Graduating cohort members are excited to apply their new skills
Embrace the process—and cherish the time you have with your cohort.
That was a common piece of advice members of the Professional MBA graduating class had for incoming MBA students at a special Aloha Event on campus. The Sept. 14 event provided incoming and outgoing students an opportunity to share laughs, stories and, of course, some pearls of wisdom.
After more than two decades of being in the hotel and entertainment industry, Connie Kramer ’25 decided to pursue her Professional MBA at Chaminade, saying it had been a lifetime goal.
“Being in the program jarred my interest in academia,” says Kramer, who hopes to continue her Chaminade education by pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change. “It crept up on me, even though academia is in the fabric of my family.”
Designed in an innovative, accelerated format, the one-year Professional MBA aims to advance the skills of those who already have years of business experience in their respective industries. The degree puts a strong focus on strategic decision-making, career advancement and entrepreneurial innovation.
Chaminade offers a Professional MBA along with a traditional two-year MBA program.
A defining feature of the 12-month curriculum is its “lockstep” structure, which means that all students take the required courses together—as a cohort. Lauren Hamrick ’25 said that helped her build her confidence, along with relationships that she hopes to keep as she advances her career.
“It’s amazing to look back to see what we’ve learned and how to apply those theories into real life circumstances,” she said.
A farmer and small business owner, Jon Watase ’25 said that with the help of the Professional MBA program, he was able to expand his website, grow his company’s presence and participate in the Made in Hawaii Festival. He also learned about accounting principles and strategic decision-making.
Learn more about Chaminade’s MBA programs by clicking here.
In a “Shark Tank”-style presentation, Watase even pitched his idea to a panel of professors and won a business competition. “I actually received funding, which helped my business grow,” Watase said.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without being a part of this cohort.”
Graduating students said one of the biggest benefits of the Professional MBA is its one-year timeframe.
Additionally, classes are held on alternating weeks and supplemented by online coursework, offering flexibility. “The faculty is amazing,” added Stacey Robinson ’25, adding that you can also learn lots from your peers “who will help you see the bigger picture.”
Another attractive selling point of the Professional MBA program is an international trip that’s full of hands-on learning opportunities. “The international field experience in Japan was the biggest seller for me,” said Kramer, who was recognized with the Outstanding Student Award. “We met with so many consequential leaders and had so many thought-provoking conversations.”
Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.
