Ali is the CEO of a healthcare company in Saudi Arabia, with 17 years in the healthcare and life sciences sector. He built his career through hands-on practice rather than a traditional academic route, so he knew returning to formal study would be hard. He also believed today's healthcare leaders need structured management thinking and a global perspective.
Facing the challenge
Early in the MBA in Healthcare Management at Dominican University of California, Ali found analytical coursework, structured writing and theory genuinely difficult. Instead of stepping back, he leaned in:
- He joined the online Q&A sessions consistently
- He kept in regular contact with professors and AreteUp teaching assistants
- He revisited course material and applied feedback to each assignment
The role of support
With personal guidance and responsive TA support, early difficulty turned into steady progress, without putting his work responsibilities on hold. He now approaches healthcare operations and governance more strategically and explains complex ideas with more clarity.
“The MBA challenged me academically at first, but with the support of the professors and AreteUp's teaching team, I learned how to learn again. It strengthened my discipline, my thinking, and my leadership.”
Ali R.
Names and some details have been changed to protect our students' privacy.