Seattle University Online Business Blog

Discover the best management books that will elevate your leadership skills. Learn key strategies from industry experts to propel your career.

If you want to succeed in business, we have some advice: Open a book. Books provide easy access to the world’s experts in areas such as marketing, communications, strategy, ethics, finance, technology, or, really, any subject covered in the nation’s top MBA programs. And, the best books are also a joy to read, full of truly life-changing lessons and wisdom.

As you consider the best path for moving ahead in your career, you may wonder whether an MBA or an MSBA is the right choice. Explore the specialized data-focused skills and potential career outcomes of an MSBA vs. MBA and its emphasis on well-rounded management skills.

Choosing between an MBA and a master’s can be challenging. Explore the unique aspects of each program, from curriculum and career opportunities to practical considerations to empower your decision with insights that pave the way for your professional growth.

Discover the crucial elements of SCM from suppliers to end customers. Unravel how manufacturers, distributors, and retailers interlink for efficient operations.

Not all MBA programs are created equal. Many business schools offer MBA programs for professionals at different career stages. Explore the MBA and Executive MBA differences to help you decide which degree is the best fit for your career goals.

Supply chain visibility is a game-changer for organizations aiming to stay competitive. Explore how businesses can improve customer experience, realize cost savings, and streamline operations by increasing supply chain visibility.

You’ve likely heard some of the benefits of getting an MBA before: C-suite connections, professional prestige, and other unexpected but equally important perks that last long after graduation. But with the time and money that you have to commit to the program, it’s normal to want to know exactly what you’ll get in return from this popular business degree.

A Master's in Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most sought-after degrees in the business world, promising a significant salary increase and a quick passage up the corporate ladder. So how do you know when you're ready to take this important career step?

Higher education has long been seen as a gateway to a better future—including a better paying job and more earning potential throughout your life—and the average MBA graduate salary is certainly a reason to consider attending business school.

Logistics and supply chain management are interrelated disciplines vital in ensuring that businesses run smoothly and efficiently. This blog breaks down the similarities and differences and how the disciplines combine to support successful business operations.

In this blog, we will explore the foundations and applications of cost analysis, highlighting its significance in existing operations and new ventures.

Recent technological advancements have changed almost all aspects of our daily lives, from how we work and play to how we communicate. Explore the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies and innovation and how leaders can address them.

Investigate the key concepts and benefits of lean supply chain management, how lean compares to agile methodologies, and how lean operations can be implemented across industries.

The supply chain refers to the stages involved in getting a product from raw materials to the customer. Each step in the process is part of the supply chain, including sourcing, manufacturing, shipping, storage, distribution, and delivery.

This blog explains the essential activities that drive value and outline strategies to enhance business performance and customer satisfaction. Learn how value chain management can become a cornerstone of your business' strategic approach.

A robust risk assessment strategy can help businesses plan for unexpected events. This article covers risk assessment and management through quantitative risk analysis, including its methods and use cases.

Business analysts use quantitative and qualitative analysis and data visualization to drive informed decisions in areas including market research, financial forecasting, risk management, and operational optimization. Read more about quantitative analysis here.

Although pandemic-related labor and supply shortages passed, global supply chains continue to face challenges that illustrate the importance of effective supply chain management principles. The journey from raw materials to stocked shelves is fraught with obstacles. Read about how supply chain management professionals overcome challenges to keep commerce moving.

Have you ever stopped to really think about the role of supply chain managers in delivering your morning coffee or tea? Read about these behind-the-scenes heroes of modern commerce and an introduction to supply chain management in today's complex global economy.

Would you like to move into, or up in, the ranks of management? If so, conflict management and resolution are among the skills you will need to have. This blog explores how you can develop essential conflict management skills and provides an overview of the factors to consider when selecting a conflict resolution training program.

Financial analytics can elevate business success by helping optimize business operations, identifying market opportunities and business risks, and improving an organization's financial and business strategy. This article will explore the benefits of analytics in finance and how you can leverage financial analytics to provide valuable strategic and operational insights to businesses.

Are you considering a career in data analysis or business analysis? Both fields are growing much faster than average, offer attractive salaries, and can be good career choices. If you’re wondering which would better fit you, this post can help answer that question.

If your organization doesn't have an educational assistance program, a well-crafted proposal might convince leadership to start one. Use the guide Seattle University’s Albers School of Business prepared to help you create a compelling case for a tuition reimbursement program.

