Launching a Career

Heading home to Metropolitan Detroit after earning her undergraduate degree in German Studies from University of Michigan and completing an internship in Germany for its government, Elizabeth Schreiner was ready to begin focusing on her post-graduation plans.   A visit to OU’s Open House for prospective graduate students prior to earning her bachelor’s degree gave Schreiner the direction she was seeking – international business. And, to her, Oakland University was the clear choice for her to pursue her Master of Business Administration.   “I was very impressed with OU’s connection to the business world and the automotive industry,” says Schreiner, who holds a finance internship at Borg Warner in Auburn Hills. “The combination of my German language knowledge and newfound business expertise should help me start a career in a global company.” Schreiner says selecting OU for graduate studies was an easy decision to make. “The OU program is so student-friendly. You can start at any point in the educational process – whether you’re fresh from your bachelor’s degree or you’ve been in the business world for some time.”

From OU’s MBA program to its campus, Schreiner says her OU experience is exceeding expectations.

“The professors in OU’s MBA program do a fantastic job of making sure that everything they teach is relevant to the students’ future career opportunities. They don’t just focus on teaching the theories of business, but also on how to put those theories into managerial practice after graduation—and you learn how to practically apply each concept in the workplace,” she says.

The OU staff and environment is also very supportive.

“OU’s intimate setting and the interaction I’m able to have with professors is second to none,” she says. “Inside and outside the classroom professors are available and supportive. In addition, OU advisers are always helpful and attentive—they really care about my development. The supplemental programs OU offers to assist with career guidance help students gain valuable experience outside the classroom.”

Though Schreiner works full time, she finds OU’s MBA program is very manageable. “The courses are challenging, but doable. They’re challenging in the right way, you never feel like you’re being bombarded with assignments that aren’t relevant to your future – and you can always see the benefit of everything you’re learning.”