NC State MBA Student Joseph Pinkney Named Among ‘Best and Brightest’ by Poets & Quants

Poets & Quants released their 2024 Best and Brightest Online MBA list which included NC State University Jenkins MBA student Joseph Pinkney.

Where are you currently working?

Walmart Inc. – Senior Project Manager II responsible for launching new automated grocery distribution centers across the US.

United States Air Force Reserves – Civil Engineering Officer responsible for engineering design and construction of base infrastructure and sustainability.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? 

I am most proud of being able to leverage and merge my technical skills with my leadership capabilities to lead the launch team responsible for opening new automated distribution centers. I am proud of this because automation is the way of the future. However, the unique thing about this technology is that it still requires people to operate. Therefore, I am able to provide jobs and careers of the future that reduce the manual labor that is taxing on people’s bodies and upskill our current associates to troubleshoot automation.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? 

The Jenkins MBA program stands out from the rest because of its unique designation as a STEM MBA. An MBA already exudes a program that enhances leadership skills and strategic thinking; however, this program embeds STEM in everything it teaches. It is critically important to understand how to use technology to accelerate our capabilities. Having a background in engineering and physics, the Jenkins MBA program was the perfect merger of technical and non-technical education coupled with real-world application to be uniquely positioned within the business sector.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program?

My favorite part of being an online student is the flexibility to do my schoolwork, regarding both credit hours and coursework. Working as a Senior Project Manager II in Walmart, an Engineering Officer in the US Air Force Reserves, and having a family of five can be very challenging to juggle. The Jenkins MBA program gave me the flexibility I needed to be successful. I was able to start with a lighter course load to test the waters. Then, I recognized that I could handle more, resulting in me accelerating my education to be completed within 21 months, which is the fastest that NC State says it can be completed. The coursework is reasonably challenging, yet fulfilling and transparent, allowing me to map out my courses to a high degree of accuracy within my first semester.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment?

The most surprising thing about the online environment is the ability to be successful and gain a quality education. I fervently avoided online classes in my undergrad because I thought I had to be in person to get good grades and learn. Instead, with a little discipline, I can be equally, if not more successful because I can move at my own pace. I was able to complete work, within the allotted time that worked best with my schedule, earning a 4.0. Additionally, I learned the same amount of content and material as if I was in person. The professors do an excellent job ensuring that the quality of education is the same. Multiple times, I was in classes where the online and the in-person students were combined, taking the same assessments. This means that we were receiving the same high-quality education, just in the format that works best for us.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? 

My online experience was better in some cases than my undergraduate. Ultimately, in-person affords the opportunity to build more personal and organic relationships. However, the online format gave me a better quality of education. When I was working on an assignment or watching videos, it was because that was the time that worked best for me within my schedule – as opposed to having to attend class at a predetermined time. I could have been distracted because I had more pressing obligations I needed to attend to. This allowed me to be fully engaged and more immersed in the content.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program?

My best advice for someone pursuing an online MBA is plan as best as you can and be agile to pivot when needed. It is important to plan because it helps you to find the balance that works best for your life. Everyone is different. Making this plan will help you to see the end in sight. However, things will not be perfect; therefore, it is normal and expected for everything not to go to plan. When this happens, recalibrate your plan and adjust accordingly. This will help you stay nimble and ready for anything that life brings your way.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? 

My online education helped me in my current job by making me a better problem-solver. All roles come with problems, and the better you are at solving them, the more value you add to your company. This program helped me be a strategic thinker when needed, as well as tactical based on the situation. The program incorporates consulting practicums that equip students with real-world tools to solve the root problem.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation?

I did earn a promotion in the middle of my studies. I was promoted from Senior Project Manager I to Senior Project Manager II. My role went from opening smaller distribution centers in one geographical region to opening large-scale automated distribution centers across the entire US. This education and experience are setting me up for my next role as a director.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program?

Supporting a family of five and navigating two careers (Walmart and Air Force) would not be conducive to going to school in residence. The course hours I took were actually full-time, just in an online format. This allowed me to accelerate my education, all while maintaining my life. The online version provided me with this opportunity.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 

20 +/- 5 hours based on workload and time of the semester.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal?

Long-term, I plan to advance in corporate America to the level of vice president. Additionally, I plan to reach the Colonel ranks in the United States Air Force. Simultaneously, I have entrepreneurial aspirations and I currently own a business that focuses on multi-family real estate as well as government contracting. I plan to work and advance in my full-time job until my personal endeavors supersede the benefits of my corporate career. This will help me build generational wealth that I can pass on to my children and give back to the community.

Read more on Poets & Quants.

This post was originally published in Jenkins MBA News.