At NC State’s Poole College of Management, our optional hybrid courses combine the convenience of online learning with the valuable connections and engagement of in-person interaction. Delivered through PACKed Saturdays, these on-campus sessions offer a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers, learn from faculty and industry experts, and participate in professional development activities—all designed to enrich your MBA experience while maintaining flexibility.
Flexible Learning
Study online at your pace and join us in Raleigh once a month.
In-Person Networking
Build meaningful relationships with peers, faculty and alumni.
Professional Development
Participate in guest lectures, expert panels and workshops.
What Are PACKed Saturdays?
PACKed Saturdays are the cornerstone of our hybrid course model. These once-a-month, on-campus sessions provide the rich engagement benefits of networking and professional development. Each session is a half-day packed with opportunities to grow, network and learn alongside peers, faculty and industry professionals. All other course sessions for the semester are completed online.
What You Can Expect on Campus
Networking breakfasts and lunches
Four hours of in-person instruction
Guest speakers and panels
Opportunities for one-on-one faculty interaction
Group discussions and hands-on activities
Daily Agenda
Breakfast opens at 8:00 am with community-building and networking
Class meets from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm with breaks as determined by instructors; coffee service runs continuously during this time
Lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 pm with more time for community-building and networking, including panel sessions and faculty speakers
A Day PACKed with Growth and Opportunity
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“PACKed Saturdays have been a perfect way to bridge the online learning experience with in-person connection. The chance to collaborate face-to-face with peers and engage with professors makes the program feel more personal and helps solidify what we’ve learned.”
Jessica Woller-DeGennaro
Director, Organizational Change and Project Management, Univar Solutions
The Power of In-Person Learning
Online modules provide the flexibility to learn foundational concepts, explore key topics at your own pace, and engage with asynchronous content designed to fit your schedule. Then, during PACKed Saturdays, you’ll take that learning to the next level. These sessions are your opportunity to collaborate with peers, tackle complex problems and get real-time feedback from faculty.
Whether you’re diving into a case study, practicing negotiation skills or working with your team to refine a business plan, these Saturday sessions are where ideas come to life. By focusing on activities that require direct engagement and immediate feedback, we ensure you’re not just learning — you’re applying, refining and growing.
Sample Courses
Previous and current courses offered for PACKed Saturdays include (but are not limited to)*:
Negotiation and Conflict Management
Predictive Analytics for Business and Big Data
Marketing Management and Strategy
Sustainable Operations Management
Creating Value in Organizations
Managing Teams in a Dynamic Environment
Machine Learning Methods in Business
Influencing Others
B-Corp Clinic: Sustainability Practicum
Monte Carlo Decision Analysis
*Course availability varies by semester
Common Questions
What is a hybrid course at Poole?
A mix of online and in-person learning, with in-person sessions one Saturday a month (PACKed Saturday).
What makes PACKed Saturdays unique?
Beyond classroom learning, these Saturdays include networking, professional development and opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Previous PACKed Saturdays have included sessions such as:
“CEO of Your Life” — Chris Hitch, President & COO, LDR Group, LLC
“Judgment in an Era of Big Data” — Vikas Anand, Associate Dean for Academic Programs
“Trajectories and Journeys of Fitting at Work” — Karen Jansen, Department Head and Professor of Leadership and Change
“Lessons Learned in Life and A Career in Finance” — John Gregg, former CEO, Truist Securities
“Got Compassion? How It Can Soften the Blow of Broken Promises” — Tom Zagenczyk, Professor of Management
Career Panels featuring Jenkins alumni
Informal networking lunches for Jenkins students, faculty and staff
Can I combine hybrid and online courses?
Absolutely! Customize your schedule to fit your needs.
Do I need to live in Raleigh?
Not at all. Many students commute to campus from locations including Charlotte, Greensboro and Wilmington, NC to participate in PACKed Saturdays.
Am I required to complete a hybrid course?
Not at all. Hybrid courses with PACKed Saturdays are 100% optional for online students.