How do you approach the job hunt if you’ve recently been laid off from the tech sector? Combining your problem-solving skills and knowledge from your tech experience with a master’s in either business administration or business analytics could be the key to a new fulfilling job and a whole dynamic career.

If you enjoy statistics, mathematics, problem-solving, and communication, becoming a business analytics professional can be a brilliant career choice. Read on for a survey of four top business analytics careers, including information on career preparation, job duties, salaries, career outlook, and job satisfaction.

In an increasingly data-driven world, more and more businesses require their employees to understand analytics. That’s especially true in tech, and it’s especially true today. Albers’ intimate MSBA program helps to sharpen students’ quantitative skills to make data-informed business decisions.

Do ethical principles and business behavior go together? Researchers studying the financial performance of companies have found a direct correlation between business ethics and bottom-line results. Read on to explore the relationship of ethics to business success and guidelines for creating an ethical work culture.

Madeline Haydon (MBA '05) is the heroine of the unlikely and inspiring success story of Nutpods, an eco-friendly, vegan line of dairy-alternative coffee creamers. The Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics alumna is successfully blending sustainable practices and sensitivity to social and environmental issues with an intense focus on serving customers to create a category-leading business. Read on to learn more about Haydon, her innovative company, and its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Business leaders may be judged by their ability to bring in star talent, build a successful team, instill good attitudes among their employees and raise company profits. But what leadership traits inspire others to perform at their highest potential? In this article, we examine the traits that help top business leaders create the strongest teams and the greatest company success.

In 1995, Steve Jobs, a pioneer of personal computers and co-founder of Apple, said, “I think everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer, should learn a computer language, because it teaches you how to think.” Keep reading to discover how learning how to code can change your life—both professionally and personally.

Fasten your seat belt. Five key business trends for the new year are advancing the scope and pace of change. All indications point to an exciting year of life-changing evolution in technologies and business practices. Read on to discover what's in store for you as five important business trends begin making their impact on your daily life.

If you are returning to the workforce after time away to care for your family or are changing fields, an MBA can help you successfully relaunch your career. Not only can an advanced business degree dramatically improve the trajectory of your work life, but it can benefit your family in some ways you may not have considered.

Environmental protection has historically been in the purview of governments and non-profit organizations but that is changing. Ecopreneurship is a rising trend in business and an important response to our global environmental challenges. Learn more about green entrepreneurs and the exciting market-based approach to helping solve environmental problems.

Fabio Peña is a member of the 2023 cohort of online MBA students at Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics. A first-generation Latinx graduate student, he is also a socially-conscious entrepreneur who blended his background as the son of migrant farm workers and his business education to support other first-gen college students. Read more about his journey and advice for first-generation students here.

At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive for an entrepreneur to seek an MBA. After all, isn’t thinking outside the box a key part of the entrepreneur mindset? Is an MBA worth it for entrepreneurs? There are many ways that attending an accredited MBA school can help make your business idea a successful reality. Read on for a discussion of what it takes to be successful and how the best schools for entrepreneurs help you develop those qualities and skills.

Over the past year, the global pandemic has left many industries in turmoil, with several sectors facing heavy disruption due to staff cuts and operational changes. While some tech companies are finding fresh opportunities for expansion amid a rapidly shifting work environment, several legacy industries are struggling to weather the storm.

Show Them What You’ll Bring to the Table Completing an MBA application can seem like a daunting task. No matter how confident you are in your own ability and drive to succeed, it can be tough to think through what really distinguishes you from all of the other qualified candidates.

Want to know how to get into an MBA program that's right for you? Read these tips from one of the country's best-value online business programs.

A career in production management or operations management can be a highly rewarding life choice. It offers tremendous opportunities to combine a wealth of personal strengths with the leadership skill and business expertise taught in the best MBA programs—all with the goal of optimizing business output.

Read more about different types of educational assistance companies offer and the frequently attached conditions. We’ll also explore why employers provide educational assistance and share tips on finding companies that pay for MBAs and fit your career goals.

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that unemployment for those with a master’s degree is 4.1%, among the lowest.1 The outlook for post-graduation employment is even better for those considering an MBA or a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA).

In this blog post, we'll discuss the main differences between the programs and tell you some of the best entry-level MBA and MSBA positions you can get once you have your degree in hand.

