As a full-time mother working in the health insurance industry, Mel Dodson wasn’t just looking to “learn more about business.” Like many working professionals, she was feeling the pressure of a rising cost of living and knew that just working harder wouldn’t be enough. She wanted a sustainable way to increase her earning potential—but she also wanted to be intentional about how she did it. “I knew I needed stronger business acumen to move into higher-level roles,” she said, “but I didn’t want to collect another degree just for the sake of it. I wanted something that would actually change my trajectory.”
After discovering the online MBA at Northern Kentucky University, Mel realized she could earn her degree while managing her busy schedule. She started the program in January of 2019, and didn’t quit, even when times got difficult. “The flexibility let me keep moving even during COVID,” she said. “Because it was online, we didn’t skip a beat. Honestly, being able to continue my education kept me going.”
Coming from a clinical background as a master’s-level social worker, Mel often found herself in rooms where key business decisions were being made, but without the language, confidence, or framework to fully participate. She realized that bridging the gap between clinical expertise and business strategy was essential if she wanted access to leadership roles, higher compensation, and long-term career flexibility.
Supported by her employer’s tuition reimbursement, Mel completed her degree with minimal personal expense. Six months after graduating, she received an offer that increased her salary by more than fifty percent. Over the next few years, that growth continued, in part due to the negotiation skills she learned in NKU’s Conflict and Negotiation course. “That class changed my life,” she said. “I negotiate salary like nobody’s business, and recruiters have told me they wish more candidates negotiated the way I do.”
A Supportive Community
One of the key aspects of the program for Mel was the support she got from her classmates and teachers. “Kari Wright-Perkins was my go-to advisor. She proactively kept us current on calendars and schedules throughout the program,” Mel said. “Professors weren’t just academic support; sometimes they were personal support when life felt overwhelming, and they remain cheerleaders even now.”
Today, Mel continues to grow in the product management space, where new opportunities find her regularly. She has progressed from product owner to consultant to senior product manager, with more doors opening each year. She remains open about the future. “I couldn’t tell you exactly where I’m going to be because doors keep opening that I didn’t even know existed,” she said.
These days, Mel finds herself in a better position to give back. “With higher income after the MBA, I can give back to my community in ways I simply couldn’t before,” she said. She is also considering another master’s degree. “I still toy with returning. Lifelong learning matters to me.” Mel credits her mother for cultivating her love for learning.
When it comes to advice for prospective students, Mel keeps it simple. “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you,” she said. “Don’t give up or sell yourself short. You won’t be alone. Classmates and professors will support you, and the program works for nontraditional, full-time working students.”
Earn Your MBA Online
Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Business Administration program is designed to give you the leadership skills necessary to succeed in the business field. This program provides valuable tools for career advancement with the freedom and flexibility to tailor an MBA to your individual needs. You will study topics such as artificial intelligence, healthcare administration, legal studies, global supply chain management, and more.
This program is fully online and built to be flexible, so you can fit work into your busy schedule. The experienced faculty will be there every step of the way to help you succeed and prepare for your future career.
Get Started Today
Your new career is just around the corner with Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Business Administration program. Learn more and apply today!
