Student Spotlight: Michael Bley, MBA Candidate 2015

Michael Bley
MBA Candidate
Full-time student

• Concentrations: MIS, Finance
• Undergraduate degree in: Social Studies Education – Economics / PoliSci
• Undergraduate School: Purdue University
• LinkedIn Profile

What prompted you to return to school to achieve your master’s degree?

I knew while I was an undergraduate student I wanted to return to school to get my MBA within a few years of graduating.  My undergraduate degree is in Education and I realized while going through the program that I was interested in educational issues and policy, but that teaching in a secondary classroom setting just was not for me.  During this time, I found I really like economics.  In the short term, I plan to use my MBA to gain a skill-set in financial analysis and eventually I want to lead a successful team.

What was the most important factor for you in choosing an MBA program (or factors you considered)?

My four main considerations were the areas of concentration, experience of the faculty, AACSB Accreditation, and the diversity of the student population both professionally and culturally.

Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your graduate study?

I explored many of the programs within Chicago and also a few out of state.  UIC was the best fit for me.  A degree from UIC is recognized and valued throughout the world – there are students from twenty something countries represented in the incoming Liautaud class.  The faculty is very experienced and the flexibility of the curriculum provides me with the opportunity to tailor my classes to focus in on the areas of concentration that will propel me into the next phase of my career.

What is your favorite aspect of the UIC campus and why?

Douglas Hall is great – it’s very modern and LEED Certified.  I love that you can look out of the windows and see both the trees next to the building and the top of the Willis Tower.