Why Networking Is Important for Your Career

Posted on by Camille Dumont

You’ve probably heard that networking matters, but many people early in their careers aren’t exactly sure why. So, why is networking important? At its core, networking is about building relationships that give you access to information, perspective, and opportunities over time.

Just as important is understanding what networking is not. It’s not asking someone for a job or expecting immediate results from a single conversation. Effective networking is built on consistency, curiosity, and mutual value, not quick transactions. It’s also important to recognize that you likely already have a network. This includes classmates, colleagues, friends, and family connections. Many opportunities come through these existing relationships or introductions, one or two steps removed.

For anyone pursuing a business career, networking plays a direct role in how you learn about industries, develop professional skills, and move forward. It’s one of the most practical ways to understand how work actually happens beyond the classroom.

What Are the Benefits of Networking?

Networking supports your career in ways that go beyond job searching. It helps you build relationships, gain insight, and position yourself more effectively over time. These benefits are especially important in business, where relationships often influence opportunities and outcomes.

Strengthen Your Connections

Networking allows you to build professional relationships with classmates, colleagues, faculty, and industry professionals. These connections often become long-term contacts you can return to for insight, referrals, or collaboration. Over time, staying in touch through brief check-ins or follow-up conversations helps keep these relationships active and meaningful.

In business, relationships are often tied directly to results. For example, someone starting or managing a small business may rely on their network to find vendors, partners, or early customers. Strong connections aren’t just helpful; they’re part of how business operates.

Grow Your Brand

Every interaction contributes to how others perceive you. Over time, your communication style, reliability, and knowledge shape your professional reputation.

Networking can also help you build your brand online. For example, activity on LinkedIn can show what you know and what you’re interested in. Commenting thoughtfully on posts, sharing relevant articles, posting about industry topics, or responding to trends can help others see your professional interests and perspective. In business settings, and especially in a small business, your reputation can influence whether people choose to work with you, recommend you, or trust your services.

Open More Job Opportunities

Many opportunities are shared through conversations rather than job postings. Networking increases the likelihood that someone will think of you when a role, project, or need arises.

Organizations like the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) emphasize the importance of building professional connections as part of career readiness, recognizing that relationships play a significant role in how opportunities are discovered.

This applies beyond traditional employment. In business roles, networking can lead to partnerships, client relationships, or contract work. For small businesses, a single connection can lead to ongoing work or referrals.

Receive Career Support and Advice

One of the most valuable outcomes of networking is access to guidance. Through conversations, you can connect with people who have more experience and are willing to share what they’ve learned.

Over time, some of these relationships may develop into mentorship. A mentor can help you think through decisions, avoid common mistakes, and better understand your career direction. One way to start these conversations is through informational interviews where you talk with someone about their career path, role, or industry without the expectation of asking for a job. These conversations can also help you better understand what to expect in a role before you pursue it.

Build Confidence

Networking helps you become more comfortable introducing yourself, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging in professional conversations. These are skills that improve with practice.

That confidence carries into business situations such as presenting ideas, speaking with clients, or explaining your value. The more you engage, the more natural these interactions become.

What You Should Say When Networking

One of the biggest barriers to networking is not knowing what to say. Most networking conversations are simple and conversational, but it helps to have a short introduction ready.

Often called an elevator pitch, this introduction can be used in both planned and unexpected situations. You may meet someone while waiting in line, traveling, attending a webinar, or having a casual conversation.

A strong introduction should briefly explain who you are, what you’re interested in, and what you’re working toward.

For example, “I’m currently finishing a business degree and focusing on operations. I’m interested in how companies improve efficiency, and I’m exploring roles where I can work on process improvement.”

That kind of preparation makes it easier to take advantage of opportunities when they happen naturally.

Where Can You Network?

Networking doesn’t happen in just one place, and it doesn’t require formal events to be effective. In addition to in-person interactions, digital spaces like LinkedIn have made it easier to connect with professionals across industries.

Common ways to network include:

  • Industry events, conferences, or virtual panels
  • Professional platforms like LinkedIn
  • Community events
  • Client interactions
  • Local business groups

Additionally, networking opportunities for students include:

  • Class discussions and group projects
  • Conversations with faculty or guest speakers
  • Alumni events and university-sponsored webinars

The key is consistency, building relationships over time rather than treating networking as a one-time activity.

Extend Your Network Through Excelsior University

If you’re looking to build your network, your college experience is one of the most practical places to start. You’re surrounded by peers, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals who can become part of your long-term professional circle.

