At 48, with nearly three decades of experience in banking, Justin Lawson could have comfortably maintained his position as president of Centennial Bank’s Searcy branch. Instead, the married father of three made a decision to reshape his professional trajectory: pursue an MBA with a Concentration in Financial Planning and Analysis online with Arkansas State University.
“I was looking for an opportunity to see what the landscape of education was and try to make sure that I stayed on the cutting edge of new business ideas, techniques and technology,” he explains.
Finding the Right Fit: Flexibility and Affordability Matter
Justin began his banking career as a teller immediately after high school, working his way up through customer service roles while earning an undergraduate degree. He started a master’s program in 2003, but life intervened and his academic track remained untouched until 2024.
Reflecting on his motivation to enroll in an online MBA program, Justin says it wasn’t just about personal achievement, but also strategic career planning. “I’m halfway through my career, I’ve still got another 15, 20 years left to work,” he says. “Let’s make sure the last half is better than the first half. I felt like Arkansas State could get me there.”
Choosing A-State’s MBA degree online program came down to practical considerations that aligned perfectly with Justin’s demanding responsibilities and budget. “I was really brought in by the fact that it was completely online. I did not have the time to go to night classes or try to drive someplace. I just couldn’t fit that in my schedule,” he explains. “Also, quite frankly, the cost of the program was very economical.”
Balancing Career, Family and Education in the Digital Age
Starting in April 2024 with a projected December 2025 graduation, Justin has found toggling between work, family and studies manageable, thanks partly to the program’s supportive faculty. “The balance of it has been perfect. They have been very good to work with,” he says.
“There was a time during one of my financial management classes where the faculty was extremely flexible as I was trying to take vacation with my family. He said, ‘Don’t worry about turning anything in this week. Just make sure it’s turned in when you get back. You and your family enjoy your vacation time.’” Justin continues, “They’re just really good-hearted folks to work with.”
From Classroom to Boardroom: Immediate Professional Impact
Justin describes the Graduate Business Fundamentals course—a requirement for all MBA students—as the perfect kickoff to the program. It presented a valuable foundation that Justin has built upon throughout his master’s education.
“I was trying to center myself in the language of business again,” Justin explains, describing the challenge of returning to academic life after two decades. “Being out of the educational world, I know the language of the business that I’m in every day, but I didn’t necessarily know the language of all the other business aspects that I was going to encounter.”
The academic rigor proved immediately beneficial in his professional life. “In that particular course, I was able to refresh myself at a professional level,” Justin says. “I think it’s helped me to be a better employee … in my correspondence, how I’m writing up my loan packets, how I’m answering questions with my committees. I brought all of that new language to my job.”
The learning process itself has proven transformative, and Justin’s satisfaction with the online program is evident. “I’m learning, I’m digging, I’m studying, I’m being pushed, and it’s making me better every day.”
Earn a High-Quality, High-Value Arkansas State University MBA 100% Online
Multiply your business skills and learn to support any organization’s financial health through budgeting, forecasting, modeling and integrated financial planning with A-State’s 100% online MBA financial planning program.
With the experience you’ll gain from this AACSB-accredited program, helping companies remain consistently profitable through comprehensive financial planning and cash flow management will become your specialty.
Career-focused electives give you the opportunity to explore international markets, data mining or U.S. business cycles. The financial planning and analysis graduate program’s core business courses will help you build the acumen employers value by focusing on ethical leadership, international business, project management, enterprising technology, decision-making methods and social responsibility.
As a graduate of this MBA program, you will be prepared for advancement into roles such as:
- Financial Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Operations Manager/Director
- CFO
A-State offers a variety of MBA programs that feature 100% online coursework; accelerated, seven-week courses with multiple start dates annually; and the same affordable tuition rate for all U.S. residents. Explore our full range of online MBA programs.