Father and Son in the Online LSUS MBA Program Highlight the Modern Intergenerational Workplace

Two Career Stages, One Versatile MBA Program

Earning an MBA can have a different value depending on where professionals are in their careers. The 2026 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Prospective Students Survey reveals a shift from past trends: candidates are viewing graduate business school less as a way to change trajectory in their careers and more as a practical pathway to gain specific skills. However, regardless of the reason for going back to school, the LSUS MBA program supports students’ goals.

"Brian Jr. and I went through the online LSUS MBA program at very different stages in our careers," noted Brian Riley Sr. "He’s about five years in, while I have 27 years of experience. That difference really shaped how we each approached the program. For him, I believe the program will help him build a firm business foundation early. For me, it reinforced core concepts, connected theory to practice, and sharpened my approach to leadership and strategy.”

For Brian Riley Jr., graduate school provided immediate use in the fast-paced tech sector, where rapid adaptation is often needed.

Applying the MBA to Real-World Operations

A core strength of the AACSB-accredited LSUS MBA is its immediate applicability to current organizational challenges. Both students pointed to specific core courses that altered how they address issues at work.

Brian Sr. used systems thinking and data-driven decision making concepts from his coursework to dismantle departmental silos. "Facing rail operational inefficiency caused by siloed communications and reactive scheduling, I evaluated operations as an interconnected system," Riley Sr. stated. "By mapping end-to-end processes, identifying bottlenecks, and using performance data to address the root cause, we improved cross-functional coordination... resulting in improved schedule reliability."

For Brian Jr., the course Organizational Strategy and Policies shifted his long-term management outlook. "It changed how I think about problems and solutions at work," he shared. "As I continue working toward more senior leadership roles, I’ve been able to apply those concepts not just for my own performance, but to help my team operate more effectively as well."

The Power of Intergenerational Collaboration

Learning alongside one another allowed the Rileys to experience what organizational behaviorists call reverse mentorship, where seasoned professionals and younger leaders trade perspectives to reduce generational skills gaps.

"One thing that surprised me during my experience was how younger professionals approach leadership less like 'top-down management' and more like a group project that works," Brian Sr. reflected. "They value collaboration through GroupMe, adaptability, and purpose, and they’re quick to adjust when the data—or reality—changes. It was a refreshing reminder that leadership today is less about having all the answers and more about asking good questions."

For Brian Jr., navigating the program with an executive veteran reinforced the timeless fundamentals of business success. "At the core, a lot of my work ethic and leadership style comes from my dad, so we don’t differ much on the fundamentals," he noted. "Where we’ve had some differences is more around what works in our specific industries. Those conversations have actually been really valuable. It’s been interesting to see how his approach fits his world and compare that to mine. More than anything, it reinforced that growth is always a choice, no matter where you are in your career. Seeing my dad commit to this program when he didn’t have to has been a big motivator for me to keep pushing myself.”

Dispelling a Myth About Online Education

One lingering misconception among some professionals is that online graduate programs lack the rigor or connection of traditional classrooms. However, data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Distance Education Enrollment reports indicate that a majority of graduate students now use fully online or hybrid formats to go back to school. The data reflects how online education has become a valuable option for working professionals who don’t want to pause their lives.

The online MBA from LSUS blends this essential flexibility with competitive tuition, removing geographical barriers that can limit access to professional collaboration and networking.

"Many professionals are shifting away from the belief that face-to-face interactions in a traditional classroom are essential," Brian Sr. said. "Since the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become clear that most interactions, including education, can be effectively conducted virtually, allowing greater freedom and flexibility."

Brian Jr. echoed this, noting that the program’s structural flexibility allowed him to manage an unpredictable work schedule and move to another state without falling behind.

An Experience to Remember

Ultimately, completing an accelerated graduate degree together has cemented a unique personal bond between this father and son.

"I’ll always look up to him as my dad, but now we’re also learning from each other, which has been a great experience," said Brian Jr. "Not many people can say they’ve helped their hero prepare for an exam."

For Brian Sr., the upcoming graduation ceremony is a celebration of lifelong learning and family legacy. "Watching my son grow academically and professionally alongside my own journey made this experience unforgettable—one I will always cherish. I look forward to walking across the stage to receive my degree alongside Brian Jr."

As they prepare to graduate together in 2026, both father and son say the experience reinforced the values of discipline, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Final words from the duo:

From Brian Jr., “One thing that’s always been consistent in my family is discipline and structure. That mindset goes back to my grandmother, who served over 20 years in the Navy, and it’s something my dad has carried forward as well. I’ve always been taught that if you commit to something, you do it right. Watching my dad bring this same approach into this program has reinforced it even more.”

“Over three decades, a lot has changed but the fundamentals have not. Education, continuous learning, and hard work are still timeless drivers of growth and adaptability,” said Brian Sr. “I believe effective leadership requires continuous curiosity, fresh thinking, and a willingness to evolve regardless of title or tenure.”

About the Online LSUS MBA

The online MBA program through LSUS is designed for working professionals seeking flexible, high-quality business education that prepares leaders for today’s evolving business landscape. Offered through LSU Online, the program encourages practical leadership skills and adaptability in an increasingly technology-driven economy.