Leaving the military and entering the civilian business world is a significant milestone. Aside from the obvious differences (a business “uniform” is less of a uniform and more a turn of phrase), you’ll find yourself having to adjust to new organizational structures, methods of communication, work hours, and more.

A common concern that many people have when looking to earn their MBA is how they’ll be able to balance their current job along with their coursework. But for 2021 Seattle University Online MBA graduate Emily Panyard, she didn’t just continue working while earning her master’s degree—she got promoted because of it.

Looking to land a top job in fashion management, planning, production, or manufacturing? An MBA in Operations might be the perfect fit. This degree will fully prepare you for management and consulting jobs in the fast-paced, constantly-evolving fashion industry.

Many universities offer an MSBA degree, but not all programs are the same. Below, we’ll outline the differences between MSBAs and help you determine which type of program fits your wants and needs. Then, you’ll be ready to start your application and begin your graduate school journey.

With an average of 20% growth for the leading MBA schools, graduate school admissions are becoming more and more competitive. As you look to apply and start your MBA studies, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.

Are you thinking about advancing your career by getting an Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)? If so, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about an Online MSBA degree below to help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Gian-Luca Matsuda has had a unique online MBA experience so far: he started the Online Master’s in Business Administration program at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics two weeks after the city shut down for quarantine. While Gian-Luca and his cohort had to quickly adapt to the fully-remote experience, he was also feeling the direct effects of the pandemic in his role as a data analyst for Seattle’s low-income housing authority.

As the digital world continues to expand and evolve, so do the opportunities and careers that it creates. Today, every engagement and consumer transaction carried out in cyberspace creates a data trail of potentially profitable information.

If anyone knows how to make online graduate school work for their schedule, it’s Kelsey Kaufman. After working at a digital marketing agency in Seattle for a few years, Kelsey moved to New York in 2016 to launch an influencer marketing program for makeup and skincare brand Milk Makeup.

It used to be that there were two distinct professions and departments within a business: the operational executives and the information technology professionals. People on the operations side made big decisions about business strategy, customer service, and marketing, while the IT people managed technology and data.

If you’re thinking of pursuing a degree in data science, you’ve made a wise decision. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data science is one of the top 20 fastest-growing occupations, with a projected growth rate of 31% between 2019-29.

2020 was a year that brought many Americans to the brink, in more than one way. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, record unemployment claims and mass layoffs occurred almost overnight across the country and especially in the Seattle area, prompting many people to rethink their career paths. With many industries still struggling, 2021 might be the best year yet to change to a more stable and more lucrative career.

Online learning has expanded dramatically over the last two decades. What used to be a niche higher education opportunity offered by only a handful of schools has become incredibly popular. Even before recent events with COVID-19 forced many into online learning, tens of thousands of students were choosing to enroll in an MBA or MSBA program online.

With trendy cities and panoramic vistas stretching the full length of Washington, the Evergreen State offers year-round outdoor adventures, exciting cultural attractions, and a full spectrum of business opportunities. Over 250,000 companies are currently based or have headquarters in Washington, including some of the largest organizations in the world, such as Amazon, Boeing, Costco, Microsoft, and Starbucks.

FinTech is not just a fancy new buzzword that bankers use—this burgeoning industry is exploding with innovative ideas, groundbreaking technology, and a hugely promising future. Since the 2008 financial crash that saw millions of citizens arou...

In 2021, it is practically conventional wisdom that an advanced degree like a master’s degree, an MBA, a PhD, a JD or an MD is a necessity if you want to give yourself the best chance of a successful, meaningful career. While professional doctoral degrees like JDs and MDs will lead you down very specific career paths, it can be harder to envision the career outcomes associated with more versatile degrees like the MBA or the PhD.

When Schyuler Lujan looked at the job postings that interested her, they all seemed to require programming skills. So, as she researched graduate programs, she knew she needed one with a thoughtful mission, a strong sense of community—and offered coding 101.

For Jamian Griggs, the residency retreat was a surprise: Not a surprise that as an Online MBA student, he would need to attend—but rather a surprise that he would get so much out of it.

The MBA Oath has been taken by more than 10,000 students around the globe. It’s a voluntary oath created with the goal of upholding ethical standards in business and management, but it also serves as a challenge for MBA graduates to go further to better their business community and society at large.1

What does leadership mean to you? Depending on your background, it might sound like an easy question or an incredibly challenging one. As your career grows and you take on new responsibilities, understanding the essential skills of a great leader is key to being successful.

