Justin Jansen’s journey toward earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) exemplifies his strong commitment to lifelong learning. Initially hesitant about going back to school to pursue a second master’s degree, Jansen decided it was essential for his career advancement goals. 

Today, Jansen is a successful production manager in the stamping department at Toyoda Gosei (TG) Missouri poised to graduate with his MBA in General Management from SEMO Online at the end of the 2025 summer term. 

Background and Early Career 

Jansen earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial management in 2008. He earned an accelerated Master of Science in Project Management in 2016, taking online courses while working full time in various industrial management roles. 

Professionally, Jansen has worked as a supervisor at Unilever North American Ice Cream in Sikeston, Missouri, and at Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies in Dexter. In his 15 years working at TG Missouri in Perryville, Jansen has advanced through several roles, including production supervisor, planner, manufacturing engineer and production assistant manager.  

Sparked by his career progression — from the engineering side of operations into a management role — Jansen felt motivated to strengthen his expertise by pursuing an advanced degree that would hone his leadership and operational management skills. 

Choosing SEMO Online 

When exploring options for graduate programs, Jansen found Southeast Missouri State University’s online MBA program particularly appealing due to its flexible structure and accommodating credit transfer options, as well as the financial advantages offered through SEMO’s corporate partnership with his employer, TG Missouri. “The cost was less at SEMO because of our partnership and their general tuition,” he says. “Plus, I live in Jackson and work in Perryville, so if I need to go to campus, it’s not so far away.”  

Compared to other institutions, SEMO recognized a larger portion of Jansen’s prior academic work as credits toward his MBA as well.  

“Basically, I came in six courses ahead at SEMO versus where I would have been at Missouri State,” he says. “I’m only taking one to two classes a semester, so [SEMO’s program] basically puts me two years ahead. It was a no-brainer for me.” 

The program’s flexibility is enabling Jansen to earn his MBA more swiftly than he had anticipated, allowing him to balance his academic responsibilities with full-time employment and a growing family. “I thought it was going to take me three or four years,” he says, “but I’ve done it in two years, which is amazing.” 

Studying Abroad in Finland, Sweden and Estonia 

A highlight of Jansen’s MBA journey was participating in a study abroad program in Finland, Sweden and Estonia with the Topics in International Business class over spring break in 2024. 

“That was probably the most fun thing that I’ve done so far. It was awesome. Estonia was beautiful — seeing the Soviet history, the museums, Old Town, everything from the 1400s,” Jansen says. “I had never had the opportunity to do anything like that before.” 

Jansen was excited he got to earn his reindeer driver’s license in Finland and hand-deliver his children’s Christmas list to the real Santa Claus in the Arctic Circle. “[Santa] even wrote them a nice letter back for Christmas,” Jansen says. 

The trip deepened Jansen’s understanding of global markets and affirmed the importance of cross-cultural interactions in management roles. “In Sweden, they took us to a chamber of commerce meeting, and, basically, they were trying to recruit us to move to Sweden, telling us about all the business opportunities they had,” Jansen says. “That was good for me — to see how they network there.” 

“The main thing I took from it was that we’re not that different here in the United States versus over there,” Jansen says. “Everybody has parts supply issues. Everybody has problems, and, generally, you figure out how to solve your work problems from someone else’s experiences. We’re a lot more similar than we are different.” 

This transformative experience, fully funded by his employer, provided unique insights into global business practices, international collaboration and historical perspectives, he says. “I was very fortunate that I have been able to have my company pay for my education and have my family be supportive of me on this journey.” 

A Comprehensive MBA Curriculum 

Jansen appreciates the comprehensive curriculum of SEMO Online’s MBA program. Covering strategic management, human resources and managerial finance, the coursework has directly enhanced his effectiveness in his management position.  

The knowledge he gained from these courses has enabled him to better support and educate his team at TG Missouri, he says, and facilitated his understanding of company policies, financial strategies and operational excellence. He has especially enjoyed getting to know more about human resources policies and why they are in place. 