At Excelsior University, students in the business degree program gain more than academic knowledge. They also have access to Career Readiness resources, employer events, and opportunities to connect with alumni and professionals in their field. These experiences provide structured ways to network, whether through virtual events, webinars, or conversations with industry professionals.

For working adults, the flexibility of online learning makes it possible to build these connections while managing other responsibilities. As you develop your skills, you’re also building relationships that can support your next step, whether that’s advancing in your role, changing careers, or growing a business.

If you’re ready to strengthen your skills and your network, consider exploring Excelsior’s BS in Business program.

Is IT Still a Good Career in the Age of AI?

Posted on by Ivan Gappy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how work gets done across nearly every industry. From tools that generate code to systems that automate workflows, AI is becoming part of the everyday technology landscape. This shift has led many to ask an important question: Is information technology still a good career in the age of AI?

The answer is yes, but with an important clarification. IT is still a strong and stable career path, but the type of work that will be most valuable is evolving. AI is not replacing IT careers; it is raising expectations and shifting demand toward roles that require deeper understanding, adaptability, and problem-solving.

A career in information technology remains one of the most resilient and future-ready paths available today. The key is understanding how the field is changing and how to position yourself within it.

How AI Is Reshaping the IT Field

AI is best understood not as a replacement for IT professionals, but as a shift in how work is performed. Many routine and repetitive tasks are now being automated, allowing professionals to focus on higher-level system design, analysis, and decision-making.

Technologies such as generative AI are already being used to assist with writing code, summarizing information, and automating workflows. These tools can increase productivity, but they still rely on human input, oversight, and interpretation.

This reflects a broader shift in the field. IT professionals are moving away from task execution and toward managing systems, validating outputs, and solving complex problems that automation alone cannot handle.

Demand for IT Professionals Is Still Growing

Even with the rise of AI, organizations continue to depend heavily on IT professionals to build and maintain their digital environments. As systems become more advanced, they also become more complex and require more oversight.

The continued growth of areas such as cloud computing and cybersecurity highlights how essential these roles remain. Businesses are not reducing their reliance on technology—they are expanding it.

At the same time, AI introduces new layers of infrastructure, data management, and risk. This increases the need for professionals who can design, secure, and manage these systems effectively.

Automation vs. Augmentation: What AI Really Does

To understand AI’s impact, it helps to distinguish between automation and augmentation.

  • Automation replaces specific tasks, especially those that are repetitive or predictable.
  • Augmentation enhances human work by improving speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

In IT, AI is doing both. Some tasks are becoming automated, but many roles are being enhanced rather than eliminated.

For example:

  • Entry-level support tasks and repetitive scripting may become more automated.
  • Software developers are spending less time writing basic code and more time designing systems and reviewing outputs.
  • Cybersecurity professionals are using AI to detect threats faster but are still making critical decisions about response and risk.

This shift means that IT roles are not disappearing. They are becoming more strategic and more impactful.

The Skills That Matter More Than Ever

As AI becomes more integrated into technology workflows, the most valuable IT professionals are those who understand how systems work beyond just using tools.

Key skills include:

  • Programming fundamentals and problem-solving
  • Systems thinking and architecture design
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Cybersecurity awareness and risk management
  • Cloud infrastructure and virtualization
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Ethical decision-making in technology

Concepts such as data governance and responsible AI are becoming increasingly important as organizations rely more on automated systems.

AI tools can assist with execution, but they cannot replace human judgment, context, or accountability. These are the skills that define long-term success in IT.

AI Is Creating New Opportunities, Not Just Risks

While much of the conversation around artificial intelligence focuses on job loss, it is equally important to recognize the opportunities AI creates.

New and evolving roles include:

  • AI and machine learning engineers
  • Data engineers and analysts
  • Cloud architects
  • Cybersecurity specialists
  • AI governance and ethics professionals

The rise of machine learning and intelligent systems has created entirely new areas of specialization within IT.

At the same time, organizations are not just looking for specialists. They need professionals who understand how systems connect, how decisions are made within those systems, and how technology impacts real-world outcomes.

Who Should Consider an IT Career in the Age of AI

One of the most important questions is not just whether IT is a good career, but whether it’s the right fit for you.

An IT career is a strong fit if you:

  • Enjoy problem-solving and figuring out how systems work
  • Are comfortable learning new technologies over time
  • Like working through complex challenges rather than repetitive tasks
  • Are interested in how technology impacts businesses and people

On the other hand, IT may be less appealing if you’re looking for:

  • Work that stays the same over time
  • Roles that rely heavily on repetition rather than adaptation
  • A field where ongoing learning is not required

AI is accelerating change in the field. This makes IT more rewarding for those who are adaptable but more challenging for those who prefer static roles.

