Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | December 10, 2018 | Worcester Business Journal 11 BOB A W A R D S B E S T O F B U S I N E S S B E S T O F B U SI N E S S Awards B E S T O F B U S I N E S S 2014 W o r c e s t e r B u sin ess J o u r n a l Awards W o r ce s t e r B us i n e s s J o u r n a l 2015 B E S T O F B U S I N E S S W o r ce s t e r B us i n e s s J o u r n a l Awards W o r ce s t e r B us i n e s s J o u r n a l 2016 B E S T O F B U S I N E S S W o r ce s t e r B us i n e s s J o u r n a l W the college is in- creasingly marketing to employers rather than just potential students. "We can partner with firms to use ed- ucation as a benefit that helps to attract and retain their talent," she said. Finding the right fit for businesses FSU has seen increased interest in its MBA program among employers includ- ing local credit unions and hospitals. Some offer reimbursement to workers for continuing their education, or seek out interns from the program. "We're seeing a lot of small to medium-sized companies that are becoming learning institutions," said Keith Williamson, dean of business and technology. Ties with local business are crucial for all three MBA programs. With hospitals and other health providers as a crucial part of the Central Massachusetts econ- omy, Assumption launched a health- care-oriented concentration, and FSU is considering a similar move. Nichols created an external advisory board made up of corporate leaders to help ensure its students were receiving the kind of education that would make them attractive as employees. In response to employers' needs, Calnan said, it has expanded its focus on so skills, conflict resolution and leadership development, supplementing more traditional MBA components like finance and strategic management. Despite the national decline, Frkal said, MBAs continue to appeal to many students looking for a practical path to career success. For example, As- sumption's accounting track provides the credits students need – above and beyond what they receive in a bachelor's program – to receive a CPA license. Students can focus specifically on areas like marketing, banking or operations. But, Frkal said, the bottom line is, regardless of industry, an MBA prepares professionals to find their place helping whatever business they work for to thrive. "When you graduate with an MBA, you understand all the functions of business operations," she said. Robin Frkal, director of Assumption's MBA program FSU growth Source: Fitchburg State University 0 100 200 300 400 MBA applicants Fall 2016 Fall 2017 Fall 2018 172 366 342 Currently enrolled MBA students: Online................................................. 900 On campus ........................................... 75 MBA applications to Fitchburg State University have increased since 2016, with most growth coming from the online program. MBA programs at Nichols College in Dudley give students the option to show up to a weekly class or connect remotely online. U.S. decline Total applications for U.S. MBA programs 0 100 200 300 400 MBA applicants Fall 2016 Fall 2017 Fall 2018 172 366 342 Currently enrolled MBA students: Online................................................. 900 On campus ........................................... 75 150,749 140,864 2017 2018 Source: Graduate Management Admission Council Application Trends Survey Report 2018

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