Online MBA Graduate Jay Richert Discusses Life Post-Grad

Meet Jay Richert, MBA. Jay recently completed UofL’s Online MBA program in May 2026 and was kind enough to share a bit about what he has been up to since he completed the program. Read Jay’s answers to our questions below!  

Please share your full name, age, where you are from and your current occupation.  

Jay Michael George Richert, age 49, living in Pittsburgh, PA, current role is Vice President at MPLX. 

Please share what inspired you to pursue your education; what was the moment, conversation or thought that helped you to believe, "I can do this"?  

I'd been contemplating an MBA for years, but it never seemed to be the right time to enroll. Life was always too busy, with other priorities.  Eventually, I came to the conclusion that if I don't do it soon, it may never happen. I had achieved some stability and consistency in my life, so I thought I could manage the extra workload and decided to make the leap. 

Why did you pursue an online program?  

I needed the flexibility to study at times that worked with my schedule. I also knew there was a possibility that I might relocate before completing the program, so I wanted a program that I could continue with, regardless of where I was living. 

What attracted you to UofL's online MBA program?  

The design of the program was the best I was able to find. The design aspects that were most compelling to me include: the Cardinal Choice project, the global business trip, the cohort/group format, and the 6-week course schedule.  

What was your overall experience like? What were your biggest challenges and successes?  

The overall experience was very good. The biggest challenge was the group projects...coordinating schedules and working with others can be difficult. The biggest successes were the assignments that forced me to engage with people in my area of study outside of the program. It created great networking opportunities and forced me to get out of my comfort zone, where the best learning takes place. 

When you look back on your time as a UofL student, what do you think you will remember most?  

As an online student who doesn't live in Louisville, I enjoyed the invitation to come to campus for graduation and participate in the alumni campus tour, the COB banquet, and meeting the members of my cohort in person.  

Who are the people that have impacted you the most, between family and friends, faculty, or staff?  

Many people impacted me during the program. The biggest encouragement was to have a family that understands the time commitment and can help by allowing me to dedicate the attention needed to the program. I also want to recognize Dr. Goldman for his engagement with the cohort throughout the entire program. Finally, our class presidents were active throughout the program, which helped build a sense of community.  

What is your current 5-year plan? How has your degree helped you advance your 5-year plan? 

I am nearing the end of my career, so my 5-year plan is simply to contribute the most that I can to my company/industry before I retire. The MBA has given me some new skills and perspective on what is necessary for businesses to succeed in the future.  

What would you tell others on the fence about pursuing their education?  

I would tell others that I have never regretted pursuing additional education. I've been a lifelong learner and found that it provides real benefits, not just from learning the course content, but also in intangible ways through networking, problem solving and learning life skills.  

What would you tell others considering an MBA specifically?  

I would tell others that an MBA provides a good understanding of how businesses and businesspeople succeed. An MBA doesn't guarantee future success, but it creates a great foundation from which you can build a successful career. I think a desire for personal accomplishment, regardless of the career outcome, is important for a successful MBA experience. 

How did you feel walking across the graduation stage with your MBA?  

The pomp and circumstance were great, and I enjoyed all the preparations. Honestly, it was a really long ceremony.   

Any other thoughts you would like to share we may not have addressed?  

I want to commend Dr. Goldman on a great program. I know it is a team effort, but I think his leadership has made the UofL program one of the best, and I want to recognize his contributions.