Sometimes circumstances make graduate school more appealing. Economic recessions. Family or professional needs. Global pandemics. 

For Darian Scott, December 2020 graduate, it just seemed like the right time. 

Now he’s pursuing his accelerated Master of Business Administration degree online. He’ll complete that in May 2022 after one more season as a Missouri State Bears Basketball player. 

Q: Why did you choose to do the accelerated master’s program? 

A: I wanted to get as much school done as fast as possible. I wanted my resume to look perfect.  

Q: What are your career goals?  

A: I want to be a venue manager, like big venues in Vegas. My goal is to get to that as quickly as possible. With my resume I’ve got a good shot. 

Q: What differences do you notice between undergrad and graduate courses or professors? 

A: It seems like in grad school, the faculty care a lot more and want to see you succeed. Charles Hermans was one that really stood out. 

Q: What is your favorite memory at Missouri State? 

A: Clif Smart was in a promo video for the basketball team, so he came into the locker room with Boomer. Clif Smart is my favorite. He’s hilarious. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering an MBA? 

A: I would tell them not to be afraid of the work for the master’s program. Really the work is different. In undergrad you’re taught to mostly retain information and put it back on paper. In grad school, you’re actually thinking for yourself. You’re coming up with your own conclusions. Anyone who wants to learn how to critically think should try. At least try. If it’s not for you, then it’s not for you. But if you just try it, you might like it.