“The deeper I get into management, the more administrative I'll become, and the more I’ll be using financial and strategic concepts. Having this MBA gives me confidence. I'm better prepared for what might come.” 

Advice for Prospective SEMO Online MBA Students 

Passionate about lifelong learning, Jansen actively promotes education among his colleagues, encouraging them to utilize TG’s tuition reimbursement programs to pursue higher education. “I’m always telling [my colleagues] I want to lead by example. I can show them I have the experience. I’ve gone through it, and it’s possible — even with three kids at home and my wife working full time,” Jansen says. 

Jansen offers the following advice for prospective students interested in pursuing one of SEMO Online’s MBA programs: 

1. Communicate Clearly and Often 

Jansen emphasizes that clear and frequent communication is essential when navigating the process of enrolling in a SEMO Online MBA program.  

“Make a list of your questions, find the answers,” he says. “You have to ask them the questions, make sure you talk to them, give them all your information.” By openly sharing details about his previous education and professional experiences, Jansen found opportunities to accelerate his degree.  

About SEMO’s prior learning credit and online education policies, Jansen says, “The program that Dr. Chelsea McNeely has started and worked on with Dr. Gillian Nicholls gives people more hours towards their degree with their previous education and their experience.”  

Jansen encourages prospective students to leverage their professional background and experience to maximize the value of the SEMO program. 

“I wouldn’t have gotten some of these classes had I not told them, ‘Hey, I have all this experience. I already have a master’s degree,’” he says. “Because I gave them that information, they were able to work with me to get me that credit and get me basically two years ahead. So that’s key — you’ve got to communicate.” 

2. Ask About Employer Partnerships and Tuition Reimbursement 

Jansen strongly recommends that students explore the employer partnerships, tuition reimbursement programs and financial support available through their workplace. “A lot of companies will pay for you to go to school, so talk to your work, too,” he says. “Or maybe find out if there’s a certain field that you want to be in, talk to somebody that works there. Talk to a company in that field, see if you can get in there and work there and get them to pay for it.”  

He actively practices what he preaches. “At TG, I’m one of the few people that takes advantage of the reimbursement program, and I’ve always pushed that with my employees,” he says. “Anybody who comes here and maybe has a high school degree, I always tell them, ‘I’ll help work with you to push that.’” 

3. Build Relationships and Seek Help From Advisors 

Jansen highlights the importance of building relationships and utilizing the support of the program’s academic advisors and staff. “Dr. Nicholls was the one who talked me through everything,” he says. “I sent a lot of emails, asked a lot of questions about the program, and then she talked to the dean for me. She was extremely helpful.”  

He further recommends students make direct contact early on. “Before I started, I talked to Dr. McNeely, and after confirming our partnership discount, any little bit helped.” 

Preparing for the Future 

Jansen advises prospective students to carefully evaluate the cost, convenience and flexibility when choosing their MBA program, while also making sure that the program meets their career goals. Students should also look for a high-quality, accredited program. 

Looking ahead, Jansen sees his MBA as foundational for his future roles, leading him toward general management positions within TG Missouri and beyond. He eagerly anticipates sharing his graduation milestone with his family, he says, to reinforce the value he places on continued education and his commitment to his personal and professional growth.  

“Learning is always good for me. But what I’m looking forward to most is letting my kids see me graduate — to show them an example of what they can aspire to do.” 

Discover Flexible MBA Programs Through SEMO Online 

Ready to explore flexible MBA programs?  

Whether you are ready to earn your bachelor’s degree or seeking advancement with a master’s degree, there’s a path for you at SEMO Online. Our commitment to student support means you will receive one-on-one guidance from dedicated faculty, program coordinators and academic advisors at every step of your educational journey.  

Offering asynchronous coursework, eight-week class terms and five start dates per year, a SEMO Online flexible MBA program can help you increase your impact at work and forge the career you want.