09-20-2024
Scott Morton knew that if he wanted to progress into leadership within the cybersecurity field, he’d need more than just technical expertise.
"I’ve always seen myself as a leader. I’ve had formal leadership roles before, but since my transition into a new industry, I knew I needed to go the extra mile to prove my suitability for a higher leadership position," says Morton, a solutions architect at CrowdStrike.
In an industry that values advanced education, Morton recognized that pursuing an MBA would distinguish him and demonstrate his commitment to leadership.
Living in Orange, California, Morton knew that relocating for an in-person program wasn’t a viable option. “The time I’m going to be able to work on the program is at night, on the weekends, or whenever I have a moment here or there,” Morton explains. The online format offered by Purdue provided the flexibility he needed to stay rooted in his current life while advancing his education. It allowed him to manage his full-time role at CrowdStrike and his family responsibilities.
Morton graduated this summer with an online MBA degree from Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business, a significant step that aligned with his long-term career goals. The decision to pursue an MBA was clear, but considerations beyond the program's strengths played a role in choosing online programs and selecting Purdue. Morton’s connection to Purdue runs deep—his parents and much of his extended family were Boilermakers.
From the outset, Morton approached his MBA studies with a clear strategy to manage his time effectively. “I decided from the very beginning that I wasn’t going to overwhelm myself. I was going to do one class at a time, and for the first year I stuck pretty close to it,” he reflects. This approach allowed him to balance his full-time job and academics without completely letting go of family time or personal ambitions.
In the summer of 2022, Morton made the deliberate choice to pause his MBA studies to focus on earning his CISSP certification, a critical credential within the cybersecurity industry. The flexibility of Purdue’s Online MBA program enabled him to dedicate an entire semester to this goal.
“The whole summer semester was three months of intense study for the certification. It was crucial for my career, so I took the time I needed,” Morton explains. After successfully passing the CISSP exam on a Friday, Morton resumed his MBA coursework the following Monday, picking up where he left off with renewed energy and focus.
Despite the online format, the collaborative nature of the program allowed Morton to engage with classmates from diverse industries, which broadened his network and enriched his learning experience.
“I had so many classmates with different experiences and backgrounds that helped broaden my perspective,” Morton says. “In case studies and group work, you really get your wheels turning by putting yourself in the shoes of someone from a completely different industry, like insurance or oil and gas.”
This exposure to a variety of viewpoints not only enhanced Morton’s understanding of global business challenges but also honed a key leadership skill: the ability to appreciate and integrate diverse perspectives into decision-making. By engaging with peers from different fields, Morton learned to approach problems with a more holistic view—a crucial attribute for any leader looking to inspire and guide teams in a multifaceted environment.
Taking his efforts a step further, Morton complemented his MBA studies with a graduate certificate in Leadership, Change Management and Negotiations, reinforcing his commitment to building the skills necessary for effective and adaptive leadership.
Balancing his MBA studies with other responsibilities required not only careful planning but also the ability to seize opportunities for study whenever they arose. Morton, who also plays guitar at his church, found ways to integrate his studies into even the busiest of days, studying between rehearsals and services.
“I’d often find an empty office, open my laptop, and work on my assignments. It was all about carving out time wherever I could,” Morton shares. This disciplined approach to time management, which was crucial to his success in the program, aligns with the four key domains of time management: spiritual, mental, emotional, and material. He maintained purpose relationships and commitments but thought strategically about how to organize his actions. His efforts did pay off well as he was selected as the virtual commencement speaker for his graduating class.
As Morton looks back on his journey through Purdue’s online MBA program, he sees it as a critical step in preparing for leadership in cybersecurity. The program’s flexibility, combined with his dedication and strategic approach to managing time, allowed him to gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in a dynamic and demanding field.
If you would like to receive more information about pursuing a business master’s at the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, please fill out the form and a program specialist will be in touch!