How to Position Yourself for an AI-Driven IT Career

If you’re considering a career in IT, the goal is not to compete with AI but to learn how to work alongside it.

This means:

  • Building a strong foundation in core IT concepts
  • Focusing on understanding systems rather than just tools
  • Developing the ability to learn and adapt quickly
  • Strengthening critical thinking and decision-making skills

The professionals who succeed will not be the ones who rely on a single tool or skill. They will be the ones who can evolve as technology changes.

The Bottom Line: Is IT Still a Good Career?

Information technology continues to be one of the most stable and forward-looking career paths available today. AI is not reducing the importance of expertise; it’s expanding it. The growing reliance on digital infrastructure across every industry reinforces the need for skilled IT professionals who can design, manage, and improve complex systems.

AI is not closing the door on IT careers. It’s raising the bar and expanding the opportunity for those who are prepared.

For students and career changers alike, this is not a reason to avoid IT. It’s a reason to approach it with a long-term mindset, a willingness to adapt, and a focus on building skills that will remain valuable as technology continues to evolve.

For those looking to build that foundation, Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program provides a flexible, fully online pathway designed for both new students and working professionals. The curriculum focuses on practical skills, systems thinking, and real-world application, preparing graduates to succeed in a rapidly changing technology landscape.

Why Choose the DBA Program at Excelsior

Posted on by Leah Sciabarrasi

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a commitment to leading at the highest level. DBA programs are grounded in research and real-world impact, creating a strong foundation for those looking to move from executing strategy to shaping it. The right DBA program should meet you where you are, respect your experience, fit your schedule, and offer you a unique, supportive experience. Here’s why Excelsior University’s DBA program might be the perfect fit for where you want to be.

What You Can Expect from Excelsior’s DBA Program

Excelsior’s DBA program is built for working professionals who are ready to lead at the highest level: executives, consultants, industry specialists, and military leaders who bring years of experience and want to sharpen it into something more. The 60-credit program blends eight-week courses, which are primarily online, with two immersive in-person residencies held in Albany, New York, and/or St. Petersburg, Florida. Students choose two concentrations from seven options, including Data Analytics, Cybersecurity Operations, Healthcare Management, Enterprise Risk Management, Finance and Accounting, Organizational Leadership, and Strategic Sustainability, and have the option of completing either an applied organizational dissertation or a three-paper research model. With three start dates per year and the flexibility to take one or two courses per term, you can finish in as little as two years without putting your career on hold.

Benefits of Excelsior’s DBA Program

Excelsior’s Doctor of Business Administration program is designed to support students all the way through to successful completion. From flexible course scheduling to hands-on residency experiences, here’s what sets this program apart.

Designed for Senior Managers and Executives

With eight-week online courses, three start dates per year, and the option to take one or two courses per term, Excelsior’s DBA program fits around your schedule rather than demanding you fit around it. A dedicated faculty mentor and academic advisor are assigned from day one, ensuring you have the guidance and support to balance your professional, academic, and personal commitments throughout the entire program.

Dedicated Dissertation Support from Faculty Mentors

Dissertation support at Excelsior begins on the first day of the program, when you’re assigned a faculty mentor who provides research guidance, helps develop your dissertation focus, and often transitions into the role of your dissertation chair. As you progress, a full dissertation committee, including a chair and two additional members, meet with you regularly to keep your research on track. This layered, sustained support system means you’re never navigating the hardest parts of doctoral work alone.

Industry-Relevant Curriculum

Core courses like Contemporary Business Theory and Application, Strategic Foresight and Strategy Formation, and Marketing for Competitive Advantage give students a rigorous, forward-looking foundation in the disciplines that drive organizational decision-making. Beyond the core, seven concentration options, including Cybersecurity Operations, Data Analytics, Enterprise Risk Management, Finance and Accounting, Healthcare Management, Organizational Leadership, and Strategic Sustainability, allow students to go deep into the areas most relevant to their industries and career goals. This combination ensures graduates are equipped to anticipate and shape what comes next.

High-Impact, Immersive Residencies

The two in-person residencies are among the most distinctive features of Excelsior’s DBA program. Held in Albany and/or St. Petersburg, each residency is a multiday, structured experience designed to deepen your research skills, advance your dissertation work, and connect you with faculty, peers, and industry leaders. Residency 1 focuses on building your research foundation: developing your problem statement, refining your methodology, and exploring concentration paper strategies. Residency 2 shifts toward execution and defense preparation, with sessions on data analysis, dissertation writing, and presenting your findings with confidence. Both residencies also include networking events, expert speakers, and field experiences that bring your academic work into direct contact with the professional world.

