Q&A with an Accelerated MBA Student

Meredith’s Accelerated MBA program allows Meredith College undergraduate students to earn a graduate degree in just one additional year, saving both time and money. In this Q&A, we checked in with Ansley Friesz, ’21, ’22 (MBA), an interior design major who started the accelerated MBA program her senior year.

Read on to learn more about her experience and whether the program might be right for your daughter.

What has been your experience so far as a 4+1 MBA student?
I am just now wrapping up my first semester in the 4+1 program and completing my first class toward my MBA degree. It can be challenging balancing the workload of my undergraduate classes with my MBA course, but my professor has been amazing and the faculty is very supportive. So far I am enjoying the course material and I’m looking forward to learning more about business and my own interests!

Why did you choose to earn your MBA through the 4+1 MBA program?
I chose to get my MBA through the 4+1 program for several reasons, the first being my fantastic experience at Meredith College as an undergraduate student. Other factors were cost and time. I am very thankful to have an opportunity like this so that I can minimize my time in school and get out into the professional world.

How do you expect your MBA to advance your career?
I have no doubt that my MBA will allow me to reach my professional goals. I hope to work in an interior design firm that will allow me to use my design and business knowledge. I enjoy being involved in many facets of a company and would like to use my diverse set of skills to aid a firm whether small or large. I ultimately would love to own a business and build my clientele. I think having experience in both the design and business fields will diversify my employment options after graduation and give me an advantage.

Any other thoughts?
To anyone considering applying to this program, know that it will be difficult at times but very rewarding. There are several undergraduate prerequisite courses that must be completed, which can be challenging to fit into your schedule, especially depending on your major. The earlier you make the commitment, the easier it will be. While I can’t speak to the rigor of most MBA courses, I can say that my work load so far has been very manageable. Also know that the professors and faculty are extremely dedicated to your learning, growth, and success.

About the Program

Qualified students complete a core set of business courses during their first three years at Meredith. During their senior year, students in the program will take two MBA courses that will count toward their undergraduate and graduate requirements. After earning an undergraduate degree, students will be able to complete the Meredith MBA with two semesters and two summer sessions.

• Open to any major at Meredith.
• The Accelerated MBA combines well with an undergraduate degree in fields including, but not limited to, the arts, English, communication, STEM fields, or design, making it an ideal option for non-business majors.
• Students should enroll by sophomore year in order to complete the program in five years.
• Seniors will have dual-advising to help ensure success on the undergraduate level and in the Meredith MBA
• Meredith’s competitive, nationally-ranked MBA program is the most affordable AACSB program in the Triangle.

Contact MBA Associate Director Carolina Diaz at (919) 760-2281 or mba@meredith.edu to learn more about how to enroll in the Accelerated MBA program.