From Health to Finance: Oswalt’s Journey to an MBA
Ginny Oswalt never planned to earn a Master of Business Administration. But after an unexpected career shift and a growing passion for finance, the Louisiana native who was raised in Little Rock has recently graduated with her MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Oswalt first came to UA Little Rock as an undergraduate student with plans to become a teacher. After an unexpected shift in interests, she changed her major to health sciences with an emphasis in community health promotion. Following graduation, she began working as an administrative assistant on campus, which sparked her interest in budget, finance, and human capital management.
“Eventually, I became the finance director for the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), where I realized the benefit of better aligning my experiences and education,” Oswalt said.
While in the MBA program, Oswalt was actively involved in several campus committees and projects. She participated in the Anaplan test group, served on the Non-Faculty Salary Survey Committee, and contributed to search committees, including the one for associate vice chancellor of finance. She also co-led a staff book group for the School of Business and helped develop budget and finance training sessions within the school.
“These experiences have provided real-world application of MBA concepts, while the program has offered new perspectives,” she said. “Anaplan testing provided practical experience in business information systems, and management topics informed my work on search committees and training development. Similarly, finance and economics coursework has equipped me with tools for budget analysis, forecasting, and research.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program, Oswalt said, was the opportunity to explore youth suicide prevention research through Dr. Moiz Bhai’s final project.
“His support, including providing access to data and offering encouragement as I developed research methods, coupled with the skillset to accompany my ongoing research, is invaluable,” she said.
Her academic achievements were recognized with inductions into Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma, which she called rewarding moments of affirmation.
Oswalt offered advice to working professionals considering graduate school.
“Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time to go back to school because life will always present obstacles,” she said.
Her own journey was filled with unexpected personal challenges, and she credits her friend and therapist for encouraging her to attend the first class.
“My advice is to not only acknowledge that it will require discipline and a commitment to a study schedule, but also to recognize the value of the education you’ll receive, even in the midst of difficulties,” she said. “Having a strong support system — even if it’s made up of just a few people — makes a difference.”
“If I could navigate a demanding program through significant personal struggles, know that your goals are achievable too. And, as a colleague once told me, ‘If you don’t cry at least once, did you even go to grad school?’”
Reflecting on her journey, Oswalt said, “My journey through the MBA program has been marked with both learning and perseverance. Successfully juggling work, school, and personal challenges has given me a strong sense of hope and optimism for the future. I’m grateful for the experiences and the people who have been part of the journey, as both have prepared me to face what’s ahead as I explore future opportunities.”
Written by: Sydney Ambrus