Flexible, Transparent Degree Pathway

Excelsior’s DBA program is designed to give you control over your journey. You can progress at your own pace, taking one or two courses per term, and can transfer in up to 30 credits, reducing time and cost if you have relevant prior graduate work. The fully online course format means you can engage with your studies from anywhere, while residency scheduling offers options across multiple locations and tracks. Concentration choices, dissertation formats, and start dates can all be tailored to your professional goals, and a clear program map ensures you always know exactly where you are and what comes next.

How to Get Started at Excelsior

Getting started begins with meeting a few key requirements: a master’s degree from an accredited institution, five or more years of professional experience, and a background managing people or projects. Applicants will also submit a CV/resume, a letter of intent, two letters of recommendation, and a short portfolio of professional writing samples.

Choosing a doctoral program is one of the most significant professional decisions you’ll make. Excelsior University’s Doctor of Business Administration program is built for people who take that decision seriously, experienced leaders who want a program that matches their ambition, respects their time, and delivers real results. If that sounds like you, Excelsior is ready when you are.

Education Revolution: Dr. Brian Allen of Excelsior University on Innovative Approaches That Are Transforming Education

Posted on by Brian Allen

Brian Allen, dean of Excelsior University’s School of Business, was interviewed by Authority Magazine for an article titled “Education Revolution: Dr. Brian Allen of Excelsior University on Innovative Approaches That Are Transforming Education.” In the article, Allen discusses his academic and professional journey, Excelsior’s innovative approach to higher education, and the opportunities available to students through Excelsior’s School of Business, including the new Doctor of Business Education (DBA) program.

Read the full interview here.

Career Spotlight: Cybersecurity Analyst

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

What Is a Cybersecurity Analyst?

A cybersecurity analyst protects organizations’ computers, digital networks, and data from a variety of threats. They watch out for anything unusual that could signal a security breach, investigate suspicious activity, and put protections in place. Cybersecurity analysts look for vulnerabilities, make sure threat detection security protocols are up to date, and educate others on safe practices. They are indispensable in protecting confidential information, maintaining data integrity, and reducing cyberthreat risks.

What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst Do?

The skills you need to thrive in cybersecurity combine technical expertise with trained vigilance and a commitment to staying ahead of threat actors and their methods. You will be working with basic programming, networks, operating systems, firewalls, encryption technologies, and emerging AI cybersecurity tools. Cloud security is a growing area for cybersecurity analyst positions, and analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to handle pressure are highly valued traits.

In this role, you’ll typically be responsible for:

  • Watching for unusual activity
  • Responding and documenting suspicious activity
  • Investigating security incidents
  • Putting protections in place to stop attacks
  • Contributing to the maintenance of cybersecurity frameworks
  • Pen testing systems to find weaknesses before attackers can take advantage of them
  • Updating security threat detection and prevention software and protocols
  • Creating reports and recommending improvements
  • Teaching employees how to follow safe security practices
  • Staying up to date on the latest threats, technologies, and frameworks

What Is the Job Outlook for Cybersecurity Analysts?

Employment in this field is growing faster than in many other career paths. Job growth is expected to be around 29% between 2024 and 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There aren’t enough skilled cybersecurity professionals to meet the demand, making high-paying jobs more common. The BLS puts the median annual salary in this job category at just under $125,000 a year.

Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree at Excelsior

Getting a start as a cybersecurity analyst and advancing your career in the field requires the right education. A good program will give you the foundation you need in technology, networks, systems, and threat detection.

Yet, it isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about earning one that signals to employers that you have the right training to perform at the highest level.

Excelsior University is recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. Excelsior’s BS in Cybersecurity program meets the rigorous academic requirements set by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security in preparing you to protect systems, data, and communications.

The degree is offered fully online so that you can manage your education along with your job and other responsibilities.

Florida residents have the option of taking advantage of our hybrid program at our location in St. Petersburg, Florida. St. Petersburg is a rapidly growing center for cybersecurity innovation and employment, near some of our nation’s most sensitive military intelligence sites, leading technology firms, and health care organizations. In this format, you’ll receive hands-on training, in-person experiences, and realistic labs, in addition to the online component that has long been the heart of this degree program.

Whether you choose the 100% online option or the hybrid format, we support you with extensive career services. From career planning, job search tools, and recruiting events to professional development opportunities, Excelsior delivers exceptional value beyond your degree. The bachelor’s program is also an ideal start if you eventually want to pursue your master’s degree in cybersecurity.

