Optimizing Opportunities

With a smooth transition form Kirkwood to MMU, Rachel Harris gained skills transferable in both the professional and personal areas.

MMU: What attracted you to Mount Mercy? Why did you decide to enroll in the accelerated program and get your bachelor’s degree in finance and human resource management?

"There is such a natural progression between Kirkwood and Mount Mercy that I felt it was nearly seamless to transfer to Mount Mercy to continue my education."

RH: I completed my associate's degree with Kirkwood in May 2019. There is such a natural progression between Kirkwood and Mounty Mercy that I felt it was nearly seamless to transfer to Mount Mercy to continue my education.

I chose a major in finance because of the line of work I am in. As a finance major, I have learned skills that have transferred both professionally and personally. I chose to double major in human resource management after taking a few classes. I had learned I needed just as many electives as I would need for a second major, so I decided to go for it!

MMU: What has your experience in the accelerated program been like? What has enabled you to be successful?

RH: I have had a wonderful experience at Mount Mercy in the accelerated program. It’s been great having an advisor to answer my questions and schedule my classes in a way that maximizes my time and be sure I am staying on track with my goals. The instructors offer real-life applications of material being covered. This has allowed me to integrate what I'm learning at Mount Mercy and apply it to everyday life. Every instructor understands that we, as students, still have a work-life balance to maintain on top of being students again.

MMU: How did you hear about the MMU Plus program? What was your reaction to hearing about the program?

RH: I heard about the MMU Plus program when I was just beginning my bachelor program at Mount Mercy. Initially, I thought a master's degree was way out of reach for a person like me. I thought it was too late, a master's degree would take even more time that I didn’t want to commit at that time and if I did decide to undertake the program, I didn’t have enough confidence in myself that I would be successful in the program.

MMU: What do you see as the main benefit from participating in the MMU Plus program? Would you recommend it to students who aren’t currently planning on pursuing a graduate degree?

RH: There are so many benefits to the MMU Plus program. The first one for me, was the time savings. It allowed me to take a few classes as an undergrad that would count for both bachelor's and master’s programs. It allowed me to “sample” the workload of a graduate level class. This boosted my confidence, and I felt as though I could handle the workload of these classes and could be successful in a graduate program. Finally, the cost savings are what has really sealed the deal for me. The MMU Plus program has offers these graduate level classes at an undergrad rate, which translates to significant cost savings in the graduate programs.

MMU: After experiencing graduate classes, are you planning on rolling into one of our Business & Leadership graduate programs?

RH: Even with the times we are facing today, I do intend to continue with the MBA program. I know it will be easier on myself and my family if I continue on while I am still in the student mindset.

"The biggest takeaway I have found from the graduate-level classes is the collaboration and networking present in all classes."

MMU: What are some clear takeaways you have from the graduate classes so far?

RH: The biggest takeaway I have found from the graduate-level classes is the collaboration and networking present in all classes. I have met individuals I never would have had I not enrolled in the MMU Plus program. Everyone I have met has come from a different background than myself, thus we have differing views and opinions that provide new insight to me into many different areas of life. The graduate classes require a more in-depth thinking and force you to think outside of the box.