MBA student Katie List finds balance through purpose and perseverance

For MBA student Katie List, leadership isn’t a destination — it’s a deliberate commitment to growth and service. She’s pursuing her Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in health systems leadership, building on her undergraduate degree in healthcare administration.

Even though she isn’t currently working in healthcare, List sees the MBA as a foundation for where she’s headed.

“I wanted that solid professional and academic background,” she said. “Right now, I’m a recruiting specialist for a residential property management company with properties across the nation, but long term I want to move into healthcare leadership.”

As she approaches graduation, List reflected with excitement on reaching a major milestone. “Seven weeks,” she said. “I graduate in December. The light is at the end of the tunnel.”

A plan set in motion

Earning a graduate degree wasn’t a spontaneous decision for Katie List — it was a plan years in the making. She first enrolled in an accelerated three-in-one program at Northwood University, where she intended to finish her bachelor’s in three years and her master’s in one.

“Originally, I completed my undergrad at Northwood University,” List said. “I was enrolled in a three-in-one program where I completed my bachelor's degree in three years and my master's degree in one year.”

That momentum shifted when duty called. During her time in the Michigan Army National Guard, List was deployed overseas — just days after completing her undergraduate coursework.

“With my military service, I was called up to deploy overseas,” she said. “I was able to finish my [undergrad] degree right before — literally days before — I flew overseas. I finished online in Texas, but that did put a stop for me to do my MBA.”

The pause didn’t alter the goal — only the timeline. When she returned home, she picked up the plan she had set aside.

“I knew I wanted to complete my master's degree. That was the original plan,” List said. “I spent my time over there, and I came home. I said, ‘It’s time to get back to work.’ I’m going to complete the goal I set out to complete.”

Choosing Central for a new perspective

For List, choosing CMU was about both family and fresh perspective. Her mom was an alumna, and she wanted to see what other universities had to offer. When she returned from deployment, she was ready for a new start.   “I kind of came back from overseas, and I didn't really have a place to live. I could go anywhere,” she said. “So, I did some research on programs at schools in Michigan, and Central just seemed to be the good fit. Also, having that tie with my mother being alumni was a factor as well.”

Applying classroom learning in real time

List doesn’t just study business tools — she uses them at work. “I would say MBA 640 – Data Analysis for Managers,” she said. “I actually use Tableau at work since I learned how to use it in our courses.”

Marketing coursework has also become part of her daily recruiting role. “Marketing too, as well,” she said. “It kind of goes hand in hand with what I specialize in — recruiting, sourcing candidates, and brand awareness of the company. So, I'd say those classes [are] at the forefront. I do use a lot of the skills that we went over in those courses.”

Finding balance, discipline, and perspective

Her schedule is intense — full-time job, graduate courses, military service, and endurance sports — but she approaches it with intentional discipline.

“It’s definitely a challenge, and it is interesting to reflect on,” she said. “Besides being a full-time graduate student, I work full-time. I am still in the armed forces. I do long-distance endurance sports like cycling and running. Staying fit is definitely a priority of mine.”

“The balance has been tough to manage, tough to figure out,” she said, explaining that finding a rhythm took time. “But once I got in the groove of things, it just became like clockwork, and the time just goes by really fast.”

Through it all, she keeps her motivation rooted in purpose. “Yeah, it's going to be tough,” she said. “The balance is tough. Sometimes you feel like you might not be seen, and everything is transactional. Time moves so fast. Your situation is very different. But remembering why you did it, remembering the purpose — and doing something for yourself — really helps.”

And on the hardest days, gratitude keeps her grounded.

“When it gets tough, remember that you have the privilege to do this,” List said. “You’ve been accepted into the School of Business. You’re able to be here. So really putting that into perspective has helped me.”

Learning through connection

The people in the program have shaped her experience as much as the classes. “What’s super unique about the MBA program here is that it’s such a diverse group of students,” she said. “My last HSL course, I worked with pharmacists, doctors, CEOs, and lawyers. In my on-campus courses, I’m working with students from all over the world.”

Seeing business problems through different cultural and professional backgrounds has broadened her view. “My one class had nine countries,” List said. “It’s been really meaningful to step back and really immerse yourself in other people’s cultures — and just realize that at the end of the day, we’re all here struggling in the same way and thriving in the same way.”

Proud to finish what she started

 “I think I’m most proud of coming back to school,” she said, reflecting on how much she’s accomplished in such a short time. “I took a year or so off after my undergrad. I got a job, I work full time, and just the fact that I can look back and say I did a lot in that year too — I purchased a home this year, I balance my military career, and I still make time for the things I love.”

Giving herself credit, she added, “You really did the thing. Some people don’t get the opportunity to do that. I’m just blessed to have the opportunity and to have taken it and really run with it and see what I can do with what’s presented in front of me.”