Exciting employment pathways and well-paying work make a career as a cybersecurity analyst an attractive one. And with its flexible learning options and CAE-recognized curriculum, Excelsior’s BS in Cybersecurity program prepares you to start work in this role with confidence and opportunities for advancement.

How to Optimize Your Cover Letter and Resume with Keywords

Posted on by Camille Dumont

Keywords are often treated as a technical requirement, but they serve a practical purpose. They are the terms employers use to define roles and evaluate candidates across job descriptions and hiring systems. If your resume and cover letter do not reflect that language clearly, your experience can be overlooked. Using resume keywords effectively is not about adding more words. It’s about choosing the right words to describe your experience so employers can quickly understand your fit during a job search.

Cover Letter and Resume Keywords

Your resume and cover letter serve different purposes, but both rely on the same underlying language. Resume keywords are specific words or phrases that describe the skills, tools, and responsibilities required for a role. Employers use these terms to define expectations, and applicant tracking systems use them to sort and rank applications before a recruiter reviews them.

For example, a business role may include “data analysis,” “reporting,” and “process improvement,” whereas a health care role may include “patient care,” “clinical documentation,” and “care coordination.” These keywords reflect how work is performed in that field and signal what employers expect from candidates.

Resume keywords matter because they help applicant tracking systems identify relevant candidates and allow hiring managers to quickly assess alignment. Your cover letter should reinforce those keywords by showing how you have applied them in a specific situation. If a keyword is not supported with clear evidence from your experience, it creates a gap between what you claim and what you can demonstrate.

Optimizing with the Best Keywords

Optimizing your resume and cover letter starts with identifying keywords that reflect your target role and then confirming they match your experience.

Review multiple job postings within the same occupation:

  • Similar roles use similar resume keywords.
  • For example, project coordinator roles often include “scheduling,” “budget tracking,” and “stakeholder communication.”
  • These patterns show how employers define the role.

Keep a running list of keywords:

  • Save commonly used terms across roles in your field.
  • Group them into categories such as technical skills and interpersonal skills.
  • This saves time and creates consistency across your job search.

Understand the difference between keyword types:

  • Hard skills are technical and measurable, such as “data analysis,” “Excel,” or “patient documentation.”
  • Soft skills describe how you work, such as “communication,” “team collaboration,” or “problem solving.”

Validate keywords before using them:

  • Only include resume keywords that accurately reflect your experience.
  • Use the same language as the job description when it accurately reflects your experience.
  • Avoid substituting similar terms, as different wording may not be interpreted the same way.
  • Be prepared to explain each keyword with a specific example.

Use resume keywords with context:

  • Do not list keywords without showing how they were applied.
  • Pair each keyword with a specific action or outcome.
  • Example: “Analyzed monthly sales data to identify trends and improve forecasting accuracy.”

This demonstrates the keyword “data analysis” by showing how it was applied rather than simply stating it.

Use your cover letter to reinforce keywords:

  • Select one or two key terms and explain how you applied them in a specific situation.
  • Focus on why the experience matters and how it connects to the role.
  • Use the same language as your resume but provide additional detail rather than repeat it.

Strong resume keywords improve visibility, but accuracy and clarity are what make them effective. When your resume demonstrates the skill and your cover letter explains how it applies to the role, your application becomes clearer and more credible during a job search.

6 tips for how to use resume keywords in your job search

Level Up the Education Section of Your Resume with Excelsior

Your education section can do more than list a degree. It can reinforce your experience by highlighting relevant coursework, certifications, and applied learning that connect to your target role.

When structured intentionally, this section reinforces the skills and knowledge already presented throughout your resume. For example, coursework in data analytics, project management, or health care systems can strengthen how you present your experience when it is clearly tied to what you have done or are prepared to do.

Excelsior University’s career-focused programs are designed with workforce relevance in mind. That makes it easier to translate what you have learned into language that aligns with employer expectations.

Excelsior also offers Career Readiness resources to help you refine your resume, strengthen your cover letter, and approach your job search with a clear and focused strategy.

Massry Family Gift Supports Excelsior University Nursing Students Serving the Capital Region Community

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y. – As National Nurses Week begins, Excelsior University is proud to announce a major gift from the Massry family to support Capital Region nursing students serving the community. Massry’s $25,000 donation will fund scholarships for Excelsior nursing students completing their in-person clinical training at Albany Med Health System. The scholarships are available for immediate use for Excelsior students residing in the Capital Region.  

