[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Mcdonalds Hamburger University[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]McDonald’s is among the biggest employers in the world, a multinational company with countless opportunities for leadership and career development. Most of these opportunities require enrollment in Hamburger University, the intensive five-day crash course education in management, leadership, and company culture. Oh, did we mention that you may be able to earn actual college credits with your degree in Hamburgerology? Read on to find out how…[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interested in running your own business, gaining valuable management training, and taking on a leadership role with one of the world’s most recognized brands? Then you might be an excellent candidate for Hamburger University, the official training and education program for aspiring leaders in the McDonald’s restaurant chain.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]By revenue, McDonald’s is the single largest restaurant chain in the world. Of course, it takes a lot of talent and a lot of hard work to run a show that big. Those iconic golden arches first appeared in San Bernadino, California, where the flagship burger joint opened its doors in 1940. Today, the company’s more than 1.7 million employees could fill the city of San Bernadino six times over. McDonald’s is the second largest employer in the world — just behind Wal-Mart. A company of this magnitude requires excellent leadership.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]That’s where Hamburgerology comes in. Yes, Hamburgerology is an actual thing; not just a thing, but a degree you can earn upon graduating from McDonald’s Hamburger University. Management professionals who will work in various areas of the fast-food giant’s corporate structure must first complete training and career development courses at a sprawling 130,000 square foot Chicago campus.[/hen-ui-text] Rob Lauber, Senior VP & Chief Learning Officer for McDonald’s Corporation [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We wanted to learn more about the Hamburger University experience, and the opportunities it makes possible for ambitious members of the McDonald’s family. We had a chance to speak with Rob Lauber, Senior VP and Chief Learning Officer for McDonald’s Corporation. As part of his overall responsibilities for McDonald’s, Rob is the head of Hamburger University operations around the world. Though he joined McDonald’s in 2014, 2019 also marks 30 years in the Learning & Development profession for Rob. With a career spanning six companies in four different industries, Rob’s insight transcends the inner-workings of McDonald’s and offers an illuminating glimpse at the world of professional training and corporate education.[/hen-ui-text]
To read the full transcript of Rob’s interview, check out our conversation as part of our Ask An Expert series.
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”history”] Hamburger History[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hamburger University has a history that stretches back almost as far as the McDonald’s chain itself. Its roots are deeply entwined with the founding of the company itself. This makes Hamburger University one of the first corporate education programs of its kind. The McDonald’s chain was famously born when an ambitious milkshake mixer salesman named Ray Kroc partnered with, and eventually bought out, Maurice and Richard McDonald, two brothers with a small but popular chain of hamburger restaurants. He opened his first new location in Des Plaines, Illinois 1955.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It was there that Fred L. Turner first found work as a grill cook in 1956. Of course, Ray Kroc would go on to become one of the most successful businessmen in the world. Fred Turner’s visions for branding, consistency and quality control would help him get there. In addition to quickly ascending the ranks in the fledgling company, and landing a spot as operations manager by 1958, Fred Turner founded Hamburger University in 1961.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The corporate education and training program was a pioneering concept. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-hamburger-university-2333″]Business Insider[/hen-ui-link] notes that the grill man, who would ultimately become McDonald’s senior chairman, [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Those who attended Hamburger University in its earliest days received instruction not only from Fred Turner, but from Ray Kroc himself.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2015, Business Insider reported [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Senior VP and McDonald’s Chief Learning Officer Rob Lauber notes that today, Hamburger University trains roughly 5000 restaurant managers and franchise owners a year. More than 350,000 McDonald’s employees have been through its management, leadership, and business administration programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The flagship Hamburger University campus spent most of its history seated in Ray Kroc’s hometown, Oak Brook, Illinois. In 2018, the campus moved to an exciting new location in Chicago. (Oprah’s old studio complex, as it happens.)[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This is where the burgers are made…figuratively that is. More literally, this is where the next generation of business leaders are shaped, both within the McDonald’s company and beyond. With Rob Lauber’s help, we offer a quick look at how you can attend Hamburger University, what you’ll experience if you do, and what you can do with this education. We’ll also look at a few tips for financial assistance, McDonald’s scholarships, and even ways you can turn your McDonald’s education into college credits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”right”] Is Hamburger University right for you?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you think you’d be interested in attending Hamburger University, you’ll need to get your start just as Fred Turner did all those years ago. The path to Hamburger University begins with a job at McDonald’s, especially in a leadership capacity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob notes that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As Rob points out, this experience does position management level personnel to advance to the highest levels of the business. he said, [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”what”] What is Hamburger University like?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If that sounds like something you might be interested in, you’re probably wondering what life is like on the inside of the program. The answer to that question can be found in West Loop Chicago. After the recent move, Hamburger University now calls this neighborhood home.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob Lauber describes the original Oak Brook campus as an iconic place, one where countless future leaders came to learn and grow. However, with the recent move to Chicago, Hamburger University has modernized the educational experience. Rob notes that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob tells us that the new location [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”hard”] How hard is it to get into Hamburger University?