Jessica Shipley, MBA '24

Baylor OMBA, Marketing Concentration
Director of Marketing, The Beck Group

Balancing Career, Family and Education

Jessica Shipley’s time in Baylor University’s Online MBA program highlights the impact of advanced education on leadership and strategic thinking. As the director of marketing at The Beck Group, Shipley leveraged nearly two decades of professional experience while managing her career and family responsibilities throughout the program.

Choosing Baylor and the Online Format

Shipley selected Baylor’s MBA program because of its strong reputation and the alignment of its values with her own. The online format provided the necessary flexibility, enabling her to continue excelling in her role at The Beck Group while also fulfilling her family obligations.

“I chose Baylor for its outstanding reputation and values that align with my personal and professional goals,” Shipley said.

The structure of the program provided the freedom to balance work and family responsibilities, all while pursuing a challenging and transformative education that supported her growth in both her career and personal life.

A Career in Marketing

Shipley has built an 18-year career with The Beck Group, progressing from an entry-level marketing role to her current position as director of marketing. During this time, she developed expertise in communicating organizational goals, strengthening brand identity and creating strategies that align with long-term objectives. A significant focus of her work has been highlighting the contributions of the company’s people and projects and their impact on the communities they serve.

Her responsibilities have included leading teams and overseeing marketing initiatives designed to connect with a broad range of stakeholders. By focusing on effective messaging and innovative approaches, she has worked to ensure her organization’s values and achievements are clearly represented in its outreach efforts.

Shipley’s experience in team leadership and strategic planning is ultimately what led her to pursue an MBA. She sought to build on her existing skills, expand her knowledge of business practices and further develop her approach to leadership and decision-making. This step reflects her goal of bringing a deeper perspective to her role while continuing to drive the growth and success of her organization.

Managing Priorities

Balancing a full-time job, family and graduate studies required significant planning and time management. Shipley intentionally structured her schedule, carving out dedicated time for coursework while relying on support from her family and colleagues.

Clear communication and a strong support system were essential in maintaining focus and meeting her commitments. By prioritizing her goals and effectively establishing boundaries, she successfully managed her personal responsibilities while excelling in the program with a 4.0 GPA.

Impact of a Baylor MBA

Jessica Shipley hugging daughters at Baylor Hooding ceremony

Shipley found Baylor’s Online MBA program with a concentration in Marketing to be a strong complement to her career background. Courses such as leadership and strategic management stood out for their practical application to her role as a marketing leader.

“The program provided a wealth of resources, from knowledgeable professors to collaborative peers and a curriculum that tied directly to real-world applications,” she said. “Baylor’s focus on leadership was especially meaningful and supported my growth both personally and professionally.”

Choosing a marketing concentration was a nonnegotiable for Shipley when selecting an MBA program. As someone deeply passionate about storytelling and driving value through strategic marketing, she knew this focus was essential for her overall growth.

“In fact, it was a deal-breaker if a school didn’t offer this option,” Shipley said.

The concentration provided advanced insights into communicating with data and brand management, directly applicable to her role as a marketing director. It allowed her to refine messaging, innovate strategies and lead her team with greater confidence and impact.

Additionally, Shipley credits the tailored curriculum with aiding her ability to guide marketing initiatives. Courses in financial analysis, organizational behavior and strategic management equipped her to tackle business operations with more insight and precision.

Practical Applications at Work

Shipley applied insights she gained directly from her course readings to improve her work.

For instance, the concepts in John P. Kotter’s book “Leading Change” helped her navigate organizational transitions, providing a structured approach to driving alignment across departments. Additionally, Jim Collins’ “Good to Great” reinforced the importance of disciplined actions and strategic focus, which guided her team’s marketing efforts and helped build a culture of excellence.

“These lessons have been instrumental in helping me lead with purpose and deliver results,” Shipley said.

The Role of Community

Though the program was online, Shipley valued the collaborative environment created through group projects, discussion boards and virtual interactions. Having classmates who were also working professionals brought unique perspectives to class discussions and provided real-world insights into business challenges.

“Their diverse experiences enriched discussions and provided practical perspectives,” Shipley said. “Regular interactions helped foster a sense of community among my peers which supported the learning process and created great opportunities for networking.”

Advice for Future Students

Shipley encourages prospective students to approach the experience with clear goals and a commitment to being organized. She highlights the importance of time management and utilizing support networks to balance work, family and education.

“Go for it but be prepared to manage your time wisely,” she said. “Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network and remember that the short-term sacrifices are worth the long-term benefits. Stay organized and keep your goals front and center to stay motivated.”

Looking Forward

Through Baylor’s MBA program, Shipley developed new skills to elevate her leadership and strategy-focused role. The program provided her with a deeper understanding of business practices, expanded her professional perspective and contributed to her ability to lead effectively.

Shipley’s journey underscores the value of combining industry expertise with advanced education, demonstrating how focused effort and strategic planning can help working professionals achieve their goals.

What’s Next

Considering an OMBA that provides flexibility, experiential learning and strategic insights to boost your career? Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business offers an online MBA program taught by the same expert faculty as the on-campus MBA, which provides students with the same principled learning opportunities as their counterparts in the classroom. Reach out for a one-on-one consultation with our Enrollment Coordinators today to begin your OMBA journey.

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