“We are thrilled to support the nursing program at Excelsior University, and the relationship with Albany Medical Center deepened our interest in supporting this particular venture,” said Julie Massry Knox. “This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding access to education and ensuring that talented nurses are prepared—and inspired—to build their careers here in Albany.”   

“Excelsior University has been a valued partner in developing the next generation of nurses, and we are proud to work alongside them to strengthen the nursing workforce. The support from the Massry family is a meaningful investment in our nursing students and helps remove barriers as they complete their clinical training within the Albany Med Health System,” said Megan Keenan, DNP, MSN, RN, CPHQ, vice president and chief nursing officer for Albany Medical Center. “We have consistently been impressed by the dedication, professionalism, and readiness of Excelsior nursing graduates, and many have gone on to make important contributions across our organization. Together, partnerships like this help support our vision to be the first choice for patient experience, quality, and clinical excellence.” 

“The Massry family’s generous contribution eliminates barriers for local students ready to serve our community in rewarding nursing careers,” said Robin Goodrich, EdD, RN, Purnell executive dean of Excelsior’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Excelsior University is grateful for the partnership of the Massry family and the Albany Med Health System as we work together to educate the Capital Region healthcare leaders of tomorrow.” 

With more than 500 Associate Degree in Nursing students passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses in 2025, Excelsior University is bringing more nurses into the New York state workforce annually than any other institution.  

For more information on Excelsior University, visit www.excelsior.edu. 

# # # 

Media Contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY   
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.    

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.    

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684. 

What Is a DBA Degree, and Why Should You Earn One?

Posted on by Caitlin Abram

Being a business professional means dealing with a new challenge every day, having the confidence to make quick decisions, and taking bold action that gets results, all while managing a team and keeping your eye on the bottom line. But where do you go when you’ve already mastered the daily grind but find yourself craving something deeper? What do you do when you aren’t just looking to manage a business, but to redefine how it operates?

You earn your DBA.

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree program is designed for the professional practitioner and gives executives the skills to connect theory, research, and strategy to real solutions. For the right person, it’s the added alchemy that elevates your mindset, leadership, and career.

What Do You Need to Enroll in a DBA Program?

In addition to tenacity, curiosity, and a willingness to be challenged, DBA programs typically require candidates to have a few standard qualifications to enroll. First, you’ll need to submit transcripts verifying that you’ve earned a master’s degree. Because DBA programs are geared toward seasoned business leaders, you’ll likely need to submit a resume demonstrating your management experience and professional background. Selective programs may also require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a portfolio of professional written materials with your application.

4 Reasons to Earn a DBA Degree

Whatever motivates you, you’ll find that stronger leadership skills, a larger network, and higher-level strategic ability aren’t just reasons to earn your doctorate—they’re at the core of the DBA experience.

Champion Change

A DBA degree program is rigorous, but the research you do is never a purely academic exercise. Throughout your program, you’ll develop workable methodologies in real time that shift you from a consumer of business trends to a creator of sustainable change that succeeds from all angles.

Lead Through Challenges

The challenges a modern leader faces are ambiguous, interconnected, and ever evolving. When there is no established playbook, a DBA equips you with strategies you can tailor to your leadership style that help you guide your business through challenges with nuance, ethics, and confidence.

Expand Your Network

Whom you earn your DBA with can be just as impactful as the degree itself. DBAs attract a diverse group of students, and the collaborative nature of the program means that diversity of knowledge and experience becomes your own. You’ll graduate with not only your doctorate but also potential mentors, business partners, and lifelong professional contacts.

Claim Your Authority

Whether you’re a consultant, an entrepreneur, or a part of a large organization, earning your DBA shows the world that you have the credentials and the credibility to back up your recommendations and decisions. It’s an achievement that earns you a seat at any table.

4 reasons to earn a Doctor of Business Administration

What Can You Expect in a DBA Degree Program?

A DBA is an experiential degree, which means that part of your work will be applying what you’re learning to the professional world. Most DBA programs include short, in-person residences where you can collaborate with your program peers, present and receive feedback on your research, and meet one-on-one with faculty. In addition to your dissertation, which you’ll work on from the start of the program, DBA courses are focused on a few core study areas, with opportunities for you to concentrate on specific areas that support your goals.

Core Study Areas

You can expect the core of DBA study to expand on the skills learned in your master’s program and help you build a holistic view of organizational strategy and leadership with courses that can examine:

  • Business theory
  • Consulting
  • Strategic development
  • Financial management
  • Marketing

Concentrations or Areas of Focus

Choosing one or multiple concentrations can help develop your areas of professional interest and enhance your doctoral research. Concentrations in a DBA degree program often focus on a specific industry like cybersecurity, health care, or finance, or a facet of business management like data analytics, sustainability, or leadership strategy.

