Military Veteran and Father of Five, Christopher King, Advances His Career With an Online MBA From Arkansas State University

Christopher King’s journey back to school began with a simple realization: It was finally time. A veteran, father of five, and seasoned cybersecurity and telecommunications professional, Christopher always envisioned earning his MBA. Life’s demands—career responsibilities, military service, raising a family—kept that goal just out of reach.  

“My family was wholeheartedly supportive of my decision to go back to school,” Christopher said. “They’re the biggest reason I felt like I was ready to accomplish that goal.” 

As a first-generation college student watching his four daughters excel in their own academic pursuits, Christopher found additional motivation to continue his education. “They’re doing their thing and making it look easy. I’m just trying to maintain and be the example that I would like to be for them.” 

Finding the Right Fit: Flexibility andMilitary-Friendly Support 

When researching graduate programs, Christopher prioritized three key factors: convenience, value and veteran support. The online MBA in Marketing program at Arkansas State University checked every box. 

“I chose A-State because of its flexibility, affordability and reputation as a military-friendly school,” he explained. “As a veteran and a father of five, balancing school, work and family was critical. The online format made it possible.” 

Christopher, who had last attended college in 2001, initially worried about adapting to modern learning technologies. Those concerns quickly dissipated. “Arkansas State was very open and receptive to that situation, and they provided a fostering environment for me from the beginning.” 

Career-Focused Learning That Made a Difference at Work 

The MBA program immediately proved its value in Christopher’s professional life. “What stands out most is the practical, career-focused curriculum and the ability to immediately apply what I learned in real-world contexts,” he said. 

One class made an especially strong impression. “My business analytics course gave me data skills through hands-on projects. This experience was something I was able to utilize directly in my job.” 

The program’s impact extended beyond technical skills. “This allowed me to be more confident in my day-to-day activities and communicate effectively across various audiences,” Christopher noted. “It has opened a few more doors for me in terms of opportunities.” 

That confidence is already translating into career advancement. Christopher is currently being considered for his next promotion. “Leadership is something that I’ve been striving for long before the program,” he said. “As I progress through the program and gain the knowledge, skills and abilities it fosters, it’s raised the attention of my current leadership and has given me the upper edge.” 

Building Connections in an Online Environment 

The interactive aspects of his online MBA program particularly stood out to Christopher. “Even in a virtual setting, I was able to build meaningful connections with peers and instructors,” he said. “Instructors were always willing to share insights and experiences, which broadened my perspective beyond just my own career path.” 

The accessibility of faculty was another impressive aspect of the online format at A-State. “Every time that I’ve needed to reach out and get that type of guidance or instruction or direction, it’s always been seamless.” 

Looking Ahead: Advancement and Entrepreneurship 

Christopher’s future plans combine his diverse experience in technology, marketing and strategy. “I think my ultimate career goal is to transition into a senior leadership role,” he explained. “Long-term, I also aspire to build and scale my own business.” 

For Christopher, the MBA represents more than personal achievement—it’s about making a broader impact. His involvement in community service, including tornado relief efforts in the St. Louis area, benefits from the leadership skills he’s developing. “The experiences I build upon in this program give me all the knowledge and the exposure . . . I need for bridging that gap between the classroom and the community.” 

His advice to prospective students is straightforward. “Be open-minded and review all of the options that the program gives. This program is flexible, and it will allow you to use it as a platform to get to just about any career goal.” 

Christopher adds a thoughtful reminder about the learning mindset. “Be patient with yourself, be willing to listen, be willing to be teachable and be willing to learn. There’s always something that you’ll be able to learn.” 

About the MBA Program at Arkansas State University 

The online MBA – Marketing at Arkansas State University delivers a career-defining education designed to accommodate your busy schedule. With 100% online coursework, you can balance your graduate studies with career and personal responsibilities while advancing your business expertise. 

Faculty bring real-world experience and a supportive mindset to create an engaging learning environment. The program prepares you to ideate and implement impactful marketing campaigns to maximize audience engagement and promote brand awareness. You’ll also learn to leverage digital technologies and strategies to create value and solve problems for businesses worldwide.  

Develop your ability to evaluate buyer behavior, utilize advanced analytics skills in modern business scenarios, and drive organizational change as you pursue your academic goals. This AACSB-accredited online MBA program empowers you to pursue fast-paced, rewarding careers, including: 

• Marketing Manager 

• E-Commerce Director 

• Product Manager 

• Market Research Director  

Explore Our A-State Online MBA Options 

A-State proudly offers a wide range of affordable, in-demand online MBA programs that facilitate your pursuit of important career benchmarks or new opportunities. If management and group dynamics are your areas of interest, the M.S. in Organizational Leadership program provides a convenient pathway to advanced roles driving organizational growth.