Hamdya AdemHamdya Adem knew she wanted to pursue a master’s degree early in her career. At first, she looked at traditional programs, but there was one problem — as a recent graduate working full time, she needed more flexibility so she could continue to work while earning her degree.

A friend recommended that she speak to Jan Jones, the director of specialized master’s programs in the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama.

“After speaking with her, I knew the online Global Business Management program suited me perfectly,” Hamdya said.

When she earned her bachelor’s from UA, Hamdya was an on-campus student accustomed to group projects and meeting her professors face-to-face. She soon found the same kind of community in her master’s online classes.

“In my first year, I especially loved the discussion boards. This allowed students to interact with each other. It was a place for us to ask other students questions and sometimes professors would also make clarifications,” she said. “Even though I was a distance learner the professors were still flexible, understanding and easy to communicate with.”

If the program hadn’t been online, Hamdya wouldn’t have been able to earn her master’s from UA. “I needed a program that was going to be flexible. I was so glad to hear that UA was offering a Master of Arts program online,” she said.

Hamdya is excited to see the variety of programs offered online expand. “There are many people who want to attend the University, but they need some flexibility for whatever reason,” she said.

Hamdya now works in the human resources department at the corporate headquarters for a national bank in Atlanta. She credits her degree with helping her to advance her career and be more competitive in the industry.


Published: March 18th, 2018