Student Spotlight: Ivan Trent on the William & Mary Difference

When considering an advanced degree, prospective students typically look for a program that will grow their knowledge and expand their career opportunities. But when it comes to selecting a “best-fit” program, there’s more to consider. In this spotlight, we delve into Ivan Trent’s experience with William & Mary’s Online MBA program, exploring how the program’s fusion of tradition with modern-day academic innovation has equipped him with invaluable skills, an agile mindset and a robust professional network.

Trent graduated with his MBA in 2024 and is currently enrolled in William & Mary’s Online Master of Science in Marketing program. Read on to learn more about what mattered most to him as he looked for an MBA program, and how earning this degree has impacted his professional development.

The decision to enroll in an Online MBA program is a significant one, and for Trent, the choice to enroll in a “Public Ivy” was clear. “What drew me in was not only the competitive rankings, but the prestige of the university itself,” Trent explained. “The alumni network has helped a lot because you’re put into an elite club of students that dates back to the founding of the country. There’s a reason why they call William & Mary the nation’s alma mater.”

Trent also emphasized the rigorous yet nurturing academic environment that William & Mary provides. He contrasted his brother’s experience at another university with his own, noting the stark difference in resources and support. “My brother is struggling because [his program] doesn’t offer the same type of resources William & Mary offers,” Trent noted. “I have a student success coordinator I can reach out to for assistance. In this unique program, I also have access to two instructors instead of just one. I can email the course section leader, who works directly under the professor, and I can also communicate with the professor. I’ve benefited from the Executive Partners program, where experts help connect our online learning to real-world applications. Their guidance has given me the confidence and resources to apply my education effectively in my career.”

The university’s dedication to helping students thrive extends beyond academics, offering tangible professional advantages that can make all the difference in competitive industries. This level of support and investment in student success, according to Trent, is unparalleled in other online and even on-ground programs, making his decision to join William & Mary all the more rewarding.

For Trent, the ability to tap into campus resources has amplified his educational experience, providing an avenue for inquiry and self-improvement that aligns with the highest standards of graduate education.

The annual residency weekends, which we will explore in more depth momentarily, are a key part of elevating the online student experience. Through these weekends on campus, Trent has been able to connect with diverse cohorts of students, including those from disciplines he might not otherwise encounter. These face-to-face interactions foster a sense of community and partnership unique to the William & Mary experience.

Beyond networking, the residency weekends reveal the breadth of resources offered on William & Mary’s historic campus. Attendees access campus facilities and meet the dedicated administrators who drive university initiatives. Trent noted that the institution continually introduces new resources and listens to student feedback. “Going to the Graduate Student Advisory Committee for the online programs is a must because that helps the program continue to grow. They take the feedback,” he said.

Trent’s engagement with Residency Weekend at William & Mary has been a pivotal element in his professional development. While Online MBA students are required to attend one Residency Weekend throughout their time in the program, Trent has attended three events throughout his time as a William & Mary student. When asked what keeps him coming back, he noted the networking, but he also added, “Every year they’re always adding something. Not one residency is the same.”

A memorable experience Trent recalls from one of those weekends was a case study focused on a complex human resources issue. This particular challenge required Trent and his peers to navigate the nuanced terrain of sexual harassment allegations within a company. Dealing with this “wicked problem”—one that lacks a clear definition and an equally clear solution—provided a rare chance to apply academic concepts in a practical, high-stakes context. Collaborating with peers from various disciplines, including marketing and business analytics, broadened his perspective and equipped him with a holistic approach to problem-solving.

Perhaps what stands out most for Trent is the distinct character of each Residency Weekend. While topics may reappear, such as a general focus on artificial intelligence, the treatment of the topic and the teams tackling it make for a fresh dynamic every time. Trent described facing various scenarios that required adaptive problem-solving, from creative brainstorming to analytical strategizing. This exposure to differing viewpoints and approaches challenged him to be more resourceful and adaptable—traits that became invaluable in his professional endeavors.

Trent’s Online MBA program allowed him to focus on building management skills. “Being able to get an MBA gave me a different focus—to not only think of what I’m doing in my immediate role, but how that has a profound impact on people above me. And I was able to use that to help me gain further positions in very prestigious firms,” he said.

One of the critical skills honed through his MBA studies was design thinking—a methodology that he applied directly in his role working with a non-profit serving Hispanic communities. He recounts how he created an empathy map on his first day, capturing the experiences, emotions, and pain points of the demographic his organization aimed to aid. This exercise in empathy facilitated the development of initiatives tailored to address specific challenges, signifying a direct correlation between his course learnings and impactful workplace outcomes.

Furthermore, the MBA program’s focus on trend analysis has taught Trent not only to adapt to change but to anticipate it, allowing him to create initiatives that enhance his organization’s resilience and competitive edge. “And that’s why the program focuses on the ‘Renaissance Manager’—someone who can continuously adapt and effectively lead groups through dynamic change,” he said.

Trent’s time management strategy for balancing the demands of an Online MBA with personal and career obligations is a combination of self-discipline, clear communication with faculty, and leveraging the flexibility offered by William & Mary’s program.

Acknowledging the rigorous nature of the coursework, Trent shared his experience of managing the workload by incorporating lessons into his professional life, thus turning work assignments into opportunities for academic growth. “You’re able to use your own work experience in order to frame these problems and solve them,” Trent noted. “Part of it is simply reflecting on what you already do at work. From that perspective, this coursework becomes an extension of your job because you’re actively improving through continuous growth. That’s one way to frame it, especially if your employer supports your development.”

When life’s unpredictabilities arose, such as when he contracted an unexpected illness, Trent found the faculty’s willingness to collaborate on accommodating solutions to be invaluable. He also employed a disciplined routine of dedicating two hours each evening to his studies, which helped him maintain momentum and progress.

Trent recommended that students use all available resources, including student success coordinators, to aid in managing time and mitigating academic pressure. He pointed to the asynchronous structure of William & Mary’s Online MBA as a significant benefit, since students can adapt their workflow to their circumstances.

For those considering the Online MBA program, Trent stresses the importance of engaging with the program and classmates. He attributed much of his academic enjoyment to the close bond he formed with a fellow classmate. This alliance, he recalls, saw them tackle courses together, engage in thoughtful collaborations, and support each other’s academic journeys.

“At William & Mary, it’s encouraged for you to have the kind of camaraderie [you would see in a residential program],” Trent stated. “When you're looking for jobs in the future or trying to advance your career, networking is essential. If you're not building connections, fostering camaraderie, and gaining new experiences, you're not making full use of the program.”

Finally, Trent advocates attending as many residency weekends as possible, underscoring their value for networking. Not only do these weekends present a chance to connect with professors, administrators, and peers, but they also reinforce your place within the William & Mary community.

As you can see from Trent’s experience, a William & Mary education is not just a degree, but a unique connection to a tight-knit community of bold, driven, principled and connected leaders.

William & Mary’s Online MBA program equips students with valuable skills that can lead to expanded job opportunities and career advancement. The comprehensive curriculum develops hard and soft skills essential for success in the business world, preparing you to address complex business challenges across various industries.

To learn more about William & Mary’s Online MBA program, explore the admissions information or schedule a call with one of our helpful admissions outreach advisors.