Scott Arrington, associate conference planner at Cambridge Innovation Institute, didn’t waste any time deciding to return to school for an MBA. After graduating from Johnson University in Providence in May 2023 with a degree in Sports, Recreation, Events – Management (SEE), he enrolled in the school’s MBA program.
He told the Skift conference that he received his degree in December 2024 and has put in place things he has learned to use.
Skift Sessions: What motivated you to get your MBA?
Scott Arrington: “When I went to college, I realized that my undergraduate degree was very small. The MBA allowed me to expand on this.
“I was talking with my professors about which concentration would be best, and I ended up choosing organizational leadership instead of hospitality or events leadership, so it didn’t overlap with my undergraduate degree.”
Skift Sessions: What have you been able to apply for at work so far?
Scott Arrington: “What I learned in my project management and contract law classes has helped me in my job. We never covered accounting as an undergraduate, so my senior class gave my broader financial situation.”
Skift Sessions: Why did you choose Johnson & Wales?
arlington: “They offer alumni discounts and virtual classes. I’m someone who appreciates being in person. But with my current position, I travel so much that it doesn’t make sense to show up in person because I’ll miss weeks at a time.
“The professors were great with my travels. One week, I was having an international conference and told them that with the time changes it would be a little difficult to meet my due date. Nine times out of ten, they were willing to give me an extension. “
Skift Meetings: Many planners want to go back to school, but it’s hard to imagine dedicating the time to it. How did you do it?
Arlington: “No use, it definitely depends on the course you take. I took two classes every 8 weeks; they recommend you take one class every 8 weeks, which makes it more manageable. That would take two years to complete.
“I would say I average 10 hours a week. I just space it out and dedicate a weekend day to making sure I’ve done it all.
“Since my job is remote at the moment, I can get work done throughout the day and then maybe work on paper for an hour or two. I still make sure I have a social life or can attend social events in the evening.”
Skift Conference: Do you think this is worth the investment?
Arlington: “Absolutely. Even in my day job, I can draw from this knowledge. Now, my boss will come to me and ask me certain questions about organizational leadership or our team dynamics.
“When we work with everyone on site, it definitely helps people manage people. We’re team-based. One of the big things we saw in several of the sessions was leadership figures and how to work with people who may not have the same work style but are Working together with people working towards the same goals.
“It also helps with shrinking. I’m just starting to tap into the world of RFPs and signing up new events. Project management and meeting planning also go hand in hand, especially when you’re doing multiple events at once.”
Skift Sessions: Do you think getting an MBA is a good idea, is it a good idea for your planner?
Arlington: “I don’t think an MBA is for everyone. Especially when you’re so far away from school, it’s hard to go back. Unfortunately, it’s expensive. But I definitely think continuing education is important.”
Skift Meetings: But even with a degree, meeting planners have a hard time finding work these days.
Arlington: “Yeah, it’s very difficult. I have some classmates of mine who graduated two years ago who are still having trouble finding jobs. They have some contract work here and there but nothing full-time. There’s a lot of contact in meeting programs and hospitality. big.”
Skift Sessions: What’s next for you?
“I need to renew my membership with MPI and I think I’m going to CMP next.
“Now, my MBA brings an extra point of contact when I talk to people.”
