Roosevelt’s online MBA program lets Erica “Rickie” Richter earn her degree and work a full-time job in her preferred field at the same time. Richter previously earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and is set to graduate with her Integrated Marketing Communications concentration in May 2026. She was captain of the University’s championship dance team as an undergraduate, and when she was offered the role of Graduate Assistant for the squad, pursuing a convenient online master’s degree through Roosevelt was a no-brainer. 

“Being able to take all of my classes online has given me the freedom to work full-time and support myself financially while furthering my education, so it was an easy decision,” she says. “The flexibility of Roosevelt’s MBA program coupled with the direct interaction with your professors makes the program special.”

Roosevelt’s MBA concentrations allow students to choose nearly a dozen specialties such as finance, real estate and human resources. Rickie selected the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) track, which combines core classes like accounting and corporate leadership with courses like Brand Planning and Message Strategy. Thanks to this well-rounded curriculum, Rickie can apply lifelong business skills with her passion for musical theatre. 

Read more to learn how Roosevelt prepares Rickie for career success, fosters her interest in entertainment marketing and helps her navigate health challenges.

Why did you select Integrated Marketing Communications as your MBA concentration?

I love the psychology behind marketing. At its heart, it's listening to people’s problems and presenting solutions. There is also such a heavy emphasis on storytelling, which is a passion of mine. I chose to pursue marketing because I saw a lot of opportunity in the field and knew I could apply the skills I’d learn in this degree path to a plethora of different jobs. I never want to feel limited, and this felt like the best way to expand my career options. 

What do you plan to do with your degree upon graduation?

I currently work as a marketing and copywriting intern, and I’d like to move forward with that! I have also taken online courses and earned a specialization in search engine optimization (SEO), and I am currently working on a project management certification. I am eager to find roles where I can blend these skills to work creatively and deliver innovative marketing/business solutions. 

How has guidance and support staff at Roosevelt improved your master’s program experience?

I have always felt very supported by the staff at Roosevelt. The Office of Disability Services has assisted me in navigating school through certain health challenges, the Office of Career Services has helped me prepare for interviews and land internships, and the Learning Commons offers tutoring services that have been extremely beneficial for me, especially in my math courses. My professors have all been wonderfully supportive. While my classes have never been easy, the staff here makes handling school’s challenges much more manageable. 

How has your perspective on business changed or evolved since taking classes at Roosevelt? 

Before starting my MBA I thought business classes would be a bit lackluster and repetitive. I was so happy to be proven wrong! Business is complex and multifaceted, and there is something for everyone. From the creativity and storytelling of marketing to the psychology of management to the pattern recognition and math skills for accounting and stats, my classes have shown me how much there is to learn to be successful in business. The classes that have changed my outlook the most are those where I have gotten to flex my creative muscles by creating brand campaigns and working on real-world problems.

Is there a particular class or Roosevelt professor that has been your favorite? Why?

It’s hard to decide, but I’ve surprisingly really enjoyed my more math-heavy classes like Accounting, Business Statistics and Managerial Finance. These were the classes that intimidated me the most when I enrolled because I have never considered myself a numbers person. While they have been very challenging, learning the material has made me feel empowered and ready to take on any career challenges. The difficulty of the courses made me feel more accomplished when I eventually mastered the material. My professors have been instrumental in helping me understand the course material as well. Even though I’m concentrating in Marketing, having these mathematical skills makes me feel so much more well-rounded and confident entering the job market.

Has the Heller College of Business been beneficial for developing a professional network and assisting with potential job opportunities?

Yes! I have utilized the resources provided by the Heller College of Business as well as Roosevelt University in general to jumpstart my career in business. Transitioning from a background in the performing arts to a career in business felt intimidating, but attending career fairs, events and information sessions has helped me confidently navigate this new world. Chicago is ripe with opportunities for young professionals, and the Heller College of Business helps students capitalize on that potential.

What would you tell a prospective Roosevelt MBA student who’s uncertain about applying for the program?

I would say to go for it! If they are looking for a solid program with opportunities for growth, career development and flexibility, Roosevelt would be a great choice. The program gives you a lot of resources for success, and if you commit yourself to it, this degree can catapult your career. It was absolutely the right choice for me, and I would 100% recommend the program.