Businesses today create and store a lot of data. Seagate estimates by 2025 we will have produced about 175 zetabytes1 of data, and with an MSBA degree, you could help businesses effectively analyze data to make strategic decisions about the future.

At Seattle University, a personal statement is not required to apply for our Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) or Online MBA. However, it can be a powerful tool in making your case to be admitted.

You’ve done the work: Dug through job postings, wrote an impressive cover letter, and nailed the interview. After all of that, you finally have a job offer. The problem? Now, you need to negotiate your new offer.

Python might sound as frightening as its namesake, but don’t worry. It can actually be the tool that sets you on a new career path. With more data available than ever before, there’s a real need for professionals who understand how to use today’s technology.

The GRE vs. the GMAT: It’s a debate that intellectually ambitious professionals nationwide face every year as they contemplate applying to business school to develop their skill sets and advance their careers. Many top-tier business schools throughout the country include standardized testing as an application requirement; while some are only willing to accept the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), others offer the option to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) instead.

While no two MBA career paths may be exactly the same, it can still be productive to consider some general advice for maintaining a healthy upward trajectory. It’s likely that if you are considering an MBA, you already have some idea of how you would like the degree to impact your career, whether that be in terms of a more advanced title, a pivot into a different in industry, new skills and relevant knowledge, or all of the above.

Each person contemplating putting forth the time and effort to earn an MBA or Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) has their own motives: promotions, increasing their salary, expanding their business acumen, earning respect and enhancing their credibility in the office. Even if their reasons for pursuing an MBA or MSBA differ, each prospective candidate likely shares the same concern: How will I pay for this program?

If you’re considering an advanced degree to help you advance your business career, you’ve probably already considered some of the quantifiable benefits of an MBA. You likely already know, for instance, that an MBA can provide a serious boost to your salary, even if you are unaware that the median starting base salary for candidates with an MBA is $40,000 higher than that for candidates with only a bachelor’s degree.

“Business acumen”: It’s a term that every professional knows and likely even uses from time to time, but one that has a tendency to get thrown around rather loosely, without a precisely articulated definition. Business schools may promise to develop business acumen and hiring managers may list it as a required or desired skill in job postings, but what are they really offering or asking for?

Read about five key benefits of time management in the workplace and explore some time management strategies that can help make them a reality for you and your organization.

Whether you’re a recent college graduate or you’ve been a member of the workforce for a number of years, it’s entirely natural to find yourself wondering, “Should I go to business school?” While making the commitment of time, money, and energy to get a traditional MBA or a specialized business master’s degree can be daunting, many professionals take the plunge every year for a variety of reasons.

A complete business education does not just occur inside a business school classroom. The most motivated professionals are committed to constantly learning and growing on their own, seeking out whatever new information and perspectives they can on everything from broad trends in the global economy to trending topics in business and management strategy and productive everyday behaviors.

How the Online Learning Experience Can Elevate Your Education As higher education has become an increasingly common requirement for professional advancement, online learning has seen its profile rise as an attractive option for working professionals. In fact, even as overall enrollments in higher education have declined in recent years, online enrollments have grown every year since 2002.

Graduate school is a significant investment. If you’re a working professional considering returning to school for an advanced degree, chances are you are going to want to see evidence of a desirable ROI before taking the plunge and writing that first tuition check.

If you are currently engaged in the GMAT preparation process and searching for answers to questions like “How much does the GMAT cost?”, read on to learn everything you need to know to position yourself for success on the exam.

So you’ve chosen to pursue your graduate degree online. Perhaps studying online will allow you to take classes at an institution outside of your local geographic area, or possibly the freedom to complete coursework on your own schedule is the major factor driving you to seek your degree online. Whatever your reason, one thing is clear: Studying online effectively requires a specific set of skills that are not quite the same as those needed to succeed in a conventional classroom.

Business school tuition is a significant investment, and cost is often one of the biggest factors that prospective students must consider when deciding whether to take the plunge and advance their education. The good news is financial aid for business school does exist, and one of the key sources of it might be closer than you think.

Whether you’re composing an MBA application resume or preparing your resume in search of a new job, one of the most challenging parts of the process is learning how to sell yourself to those who will be reviewing your application. Professionals at all stages of their careers may struggle to give themselves as much credit as they deserve for their achievements and accomplishments.