Graduating from a brand new accelerated MBA program in the midst of a world-wide pandemic might be a challenge for many, but one of the first five graduates of the new MBA program at Notre Dame College, John Richard Andrejcik, hasn’t relented on his goals of breaking into the business world.
Andrejcik received his bachelor’s degree in business management from Notre Dame in 2019. The recent MBA graduate has been working in concrete finishing and was quickly promoted to second foreman in charge of his crew after earning his graduate-level degree at the College. And he is putting his advanced business skills to work.
“Being on the job as someone in charge was exactly how the business courses are taught, and I was prepared,” he said.
After his first year in the concrete business, Andrejcik heard about Notre Dame’s new accelerated MBA program, which consists of 10 foundational business courses that prepare students for leadership and management roles, emphasizing education for the real world through problem solving, business decision making and managing in changing environments.
While recruited to NCAA Division I schools because of his background in wrestling, Andrejcik chose Notre Dame because of the school’s small classes and one-on-one interaction with professors. This came in handy when Andrejcik was offered the first job he interviewed for after completing his MBA and was able to sit down with a professor he had built a relationship with and weigh the pros and cons of the job.
Ultimately, Andrejcik realized that while the offer was great, it would take him down a career path that was not his ideal, and he should wait for an opportunity closer aligned to his goals. He has since received the promotion at his current job.
Andrejcik served as a wrestling coach graduate assistant while in the accelerated MBA program, and used his business skills there, as well.
“Coaching involves a lot of things business does,” Andrejcik said. “There’s a ton of management, budgeting, recruiting, scheduling and mentoring, just like in a business environment.”
The new accelerated MBA program was a clear choice for Andrejcik, who said that, as an older student ready to start his business career, the one-year program was fast and rigorous and got him where he wanted to be quick in regard to his skills and knowledge.
“It takes one year for something that will help you throughout your entire professional life,” he said.
Andrejcik is currently interviewing for medical sales positions, and proving that the skills learned in Notre Dame new MBA program are those that can be used in any walk of life.
September 2021
About Notre Dame College
Notre Dame College is a private, Catholic, liberal arts college in South Euclid, Ohio, committed to teaching students how to make a good living and live a good life. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922, the College offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus a variety of master’s degrees, certification programs and continuing and professional development programs for adult learners on campus and online. For more information, visit NotreDameCollege.edu.