Excelsior’s Doctor of Business Administration Program

Excelsior University’s DBA program empowers you to create the change you want under the expert mentorship of our faculty, who are experienced scholar-practitioners themselves.

Designed for maximum flexibility for working professionals, you’ll collaborate with a diverse residency group of your fellow students both online and during two weeklong in-person residencies that focus on refining your dissertation. You may choose between two formats for your dissertation: designing a considered solution for an organization or writing three interconnected papers addressing an aspect of your research focus.

Although the prestige of adding “Dr.” to your email signature is a definite perk, the lasting value of earning this doctorate is the confidence with change, challenge, and critical thinking that only a DBA can impart. It’s about leaving a legacy that others notice immediately and that you feel forever.

Are you ready to take the next step in the evolution of your leadership? Start exploring Excelsior’s DBA program.

Excelsior University Partners with CDPHP and Community Care Physicians for National Nurses Week

Posted on by Jason Bonafide

ALBANY, N.Y.  – Excelsior University is partnering with CDPHP® for the third year in a row to celebrate National Nurses Week. New this year, CDPHP will be joined by co-sponsor Community Care Physicians (CCP). Held annually from May 6–12, National Nurses Week is an opportunity to highlight the stories of America’s nurses and thank them for their service and dedication.  

Support from CDPHP and CCP will help underwrite scholarships for students in Excelsior nursing programs. In addition, CDPHP and CCP will partner with the University to host a panel discussion titled “Empowerment in Action: The Power of Nursing.” Presented by Excelsior University’s Advancement team in collaboration with CDPHP and CCP, the free online panel discussion will explore the role of nurses in shaping the future of healthcare.  

“Empowerment in Action: The Power of Nursing” will be moderated by Excelsior University School of Nursing Dean Diane Pytlik-Flammia, DHA, MSN, RN, and feature the following healthcare leaders as panelists:  

  • Megan Keenan, DNP, MSN, RN, CPHQ, vice president and chief nursing officer for Albany Medical Center, part-time Excelsior faculty member and Excelsior alumna 
  • Rachel Garrett, RN, CLNC, CCH, clinical practice manager at Burnt Hills Pediatrics and Internal Medicine for CCP 
  • Nancy Phelan, RN, CCM, care management supervisor of the Hospital to Home program for CDPHP

Excelsior will share the panel discussion recording on May 8 on its YouTube channel and via email with alumni and students from Excelsior’s nursing and allied health programs.

“CDPHP is proud to once again support Excelsior University’s Nurses Week,” said Jennifer Cassidy, director of corporate giving at CDPHP. “As a health plan committed to improving health outcomes, we recognize nurses as essential to high-quality, coordinated care. Supporting the nursing workforce reflects the ongoing CDPHP commitment to building a healthier, more connected community.” 

“Nurses are essential at every point in care—from our practices to our central programs, education, and leadership—and their impact extends far beyond the exam room. At Community Care Physicians, we see firsthand how critical it is to support and grow this workforce,” said Kathleen Mattice, BSN, RN, senior vice president of clinical operations at CCP. “This partnership with Excelsior University and CDPHP, which expands access to nursing education, helps strengthen the future of care in our communities.” 

“Excelsior University is grateful for the generous support of our community partners at CDPHP and CCP,” said Diane Pytlik-Flammia, dean of Excelsior University’s School of Nursing. “This collaboration reinforces our shared commitment to nursing education and to preparing the next generation of highly skilled nurses. Together, we are expanding access to educational resources that support student success and strengthen the nursing workforce in the Capital Region and throughout the country.” 

For more information on Excelsior University, visit www.excelsior.edu.

# # # 

Media Contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY 
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.   

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.   

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684. 

Balancing Firm Values And Strong Results: Tips For Nonprofit Leaders

Posted on by Scott Dolan

Scott Dolan, executive dean of Excelsior University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, contributed to a Forbes Nonprofit Council article titled “Balancing Firm Values And Strong Results: Tips For Nonprofit Leaders.” Dolan discusses the importance of keeping an organization’s values in mind and encouraging open discussion while making difficult decisions.

Read the article here.

Key Areas of Knowledge for a Successful Career in Mechanical Engineering Technology

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Successful mechanical engineering technology careers require that you have a foundation in technical, practical, and general knowledge disciplines. Mechanical engineering technology, or MET for short, requires that you have theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on skills when it comes to designing, analyzing, and effectively maintaining mechanical systems. Mastery of mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, computer-aided design, and manufacturing processes will support you as you graduate to work in real-world engineering environments. A career in MET is one that is challenging and one that will keep you engaged as it rapidly evolves globally.

