For Deborah Inaba, ’14, the flexibility, convenience and personalized education she found in the Master of Business Administration program offered by the Harry F. Byrd, Jr., School of Business helped her earn a second graduate degree.
Inaba had already earned a master’s degree in exercise science when she decided to pursue an MBA, which she ultimately earned at the age of 56. “In order to advance into medically based fitness and wellness leadership, I needed a more complete understanding of business practices and healthcare management,” said Inaba, a clinical exercise physiologist who coordinates fitness services within Valley Health’s Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in Woodstock. And, as a single parent, “it made sense to me to continue to invest in my abilities so as to potentially be a better provider for my family.”
She returned to school in 2010, when she took MBA Essentials coursework at the Byrd Business School. She then began her formal MBA coursework at another university with more business/healthcare classes than were available at the time at Shenandoah (the Byrd School started offering a certificate in healthcare management in 2014.) However, the other school, which required a significant commute to classes, wasn’t a good fit for a single mom with high-school aged kids at home and a full-time job.
Shenandoah’s proximity to Inaba’s Winchester, Virginia, home made it very attractive. “Shenandoah is such an invaluable resource for the community and to the healthcare system,” she added. “As Shenandoah further develops all aspects of its healthcare offerings, I would suspect that more healthcare employees would take advantage of continuing education through Shenandoah.”
Inaba took advantage of the MBA’s flexible schedule — classes are offered nightly or every other weekend — to complete her degree. “I was working full time and taking weekend evening classes. So although I could only take one or two classes per semester, I felt strongly that pursuing the full MBA would be an important investment in my career advancement.
“I consider that my MBA and MS have prepared me to become a medically based fitness and wellness center director. I have 15 years’ experience in the medically based fitness and wellness industry,” she said. The benefits of the MBA education has already become quite apparent. “What I learned has increased the depth of understanding that I bring to my current job. Although the MBA does not guarantee advancement, having the credential indicates that I have made a commitment and investment in my career,” said Inaba, who also appreciated the guidance she received from faculty as she earned her MBA. “So many wonderful and wise professors gave me many different perspectives that deepen my understanding not only of the healthcare profession but business and life itself. I am very grateful for the many diverse opinions and wise minds of the Byrd School of Business.”