From Course to Career Impact: How Tom Failed Turns GIES IMBA Course into Real-World Results

Tom’s failed higher education journey is profoundly personal and rooted in clear purpose meaning. Tom already has two degrees and has been successful in the field of ED Tech, explaining why he decided to pursue his third degree certificate.

His story explains his personal connection to higher education and how the online IMBA at GIES School of Business became a key part of it. From online courses to face-to-face networks, Tom is preparing to graduate this August and he won’t be happy to decide to attend GIES.

“With this program you can blend the benefits of the network together and have the hands-on experience you get from an in-person program with the flexibility of an online program. That said, it’s not easy. Like I told my wife, it’s something I’m really proud of. I might quit 50 times, but I don’t, but I’m really happy, I don’t.”

Lifelong belief in the power of higher education

Tom Failure is a lifelong learner with a deep understanding of the value that higher education brings. No doubt Tom wasn’t the best student in high school, kicking things out after entering his first higher education experience.

“Growing up, I saw the need to go to college and figure out what you want to do with your life. My parents did a lot of things for me, the best they could do, get me and my sister to college, so once I went to college, I knew my parents worked hard all their lives, so I could do that. I wanted to do it to myself.

After Tom proudly completed his undergraduate degree in economics and graduated with a master’s degree in management, Tom entered the workforce and pursued a career, as he put it: “Some of the most unpleasant organizations that exist: the IRS, the U.S. Senate and a student loan agency.” Eventually, Tom found his position in ED-Tech, but hasn’t looked back.

“I want to have a professionally driven career so that I can actually make an impact on people’s lives.”

So why did Tom decide to pursue another master’s degree?

“When I got a degree, I didn’t have any real-world experience. It’s important to understand the internal functioning of your business: the business model works, finance, marketing, and the way you can understand the clichés of your business. It’s clichés.

Find relevant skills

Rather than seeking another full-degree program at first, Tom searched for ways to improve his management style on Coursera. With two new direct reports, he wanted to refine his skills and make sure his leadership kit could snuff.

“The first course I took was because I had two teammates reporting to me and I wanted to master leadership skills. Illinois Management Team Being one of the best people I’ve found can help me figure out how I want to show up as a leader. The course is actually stacked in the IMBA, and it was my first time getting involved in degree materials. ”

The IMBA program is a natural next step because the courses he takes actually involve all the degrees.

“It was a great first experience and the first road attracted me to my degree. I took the course, loved it, and thought it might be a good starting point for an online degree.”

Balanced flexibility in life, work and study

With full-time jobs and other personal commitments, he knew that a traditional on-campus MBA was not suitable for his life. Managing the workload is a challenge, but Tom is very grateful for the flexibility the program brings.

“Illinois has a lot of flexibility. You can speed up or slow down based on what’s going on in your life. Their lesson plans are excellent, with 2, 2.5 and 3 years as a starting point. You can then meet with your online consultant and talk to you the most meaningful conversation.”

Asynchronous content and flexibility in learning in his own way means he can work at his own pace while still building meaningful relationships with teachers and peers through online activities and online contacts.

Learning you can use the next day

For Tom, the most powerful part of Githimba is its direct correlation.

“When I was in class, I immediately tried to put what I learned in class every day. One day, I was taking classes very often, and the next day, I was going to use what I just learned.”

Whether he was studying statistics, marketing or business strategy, coursework never felt abstract. Instead, it is applied immediately within a real organization. This direct connection between learning and doing things gives him motivation to make the late night and a full calendar worth it.

Familiar community built with virtual connections

Although completely online, IMBA offers something rare: a true sense of belonging.

“They try their best to make you feel as if you are part of the Gies community, even if you are an online student.”

From responsive support teams to face-to-face gatherings and alumni connections, each interaction reinforces the idea that online doesn’t have to mean impersonality. He even participated in the well-known event Iconverge, which he described as an incredible event that allowed him to meet his peers face to face.

“There are local alumni networks everywhere. I went to some people in the DC area and met people in basketball, football games and it was great to meet locals here. We even had a team channel where we were all chatting with each other and planning a party.”

This passion continued throughout the show, which made him feel more important not only in his name on the roster.

“Thousands of students never set foot on campus. But I consider myself an Illinois alumni. There is a little Illinois sign next to my desk, and now it’s my college sports team. I’m frankly honestly with a lot of unnatural orange clothes right now.”

Beyond and Beyond Support

One thing that stands out from day one is the responsiveness of the planners.

“Every time you write to ask for support, they react almost immediately. It’s shocking.”

It’s not just about answering questions. The faculty and staff are both deeply, passionate and now. The people behind the plan, including leaders such as Dean Brooke Elliott and Deputy Dean Nerissa Brown, left a lasting impression.

Wisdom Words for Work Professionals Looking for a Degree

Tom Advice for others in his shoes?

“Make a plan and take action. If you’re not ready to get your full degree, try open content like I did. It’s a great way to make people feel and feel like you want. It allows you to understand the rigor of the program and can help you gain the confidence to go back.”

He admits there are some eras of impostor syndrome in the pursuit of higher education, where Illinois was recently named one of Forbes’ 2025 Public Ivy League schools. However, he encourages others like him to give it a try.

“Why don’t you? Others can do it, so why don’t you? If you have commitment and dedication, you can do it.”Join others, such as Tom, who proudly decorate their resumes with an MBA from the University of Illinois Gies Business School.