What Is Computer-Aided Design?

Being able to effectively use computer-aided design, or CAD, is intrinsic to the field of mechanical engineering technology. When you master it, you’ll be able to render two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of mechanical systems and their components. CAD software powers visualization, simulation, testing, and modifications of parts and processes before you invest time, money, and materials into physically producing them.

CAD encompasses a variety of applications, including:

  • SolidWorks for 3D modeling and assembly simulation, as well as for testing functions, tolerances, manufacturability, and more
  • AutoCAD for drafting, making schematics, and creating detailed engineering drawings
  • PTC Creo for parametric and direct modeling of complex part assemblies and for simulation preproduction
  • Siemens NX for designing products, simulations testing, and manufacturing integration
  • CATIA for mechanical engineering in the aerospace and automotive industries
  • Autodesk Fusion, a cloud-based solution, for facilitating collaboration and fast prototyping
  • Autodesk Inventor for designing, modeling, and simulation

What Else Do You Need to Learn?

To grow and thrive in an MET career you need more than just CAD skills. You must learn the fundamental principles across a variety of areas of applied science, and you’ll need to master their practical application in real-world solutions. As you study how to become a mechanical engineering technologist, you will cover various fields such as:

Thermodynamics

This branch of physics studies how energy is transferred in mechanical systems to perform work. You’ll need to know the ins and outs of heat engines, refrigeration cycles, and the safe and efficient use of energy. Real-world applications include HVAC systems, power generation, and various types of engines. You must be equipped to design around functionality, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

Material Science

This area covers the study of the characteristics, behaviors, and uses of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. You’ll learn how stress, temperature, and fatigue affect materials in engineering applications. In the real world, this knowledge affects choice of materials, failure mode predictions, and durability in use. Materials are the cornerstone of manufacturability, product performance, and safety.

Fluid Mechanics

Liquids and gases perform differently in motion and at rest. This area of study encompasses concepts like flow, pressure, viscosity, turbulence, cavitation, and how fluids interact with structures in pumps, pipelines, HVAC systems, and hydraulics. You’ll learn how the science of fluid mechanics affects performance or leads to system failures. Designing and manufacturing products that are durable and energy-efficient is the goal.

Electrical Theory

You need to master the theories behind electrical circuits, the distribution of power, and control systems in mechanical applications that use electricity. You’ll learn to apply voltage, current, resistance, and the principles of electromagnetics to designing, testing, and perfecting motors and automation systems, to name a few. Electrical theory is essential in creating modern machinery and smart, connected technologies.

Manufacturing Processes

Transforming raw materials into efficient and functional products is the very definition of manufacturing. In industrial applications, machining, casting, 3D printing, welding, and quality control techniques are all part of the process. You’ll learn how to optimize product and process design for manufacturability in ways that are resource-efficient and cost-effective, aiming for zero defects or rework. You’ll apply technical and practical knowledge in creating processes for products that consistently meet specifications economically.

Start Your Career in Mechanical Engineering Technology with Excelsior

Mechanical engineering technology is a wide field with innumerable and exciting career paths. Excelsior University’s BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology program provides you with both essential and practical knowledge of mechanics, CAD, thermodynamics, fluid and materials sciences, and manufacturing processes. From a foundation in basic principles, the program prepares you for real-world roles in aerospace, energy, robotics, biomechanics, manufacturing, and more. Plus, you can tailor your education with one of three in-demand concentrations: Nuclear Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Robotics.

The program is 100% online with courses starting every eight weeks, making it ideal if you’re a working professional or if you need to balance your studies with other obligations. Excelsior supports you with programs that keep you on track to successful program completion, and our Career Readiness resources can help you explore MET career paths, build professional skills, and connect with employers through resources, events, and practical guidance.

Excelsior University is here to help you gain the knowledge and skills to launch or advance your career in mechanical engineering technology. Reach out to our Admissions team today to take the first step toward the future you want.

Nonprofit Leaders On Innovative Revenue Models For Uncertain Times

Posted on by Scott Dolan

Scott Dolan, executive dean of Excelsior University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, contributed to a Forbes Nonprofit Council article titled “Nonprofit Leaders On Innovative Revenue Models For Uncertain Times.” Dolan discusses nonprofit organizations collaborating to form strategic partnerships that can promote growth while sharing infrastructure and risk.

Read the article here.