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Now that you’re sufficiently pumped about the opportunity, you’re probably wondering how you can enroll. As Rob notes [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]So if you are a restaurant manager, or you’re in line to become one, and you’re interested in attending Hamburger University, you’ll want to be sure that your franchise owner is aware of your ambition. Make yourself visible and be sure to communicate your desire to advance through this program. This could be your ticket onto the Chicago campus.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For international students, requirements may differ. In fact, admission to the more recently minted Shanghai campus is notoriously selective. Bloomberg News [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-01-26/getting-into-harvard-easier-than-mcdonald-s-hamburger-university-in-china”]once reported[/hen-ui-link] that, with an acceptance rate of just under 1% of all applicants, Shanghai’s Hamburger University was far more selective a school than Harvard University — with its loosey-goosey 7% acceptance rate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”study”] What will you study at Hamburger University?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-mcdonalds-hamburger-university-0419-biz-20150407-story.html”]Chicago Tribune[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]So what does Hamburgerology really mean though? And how can it position graduates to better lead within their restaurants and beyond?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob notes that specific courses include and a Rob notes that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob goes on to note that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”cost”] What does Hamburger University cost? Are there scholarships or financial aid?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in attending Hamburger University and cost is a factor, we’ve got great news. Rob tells us that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Of course, this means that Hamburger University students don’t really need scholarships or financial aid. However, McDonald’s does sponsor a number of scholarship and tuition assistance programs aimed at helping its employees and community members make the leap into accredited two- and four-year colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though not directly affiliated with the Hamburger University experience, McDonald’s does offer the following scholarship and financial aid programs:[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.tmcf.org/”]The Thurgood Marshall College Fund[/hen-ui-link]:
Provides financial assistance to outstanding students attending one of the 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) within the TMCF member-school network. Each year, six scholars are selected to receive a $10,000 merit scholarship for the subsequent academic year.
[hen-ui-link href=”http://www.archwaystoopportunity.com/”]Archways to Opportunity[/hen-ui-link]:
Provides financial assistance to eligible U.S. McDonald’s employees working at participating restaurants so that they can earn a high school diploma, receive college tuition assistance, access free education and career advising services, and learn English as a second language. McDonald’s estimates that it has increased education access for more than 38,500 employees, awarding over $58 million in overall tuition assistance.
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This underscores the McDonald’s company’s commitment not just to advancing employees within its own organization through Hamburger University but to providing its employees with access to broader educational and professional opportunities. In fact, Hamburger University may be worth a lot more than its weight in beef…[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”credits”] Can I get college credits for attending Hamburger University?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To reiterate a point from above, Hamburger University is free of charge to eligible attendees. Within the context of Hamburger University, students can earn 23 credits toward a degree in Hamburgerology. This degree can have real-world value even beyond McDonald’s. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-hamburger-university-2333″]Business Insider[/hen-ui-link], students can also apply some of these credits [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This means that, free of charge, you can get a head start on earning college credits through Hamburger University.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob Lauber highlights this opportunity, telling us that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob points out that McDonald’s maintains an array of working partnerships with accredited colleges and universities. He explains that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Click here to find out more about [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.archwaystoopportunity.com/earn_your_college_degree.html”]partnership programs between McDonald’s and colleges or universities[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To learn more about earning college credits, check out the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.archwaystoopportunity.com/transcripts.html/”]details at the Archways program website[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”degree”] What can I do with a degree from Hamburger University?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All the features above suggest that a job at McDonald’s, and a degree from Hamburger University, could really be an excellent point of entry into a regionally accredited university or a practical professional certification. Those college credits could be extremely valuable — translating to real money saved — if you can effectively transfer them into a program at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If that’s something you’d be interested in pursuing even as you continue to advance your leadership career within McDonald’s, check out the very [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]Best Online Colleges[/hen-ui-link]. Most of these programs are distinguished by their convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for working adults and other non-traditional students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a degree from Hamburger University, you’ll qualify not only to advance in the McDonald’s leadership structure, but to lead and excel in a variety of business and organizational settings. The skills and knowledge you’ll gain here may apply in a great many business contexts. And if you’re anything like Hamburger University founder Fred Turner, your path to success, leadership, and innovation could begin with a simple job as a grill cook.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you view Hamburger University as a jumping off point to a degree in business administration, consider following your McDonald’s training with one of the following online programs:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We’ll close with some words of wisdom for anybody considering this path. Rob notes that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]And if you’re looking for a way to balance your advancing career as a leader in the McDonald’s corporation with the pursuit of a flexible college or graduate degree, jump to the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]Best Online Colleges[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]
