Deciding whether or not to pursue an MBA is a decision that most students, executives, and professionals will have to consider at some point in their careers. Whether the reason is financially related or simply a requirement for career advancement, the MBA degree has personal and intellectual benefits. Earning an MBA will allow an employee to excel in a variety of industries and organizations, including products and services, consulting, technology, finance, accounting, manufacturing, energy, utilities, and healthcare. The important skills acquired while pursuing an MBA degree are the ability to integrate information, the ability to think analytically, and interpersonal skills.

   From a financial perspective, the MBA degree has several benefits that are unique to other master's degrees. For instance, several studies have shown that MBA graduates will earn a higher salary than those with other master's degrees. Typically, employees receive a 12 percent salary increase within three years of receiving their MBA.

Here's what a few students had to say about their involvement with the program and the benefits they've seen:

“For me, the MBA is very valuable because it is a means to show the range of my abilities to potential employers. I decided to pursue my MBA at Auburn because of the excellent experience that I had as an undergraduate, both academically and socially. My Auburn Mechanical Engineering degree is greatly enhanced by my MBA because, together, the degrees give me insight into both the technical and managerial realms of a corporation.”

Matt Varagona, MBA ‘05
Auburn University, BME ‘04

 

“Auburn 's MBA program has helped me become a more effective leader.  The experience has tested my strengths and challenged my weaknesses.  I will carry my enhanced skills into the workforce when I graduate, and know I will continue reaping the rewards of my MBA degree throughout my lifetime.  I am very proud to be graduating with my MBA degree from Auburn University.”

Catherine Sanford, MBA ‘05
Auburn University , BS ‘01

 

“ The Auburn MBA program taught me the breadth of knowledge and leadership skills that would have taken years of work experience to accomplish. This program especially increased my confidence in team building and quantitative skills. The challenge both invigorated and inspired me to never think twice about impossibility. Most importantly this experience granted me an opportunity to blend my sociology and business degree so that I can continue on my mission of making a positive impact in the everyday business world. ”

Diana L. Ledbetter, MBA ‘07
University of West Georgia, MA Sociology ‘06