Finding the Way Back

Mount Mercy’s Master’s of Business Administration program was one of the key pieces that helped guide Tyson Benesh ’18 MBA to a career in finance.

When Tyson needed a break from the program as he transitioned jobs, he knew Mount Mercy would have his back. After a year-and-a-half break, Tyson re-enrolled and jumped right back into the program—graduating with his master’s degree in 2018.

MMU: How did you come to Mount Mercy? What made the MBA program right for you?

TB: I came to Mount Mercy through a co-worker’s referral. I was interested in pursuing my MBA and wanted a place where they would invest as much time and energy in me as I would invest in furthering my education. My co-worker said this was an excellent place to accomplish both goals.

"I was interested in pursuing my MBA and wanted a place where they would invest as much time and energy in me as I would invest in furthering my education."

MMU: You took some time away from the program, which is not unusual. In what ways did Mount Mercy support your decision?

TB: The faculty and staff have an excellent understanding that all of us have lives outside the classroom, and they did an excellent job communicating this. I was out of the program for over a year and a half, and never did I feel any pressure to return before I was ready. These were the types of values that attracted me to Mount Mercy and helped make my journey a remarkable one.

MMU: What made you decide to re-enroll?

TB: I’ve always had a strong work ethic and never leave a project unfinished. I knew I was always going back, but what I needed was some time between job transitions. Mount Mercy was more than accommodating and kept in touch the entire time I was away from the program. Re-enrolling was the easiest step in the process.

Marcie, the MBA director, went above and beyond to help me get re-enrolled, and I can never thank her enough for being part of the foundation that helped me finish my journey.

MMU: Going back to school is a major decision—how did your family help you achieve your goals?

TB: I can’t thank my family enough for being a solid foundation during my journey. My wife, Paige, and our two little girls, Kennedi and Scarlett, provided the support I needed to help me complete my MBA. 

MMU: What advice do you have for people who would like to return to MMU?

TB: My advice would be go back and get it done! You will always regret not finishing what you started. The professors are truly invested in you as a student and, more importantly, as a person. Once I got back into my first class, it felt like I had never stepped away and that’s a testament to how the faculty and staff treat all of the graduate students.