Graduate Spotlight: Justin Lincoln (Online Master of Business Administration)

When Justin Lincoln was named one of Poets & Quants' 2026 Best and Brightest Online MBAs, he was recognized for more than his academic achievements. The nomination reflected years of balancing graduate school and a demanding career, all while striving to become a stronger leader.  

He recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati with his Online Master of Business Administration (MBA). Already, he's making use of it and being recognized for his efforts.

We’re excited to hear from Justin about his journey with UC Online and where his MBA has taken him! 

Justin’s initial stint as a Bearcat began in undergrad. After earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in Operations Management, he returned to UC nearly ten years later to take his career to the next level.  

Already well into his career, Justin knew that a full-time in-person MBA experience wasn’t feasible. His priorities when choosing a graduate program were flexibility, quality, and customizability. Justin sought an online MBA that would meet these needs—and his search led him back to his alma mater.

“I chose University of Cincinnati’s online MBA program for several reasons,” he said. “Its national rankings were higher than the alternatives, it was flexible without sacrificing educational quality, and it offered an accompanying graduate certificate in data analytics.” 

As a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at Ameritas Investment Partners, Justin’s professional reality is a combination of operations and data. He wears many hats, but ultimately, he aims to “help teams work smarter.” The opportunity to earn his Online Data Analytics Certificate alongside his MBA was a major plus; it allowed him to pursue coursework directly applicable to his career.  

For Justin, earning his MBA while continuing to work full time made sense. However, the reality of balancing his career, education, and personal life was challenging at times. On average, he spent 12-16 hours on his MBA per week. What helped was getting to choose when he completed these hours each week, as opposed to following a fixed on-campus schedule.

“The flexibility of selecting when I wanted to progress through coursework was absolutely my favorite part of the experience,” he said. “Being able to slot coursework in around other life commitments is what made my return to school possible in the first place, and the material covered in the MBA program was varied and relevant to my day-to-day work. It’s easier to commit the time when I know that time will be beneficial.” 

Many adult learners who enroll in online programs are experiencing distance-learning for the first time. Compared to his on-campus undergraduate experience, Justin had to shift his mindset upon starting his online MBA. Gone were the days of a rigid undergraduate schedule; with the additional flexibility of weekly lectures and self-guided modules came the need for self-motivation.  

According to Justin, it’s all about balance—and UC Online students don’t have to navigate it alone either. Struggling to connect with classmates can be a common obstacle for online learners. However, Justin found that his professors helped create those connections. They provided group experiences and other virtual opportunities to connect organically with his peers.  

"Despite what my title suggests, my actual day-to-day is a mix of different operational and data responsibilities,” Justin said.  

Designing PowerBI models, writing SQL, managing projects, overseeing workflows, training coworkers—Justin might work in any of these areas throughout the day. The professional achievement he’s most proud of is implementing and scaling a new process that “supports the management of more than $1.3 billion of pledged principal balance.”  

When it came time to start his MBA, he knew it was crucial to go beyond a niche area of study or skillset. UC helped him do that. Through the MBA curriculum, he became well-versed in all aspects of business, including:

• Decision modeling
• Data analysis
• Managerial economics
• Organizational leadership
  
• Operations management

Because of how varied his work is, Justin has already drawn from nearly every MBA course he’s taken in his professional life.  

He has utilized coursework in data analytics and Python to automate data cleaning tasks; he’s applied his understanding of interpersonal communication and managerial styles to how he collaborates with his colleagues.  

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the workforce, AI mastery is an in-demand skill for MBA graduates. Justin’s experience aligned with what some call a "conceptual understanding” of AI—learning how and when to use it.

“Some courses were designed to encourage us to explore our interpersonal experiences and forge mental connections to improve our managerial capabilities,” he explained. “Given that goal, AI doesn’t serve a purpose. In other courses, it could be used to troubleshoot errors in programming syntax and output or to aid in initial exploration of a topic. There’s a time and place for everything, and the same is true for AI.”

While you graduate from an MBA with a new degree in hand, there are numerous takeaways beyond your diploma: professional connections, sharpened skills, newfound knowledge. In Justin’s case, this included a new feather in his cap from Poets & Quants.  

“I am honored that I was nominated!” Justin said. “It is humbling to have the dedication that helped me on my MBA journey recognized.”

Now in its ninth year, P&Q’s Best and Brightest Online MBAs highlights top leaders and performers across the world’s top Online MBA programs. It honors the academic and professional accomplishments of MBA graduates like Justin and the bright futures ahead of online learners. 

“What means the most is the opportunity to share my story,” Justin added. “If my experience pursuing my MBA helps others decide that they can do the same despite how busy our lives make us, then this can represent something more than a personal accomplishment.”

When asked about the future, Justin was both reflective and ambitious.

“My goal is less tied to a title than to the level of impact I desire to have: leading teams, improving and strengthening operations, and helping organizations use data and emerging technologies more efficiently,” he said. 

He aims to move into a leadership role in the long term. However, earning a promotion wasn’t his main measure of success for pursuing his MBA. His MBA fulfils a promise he made to himself nearly ten years ago, fresh out of undergrad: a commitment to self-improvement and lifelong learning.  

“While I hope the skills I’ve learned will create future opportunities, this was less about a title change and more about strengthening my management, leadership, and analytical capabilities to support long-term growth.”

Justin’s advice for online MBA hopefuls comes down to self-awareness, dedication, and purpose.  

“Do your research! Not just into programs, but also yourself as a student,” he said. “Online programs can be extremely rewarding, but they require you to be honest with yourself about your habits and motivation."  

It’s true while choosing where to apply, and it’s true once you’re in the thick of your coursework. Being self-aware about your habits as a learner—both good and bad—will help you thrive in an online MBA.  

If you’re a self-starter, continue to build that sense of internal motivation. If you struggle more with distractions or juggling multiple priorities, block off time each week so you can focus solely on school.

“And most importantly, keep this in mind: MBA programs will give you as much as you put into them,” Justin said. While a graduate degree equips you with many new skills, making the most of your MBA is up to you. 

Aptly named, Justin is one of the University of Cincinnati’s best and brightest online MBA graduates. We couldn’t be prouder of his achievements and are excited to see where he goes from here. Congratulations, Justin!

Earning your MBA online can be extremely rewarding and offers tangible benefits. But we also know it’s intimidating to start the process. If you’d like to dip your toes in, connect with us today. There’s no pressure to apply until you’re ready. 

UC Online's dedicated team of Enrollment Services Advisors are here to provide individualized guidance as you start exploring online degree programs. And if the Online Master of Business Administration program is a fit for your goals, we’ll help you understand your next steps.