4PLUS Program Focus | Samantha Brandt

"My message to any student pondering whether or not to pursue the 4Plus Program is to do it! Invest in yourself and your career. You do not know what obstacles may prevent you from getting your master's degree in the future, and the program is seamless right after undergrad."

Samantha Brandt, MBA

Program

Business Administration (MBA)
Biology (B.A.)

Department

The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business

Alumni
Graduate School
Graduate Student

Academics
Natural Sciences
Business

12/06/2020

Hood MBA student, Samantha Brandt, is president of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and a 4PLUS program participant. She earned her undergraduate degree at Hood College in biology.

Could you tell us a bit more about your Hood journey?

My Hood journey began as a full-time biology student. Every semester, I had a full course load with 16-18 credits. When I felt I had a handle on my biology courses, I realized I wanted to expand my skill set and explore other academic fields. That is when I sat down and had a very meaningful conversation about life, aspirations, and goals with Dr. Van Winter, a business professor at Hood. After that conversation, I realized I wanted to expand my knowledge by tackling, not only a biology major, but a business administration minor as well.

Why did you choose the 4PLUS program and how did you manage to connect biology and MBA? What does your 4+ progression look like?

After taking some business courses in the pursuit of my minor, I realized I wanted to grow my business skills by pursuing a master’s degree in business administration through Hood’s 4Plus program. This program allows me to have one year of intense focus in order to obtain my master’s degree, rather than the 2-3 years it typically takes if your return to graduate school mid-career. An added bonus: I will also be able to get my PMP certificate with a few more credits after I get my masters, which will be very beneficial for me as I continue my biology-business career path.

How will this program help your career?

This program will help me grow within my biotech career path and, along with a PMP certificate, it will allow me to one day lead my own research team in the biotech world.

What would be your message to those students thinking about the 4PLUS program?

My message to any student pondering whether or not to take the 4Plus program is to do it! Invest in yourself and your career. You do not know what obstacles may prevent you from getting your master's degree in the future and the program is seamless right after undergrad. Knowledge is power, and the program exemplifies this!

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