Academic Success Comes From a Supportive Environment
In sports, winning often depends on how well you work as a team. As Kaieem (Kai) Caesar and Keegan Wilburn discovered at Ohio University, having a team mentality also helps position you for academic success.
Kai and Keegan understand the power of collaboration. They played football at OHIO and earned their Master of Science in Management (MSM) degrees online during their graduate seasons. The encouragement of teammates helped them achieve on the field, and the academic support provided by OHIO's faculty and advisors facilitated their success in class.
Taking a Team Approach to Academic Success
OHIO's online MSM program allows you to take classes from home, but you don't have to go it alone. As Kai and Keegan can attest, a team approach provides the resources and support needed to complete the online master's in management program. While completing the program, you can benefit from:
Faculty Mentorship
Faculty mentorship is an integral part of the online master's in management program. You'll learn from supportive professors who prioritize mentorship during each course and provide ongoing guidance during virtual office hours.
"Individual attention sets OHIO's MSM apart from programs offered by other schools," Keegan said. The small class sizes make it easier for the faculty to support each student, as Keegan noted that his instructors were always "an email, call or text away."
Personal Support
Student-athletes aren't the only people energized by fans. By drawing on support from friends, family members and the other "fans" in your life, you can gain motivation that helps you thrive in the online master's in management program.
Both Kai and Keegan noted that family support contributed to their success. Check-ins by phone with siblings, parents and grandparents can carry a lot of weight, as an encouraging call or text from the people closest to you can provide motivation for achieving your academic goals.
Of course, personal guidance is available from people outside of a student's immediate family. Keegan said the camaraderie among teammates, coaches and the football support staff fueled his success as a student-athlete. You might access similar support by engaging your friend group, coworkers and other students in the MSM community.
How OHIO's Supportive Environment Helps You Succeed
OHIO offers a supportive learning environment that fosters success as a student and a professional after completing the online master's in management program. What's more, there are steps you can take to make the most of the assistance, convenience and connections available to online students. Here are ideas that can empower you to thrive after your program begins:
Get Academic Support When You Need It
Kai praised OHIO's academic advisors for helping students adjust to the demands of college. He struggled academically during his first undergraduate year and worked with an advisor to establish a routine for fitting his coursework into his day without impacting his football commitments.
"That system helped me finish my schoolwork early instead of having to cram last minute," Kai said. This routine provided a structure for raising his GPA as an undergraduate, and he continued following it during the online MSM program. Despite his early struggles, he earned many accolades at OHIO, such as the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Diversity and Inclusion Student-Athlete Award in 2022.
Make the Most of the Flexible Format
Keegan agreed that setting a routine will aid your academic performance, especially in a program as flexible as the online MSM. "You have a lot of flexibility to complete deliverables and finish projects. So, you need to think about how to apply yourself to ensure that you excel," he said.
The online format provides many advantages. You'll have 24/7 access to your coursework, enabling you to complete assignments asynchronously. You can also study where you want, so there's no reason to rush from work to campus to attend class.
For Keegan, taking classes online was a major benefit of the MSM program, as he found the format quite manageable. "It gave me the flexibility to do everything I wanted outside of school," he said.
Access Growth Opportunities Outside the Classroom
The online MSM offers more than a flexible experience. Keegan said the faculty members also provide development opportunities outside of class, and he encourages other students to take advantage of these experiences.
"Develop a curiosity about the courses and events outside of class. That way, you will get even more out of the program," he said. For instance, he sought professional guidance from faculty and attended Fireside Chats to network with leaders in various industries. Through this engagement, Keegan made the most of his education:
"The MSM provides many opportunities to better yourself academically, professionally and entrepreneurially."
Unlock Your Leadership Potential
Create Your Academic Success Plan
As Keegan discussed, students access many opportunities while completing the online master's in management program. That said, it's important to make a plan for completing the coursework and utilizing the abundant resources available from OHIO. Here are three strategies for academic success that can help:
Eliminate Unwanted Distractions
Kai found it essential to maintain focus when studying online. "The number one thing to do is to get rid of distractions," Kai said. That way, you'll be able to pay attention to your studies and improve the quality of your work. Suggestions for eliminating distractions include:
- Silencing your smartphone to prevent notifications from stealing your attention
- Turning off your TV to focus on your coursework, not the next plot twist
- Using white noise to drown out background noise that breaks your concentration
Prioritize What Matters
From career commitments to supporting a family, many students have a lot on their plates when they decide to seek their master's in management at OHIO. Accessing the courses online delivers flexibility for continuing your education, but it's still wise to make your education a priority.
"For me, school came first," Kai said. That doesn't mean his dedication to football waned; he simply viewed the MSM program as a gateway to his professional goals, which motivated him to do well in the program. "Once I prioritized that, it allowed me to focus on the bigger picture of playing football today and advancing my career in the future," he said.
Capitalize on OHIO's Resources
Keegan feels the resources available at OHIO played a central role in his academic success — and encourages all students to capitalize on them. "If someone needed help balancing their schedule and finishing their assignments, I would encourage them to use the resources available to them," he said.
OHIO's resources include academic advising, tutoring and other college support services, along with a variety of career assistance, such as:
- MSM Executive Group Coaching
- Speaker engagements
- Job search resources
- Mentorship from MSM graduates
For Keegan, the online MSM has a proven track record for producing professionals ready to thrive as leaders. "So many people completed the program before me, and they were so successful," he said. Thanks to the professional and academic support they received through this program, both Kai and Keegan are ready to join that tradition.
Prepare to Succeed in the Online MSM Program
Are you seeking a supportive environment for developing your management expertise? In OHIO's online Master of Science in Management program, you'll become part of a vibrant and diverse community of faculty and peers who will champion your success. Throughout the program, you'll receive guidance and resources that empower you to oversee successful organizations in numerous industries.
The online MSM program includes a Management and Leadership Graduate Certificate that focuses on best practices and strategies for managing change and leading teams effectively. You'll also choose two additional business certificates based on your professional ambitions. Get started now to complete the program in 12 to 24 months.
About Kaieem Caesar
Kaieem is a 2022 graduate of the Master of Science in Management program at Ohio University. He played defensive tackle for the Ohio Bobcats, serving as defensive team captain for three seasons and capping his football career with an overtime victory in the Arizona Bowl in 2022. At OHIO, he earned a bachelor's in communication studies (2020) and master's degrees in management (2022) and crisis communication (2023). He was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and later moved to Oklahoma, where his passion for football began. His accomplishments as a Bobcat include the development of nonprofit organizations and receiving the MAC Diversity and Inclusion Student-Athlete Award in 2022.
About Keegan Wilburn
Keegan Wilburn is a 2024 graduate of the Master of Science in Management program at Ohio University and a college football player. In 2022, he appeared in 13 games as a kick returner averaging 24 yards per kick return, recorded the third-longest kickoff return for a touchdown in program history at 98 yards against Fordham and represented the Bobcats on All-MAC First Team Specialists. In addition to football, he's also competed in track & field and basketball. In his free time, he enjoys producing music and collecting sneakers.
Related Resources
- How an Online Master's Degree Benefits Student-Athletes
- How the MS in Management Fosters a Spirit of Entrepreneurship
- Benefits of Choosing an Online MSM Degree
- MSM vs. MBA: What is the Best Master’s Degree for Managers?
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