particularly expressing concerns regarding her finance classes.
“Numbers are not my forte. It’s outside my realm. When I encountered courses such as forecasting and financial analysis, I thought, ‘OMG, how will I manage that, coming from Psychological sciences?!’”
However, her tenacity bore fruit. Dedicating some evenings to her studies, interacting with professors and TAs during office hours, and recognizing the advantages of illustrating her thought process during exams enabled Laurence to excel even in the most challenging courses.
“I anticipated I’d score 70% in the final financial analysis assessment. It was the greatest challenge of my life. Yet I devoted myself and put in the effort to achieve a 92%. I heeded every piece of advice from the TA to be thoroughly prepared.”
Engagement in Real-Time and Genuine Flexibility
Laurence attributes her success to Illinois Tech’s adaptable course structure and engaged faculty.
“I appreciated the live sessions. Each course includes them, and they connected us to our real-life experiences. I vividly recall numerous conversations, with just one or two others, where we could exchange ideas effectively.”
She also values the program’s flexibility to set her own pace.
“It’s fantastic because you can advance during breaks at your own rhythm. In M.B.A. programs, many participants have careers and families, allowing you to allocate your time as needed. You can also strategically opt for non-credit courses on Coursera, which can further challenge you.”
She is particularly enthusiastic about Illinois Tech’s integration of innovative tools.
“The new ‘Coach’ on Coursera is remarkable. Of course, we have ChatGPT for in-depth explanations, but Coach is linked to the videos. You can pose direct questions, reinterpret materials in different words, summarize, and tackle exercises. It’s extraordinary.”
Guidance for Aspiring Students
Laurence is set to graduate at the conclusion of 2025 with her Illinois Tech M.B.A., adding another credential to her already impressive academic portfolio. For her, however, the most significant accomplishment has been demonstrating to herself and others that the journey of learning is never-ending.
Her counsel to prospective scholars revolves around her resolve, perseverance, and the importance she places on advancing one’s education:
“If you possess motivation and follow the professors’ guidance, it matters not if the material is challenging. The greater the effort you invest, the more rewards you will reap. Persistence is essential.”
And to anyone who may experience self-doubt or hesitate to take the plunge into higher education later in life:
“It will be challenging, but you can achieve it. Even if you have no prior experience in that field, you can succeed. You never realize the extent of your potential until you attempt it. And age is irrelevant. At Illinois Tech, everyone has the chance to discover motivation within themselves, be uplifted and mentored by incredible professors, and receive top-quality education; I am so grateful.”
The article 36 Years of Experience, and Still Learning with Illinois Tech’s Online M.B.A. originally appeared on Coursera Blog.