Hult’s Global Online MBA is built different. And there are few that know that better than Gerta Dhamo—whose brain devised the newest addition to Hult’s programs. We interviewed Gerta to get a picture of the woman at the heart of GOMBA—and what makes it a cut above the other MBAs out there.
I witnessed the massive growth of distance education—that has been incredible.
Hi Gerta, let’s hear a little about you
I’m Gerta Dhamo, digital programs manager for Hult’s online graduate programs. I have over a decade of experience in higher education. Before Hult, I was at Harvard working in various program management roles and instructional design.
How did you begin your career in higher education?
My passion for higher education started when I was an undergraduate intern at an international student office at a school in Boston. That’s when I decided to pursue a career in education, although I was studying politics. From there, my journey led me to Harvard, where I held several positions in academics, student programs, research, instructional design, and curriculum development. I did my master’s in education at Harvard at the same time as I was working there. This mean’s I’m very aware of what it means to be a part-time student with a full-time job.
Ultimately, GOMBA is an Online MBA, where courses are fully taught online on zoom over a weekend.
Has anything about your career trajectory surprised you?
I would say entering the world of online learning was a surprise. I witnessed the massive growth of distance education—that has been incredible. At my previous job, I was designing and launching online courses for a certificate program, then COVID hit. It seemed I was perfectly positioned to continue that path of offering online education on a bigger scale. That’s what led me to Hult.
Hult’s GOMBA is purpose-built to give students the best return on their investment.
How have your own experiences informed your approach to creating the Global Online MBA (GOMBA)?
A decade of experience in higher education has informed the creation of GOMBA. For me, one of the most critical aspects of the program is making sure our students feel confident in their decision when choosing Hult. My academic years have informed me of the importance of ensuring students have access to quality education and support. Online programs tend to isolate initially—ours is designed not to. In terms of program design, my experience at Harvard Business School launching online courses taught me best practices. It also helped me understand how we deliver live online and asynchronous, or self-paced, courses in partnership with faculty.
Students come together to discuss today’s most pressing business challenges and strengthen relationships with faculty and peers.
What’s the purpose behind combining FlexOnline and Live Online? Did you get the best of both worlds?
GOMBA was the answer to having one Global Online MBA at Hult. We’ve launched several different flavors, including Flex Online and Live Online. Combining the two will give students the best of both worlds. Ultimately, GOMBA is an Online MBA, where courses are fully taught online on zoom over a weekend. When students are facing schedule conflicts or cannot attend over a weekend, they have an opportunity to take the course in an asynchronous format, allowing them to study at their own pace.
What do people want in an online MBA?
When looking at what people want in an online MBA, the top reasons are flexibility and cost. On top of that they require a quality curriculum and a diverse group of peers to engage with. Moreover, what I think people are looking for is a valuable, successful experience. In a recent study by Wiley, a global leader in research and education, about what influences student satisfaction and success in online programs, they found students value community, consistency, and support.
GOMBA is designed with flexibility in mind, with live online courses running over weekends, not weekdays.
Does GOMBA deliver that?
Absolutely! GOMBA is designed with three pillars in mind: flexibility, a diverse, global network, and a skills-based, hands-on curriculum. I want to touch on these three very briefly:
People looking to complete an online MBA are most likely balancing work and family responsibilities while advancing their careers. GOMBA is designed with flexibility in mind, with live online courses running over weekends, not weekdays.
Hult is one of the most diverse business schools, with students from over 35 countries. This means when joining Hult, people will engage with a truly international network. Global Online MBA is an immersive, in-person experience held all around the world. Students come together to discuss today’s most pressing business challenges and strengthen relationships with faculty and peers.
When joining GOMBA, our academic team will ensure students are engaged and learning from both faculty and peers.
GOMBA has a carefully curated skills-based curriculum with a range of electives and specializations. It enables skills development and practical application in the real world. Our faculty are business experts and industry leaders who have returned to the classroom to enhance future business leaders’ skills. Students are learning from professors with real-life experience and industry connections.
All of this comes together in the delivery of the program. When joining GOMBA, our academic team will ensure students are engaged and learning from both faculty and peers. They will find consistency in how the program is delivered, regardless of the format so they are the ones in control over how they engage with educational content. Lastly, they will be supported every step of the way, from application to graduation day.
What, precisely, are graduates walking away with?
Hult GOMBA graduates are walking away with a combination of hard and soft skills. Technical skills, leadership and management skills, and problem-solving are all highly applicable in the business world. These lead to expanded responsibilities and promotions at work and a boost in confidence and salary. All while being a part of an alumni network that spans the globe.
They will find consistency in how the program is delivered, regardless of the format (live online or asynchronous)
What’s the primary edge GOMBA has over its competitors?
Hult’s GOMBA is purpose-built to give students the best return on their investment. We provide a full, immersive experience equal to an in-person MBA, but at an affordable price.
What do our students have to say
Justin Dabu
“What I appreciate most about Hult’s Global Online MBA program is the diversity of my fellow cohort. Being able to learn from peers from various industries, experiences, and cultures brings a wide range of perspectives—adding so much color to the learnings. The format helps to shift a person’s mindset from a “single-view” to a more “global-view” and explore what is truly possible.”
Jolina Kahn
“Hult has been a good fit for what I need in an MBA program. I’m an entrepreneur and a consultant who is also a mom with a young kid, with many other roles in between. I needed a program that would both challenge me and give me the flexibility to work at my own pace.”
Hani El Khoury
“A program designed to challenge real-world problems with critical thinking analysis based on data and facts. The experience with the peers is unique, providing high caliber discussions and insightful moments that build character.”
Jad El Cham
“Through the virtual classroom, I can gain access to top-notch professors and engaging course materials, while still being able to manage my schedule. Additionally, collaborating with classmates from diverse backgrounds and cultures provides me with a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective on business. So, whether you’re looking to accelerate your career or seeking personal and professional growth, Hult’s Global Online MBA program can provide the flexibility, quality education, and global connections needed to succeed.”
Convinced? To check out what Hult’s Global Online MBA can offer you in full, you can download our brochure here.
