Experience with MBA - Ing. Eva Konečná, MBA

"I joined the US-MBA program because I wanted to continue growing, both professionally and personally, and to challenge myself to move forward. I particularly appreciated the American professors, their practical approach, openness to discussion, and ability to bring a different perspective on business. One of the highlights of the entire program was the study experience in the United States. The well-organized program, classes at an American university, company visits, and excursions gave me the opportunity to experience the American academic and business environment first-hand. The US-MBA gave me not only new knowledge, but also a broader perspective on business, plenty of inspiration, valuable connections, and experiences that helped me take another step forward."

US-MBA: A Journey That Did Not End with Graduation

When I decided to pursue the US-MBA program, I already had many years of management experience behind me. I was not looking for just another degree or three more letters after my name. I wanted to continue learning, gain a fresh perspective on business, step outside my professional bubble, and, most importantly, keep growing.

Looking back, one of the greatest values of the US-MBA program is that, for me, it did not end with the final exam or graduation. Quite the opposite. It opened doors to opportunities I could never have imagined when I first enrolled.

And it reminded me how important it is to simply say YES to some of those opportunities.

Why pursue a US-MBA after years of management experience?

You might ask yourself: Does it still make sense to go back to school when you already have ten or fifteen years of professional experience?

For me, the answer is definitely yes.

I entered the US-MBA program delivered by Brno University of Technology in cooperation with the University of St. Francis with extensive practical experience in management, marketing, and sales. And it was precisely because of that experience that I approached many of the topics very differently than I had during my previous university studies.

Suddenly, I had real-life situations to compare the theory with. I could connect concepts with challenges I had personally faced, discuss them with professors and classmates, and look at familiar business problems from completely different perspectives.

For me, this combination of practical experience and new knowledge was one of the greatest benefits of the entire program.

American professors and a different approach to learning

One of the reasons I chose the US-MBA was its combination of Czech and American academic environments. The American dimension of the program became one of its most valuable aspects for me.

The American professors brought not only their expertise but also a different approach to teaching, discussion, and practical experience. It was not simply about sitting in a classroom and listening to lectures. We were encouraged to think, discuss, defend our opinions, and connect what we were learning with real business situations.

After years of professional experience, it was refreshing to find myself in an environment where I did not have to be the person with all the answers. Instead, I could ask questions, challenge my own thinking, and learn from others.

Studying in the United States - an experience to remember

One of the highlights for me was the study experience in the United States itself. This is also where I believe one of the unique aspects of the US-MBA program really comes to life.

It was not only about studying at an American university. The complete program allowed us to experience both the American academic and business environments, visit companies, participate in excursions, and see first-hand things we might otherwise only read about.

The combination of classes, company visits, excursions, a completely different environment, and the time we spent together created an experience that went far beyond traditional classroom learning.

People are one of the program’s greatest assets

An MBA naturally involves lectures, projects, presentations, exams, and many hours of work. But looking back, I also see a significant part of its value in the people I met along the way.

Classmates with diverse professional backgrounds. Czech and American professors. Discussions during classes and conversations outside the classroom. Relationships and connections that did not disappear after the final day of the program.

When you bring together people from different industries, companies, and management roles, you quickly realize that a single business challenge can have ten different solutions. Stepping outside my own professional bubble and seeing situations through other people’s eyes was incredibly valuable.

Graduation does not have to be the end

Interestingly, one of the experiences I value most came after I had already completed the US-MBA program.

I had the opportunity to join the university for a ten-day study trip to Ireland.

We visited companies and universities, explored another academic and business environment, met people from different professional backgrounds, and gained another international perspective on how organizations and education can work in a different country.

I could have said: My MBA is finished. I do not need another study trip.

Instead, I said YES.

And I am very glad I did.

From US-MBA graduate to teaching in an American university program

Then came an opportunity I could never have predicted when I first enrolled in the US-MBA. The University of St. Francis offered me the opportunity to move to the other side of the classroom and teach future bachelor's degree students in its university program in Vietnam.

Once again, I said YES.

Suddenly, I was no longer a student in an American university program. I was teaching in one. I was preparing classes in English, working with students from a different cultural background, leading discussions, and sharing the knowledge and practical experience I had gained throughout my career.

For me personally, this has been one of the most rewarding continuations of my US-MBA journey. The program did not only give me new knowledge. Over time, it also led me to an opportunity to pass my own knowledge and experience on to others.

From student to honorary guest

I had the honor of being invited as a special guest at a university event and taking part in the ceremonial lighting of the university's Christmas tree.

If someone had told me when I enrolled in the US-MBA that this decision would one day take me all the way to a university in the USA - first as student and later as an honored guest - I probably would not have believed them.

And that is exactly why I love this story.

The US-MBA reminded me why it is important to say YES

Of course, I cannot promise that the US-MBA will take every graduate to Ireland or Vietnam. Nor do I believe that is the point.

What it can offer is something much more important: new knowledge, fresh perspectives, inspiring people, international experience, and an environment where opportunities you cannot yet imagine may emerge.

What you do with those opportunities is then up to you.

I joined the US-MBA because I wanted to continue learning, growing, and moving forward. I came away with knowledge, experiences, connections, friendships, and memories I would otherwise never have had.

Most importantly, it reminded me of something I strongly believe:

You do not always need to know where an opportunity will take you. Sometimes, you simply need to stay curious, remain open to new possibilities, and have the courage to say YES.

For me, one of those important “YES” moments was the decision to join the US-MBA program.