[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you think you’d be interested in attending Hamburger University, you’ll need to get your start just as Fred Turner did all those years ago. The path to Hamburger University begins with a job at McDonald’s, especially in a leadership capacity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob notes that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As Rob points out, this experience does position management level personnel to advance to the highest levels of the business. he said, [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”what”] What is Hamburger University like?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If that sounds like something you might be interested in, you’re probably wondering what life is like on the inside of the program. The answer to that question can be found in West Loop Chicago. After the recent move, Hamburger University now calls this neighborhood home.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob Lauber describes the original Oak Brook campus as an iconic place, one where countless future leaders came to learn and grow. However, with the recent move to Chicago, Hamburger University has modernized the educational experience. Rob notes that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob tells us that the new location [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”hard”] How hard is it to get into Hamburger University?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Now that you’re sufficiently pumped about the opportunity, you’re probably wondering how you can enroll. As Rob notes [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]So if you are a restaurant manager, or you’re in line to become one, and you’re interested in attending Hamburger University, you’ll want to be sure that your franchise owner is aware of your ambition. Make yourself visible and be sure to communicate your desire to advance through this program. This could be your ticket onto the Chicago campus.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For international students, requirements may differ. In fact, admission to the more recently minted Shanghai campus is notoriously selective. Bloomberg News [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-01-26/getting-into-harvard-easier-than-mcdonald-s-hamburger-university-in-china”]once reported[/hen-ui-link] that, with an acceptance rate of just under 1% of all applicants, Shanghai’s Hamburger University was far more selective a school than Harvard University — with its loosey-goosey 7% acceptance rate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”study”] What will you study at Hamburger University?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-mcdonalds-hamburger-university-0419-biz-20150407-story.html”]Chicago Tribune[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]So what does Hamburgerology really mean though? And how can it position graduates to better lead within their restaurants and beyond?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob notes that specific courses include and a Rob notes that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob goes on to note that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”cost”] What does Hamburger University cost? Are there scholarships or financial aid?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in attending Hamburger University and cost is a factor, we’ve got great news. Rob tells us that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Of course, this means that Hamburger University students don’t really need scholarships or financial aid. However, McDonald’s does sponsor a number of scholarship and tuition assistance programs aimed at helping its employees and community members make the leap into accredited two- and four-year colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though not directly affiliated with the Hamburger University experience, McDonald’s does offer the following scholarship and financial aid programs:[/hen-ui-text] 
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To reiterate a point from above, Hamburger University is free of charge to eligible attendees. Within the context of Hamburger University, students can earn 23 credits toward a degree in Hamburgerology. This degree can have real-world value even beyond McDonald’s. According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-hamburger-university-2333″]Business Insider[/hen-ui-link], students can also apply some of these credits [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This means that, free of charge, you can get a head start on earning college credits through Hamburger University.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob Lauber highlights this opportunity, telling us that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rob points out that McDonald’s maintains an array of working partnerships with accredited colleges and universities. He explains that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Click here to find out more about [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.archwaystoopportunity.com/earn_your_college_degree.html”]partnership programs between McDonald’s and colleges or universities[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To learn more about earning college credits, check out the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.archwaystoopportunity.com/transcripts.html/”]details at the Archways program website[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”degree”] What can I do with a degree from Hamburger University?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All the features above suggest that a job at McDonald’s, and a degree from Hamburger University, could really be an excellent point of entry into a regionally accredited university or a practical professional certification. Those college credits could be extremely valuable — translating to real money saved — if you can effectively transfer them into a program at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If that’s something you’d be interested in pursuing even as you continue to advance your leadership career within McDonald’s, check out the very [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]Best Online Colleges[/hen-ui-link]. Most of these programs are distinguished by their convenience, flexibility, and accessibility for working adults and other non-traditional students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a degree from Hamburger University, you’ll qualify not only to advance in the McDonald’s leadership structure, but to lead and excel in a variety of business and organizational settings. The skills and knowledge you’ll gain here may apply in a great many business contexts. And if you’re anything like Hamburger University founder Fred Turner, your path to success, leadership, and innovation could begin with a simple job as a grill cook.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you view Hamburger University as a jumping off point to a degree in business administration, consider following your McDonald’s training with one of the following online programs:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We’ll close with some words of wisdom for anybody considering this path. Rob notes that [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]And if you’re looking for a way to balance your advancing career as a leader in the McDonald’s corporation with the pursuit of a flexible college or graduate degree, jump to the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]Best Online Colleges[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]