Reviewed by: Pat Byington
How this Birmingham mom balances work, life and an Online MBA from Auburn University
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Between her full-time role as a Senior Business Analyst at Cadence Bank and raising her seven-year-old son John Ellis, it’s safe to say that Olivia Kaetz has a very full schedule. Luckily, she’s able to continue her education with an Online MBA from the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University.
We spoke to Olivia to see how the Online MBA Program gives her the flexibility to pursue a graduate program while balancing the other responsibilities in her life.
About Olivia Kaetz
Born and raised in Birmingham, Olivia began her college career at Louisiana State University before switching to Auburn University. After studying for two years at Auburn, she transferred to Samford University in order to be closer to home and graduated with a B.S. in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services.
“After finishing up my degree I got a job in Clinical Nutrition at UAB, but I realized that it wasn’t my thing. Since numbers and math have always been my strong suit, I decided to study Accounting at UAB.”
Olivia Kaetz
While finishing up her second undergraduate degree, Olivia left her full-time job at UAB to intern at Southern Company—the parent company of Alabama Power.
“I worked my tail off as an intern at Southern Company because I wanted to soak up every opportunity and all the experience I could. My department—Accounts Payable—was a tight-knit family, and I got hired in a full-time position after I finished my degree.”
Olivia Kaetz
Continuing her education with an Online MBA
In 2020, Olivia started looking at Master’s programs to further her education.
“I’ve always looked up to my parents—my dad is very formally educated, and although my mom doesn’t have the same educational background, she’s always worked so hard to climb the ladder and get where she is today. I’ve always loved education, so after I finished my second undergraduate degree it didn’t take long before I wanted to get an MBA.”
Olivia Kaetz
Picking Auburn University was a no-brainer. Olivia’s father graduated from Auburn, her uncle taught there and her grandfather graduated from the school back when it was the Alabama Polytechnic Institute.
Since Olivia couldn’t take a break from her full-time job at Southern Company and raising her son, she decided to apply to the Online MBA Program at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business. One of the oldest and most highly ranked online MBA programs in the nation, Auburn’s Online MBA offers the same exceptional curriculum, resources and educators as their Full-Time MBA Program.
“Every professor that I’ve encountered in the Online MBA program has been incredibly supportive. If my kid has the flu but I have a test scheduled for that night, the professor is always understanding and allows me to reschedule to a better day. That understanding and flexibility makes the Online MBA so appealing.”
Olivia Kaetz
Pursuing an MBA while starting a new job
Around the end of last year, Olivia transitioned out of her role at Southern Company to a new job as Vice President – Senior Business Analyst at Cadence Bank.
“While working at Southern Company, a recruiter reached out to me with an amazing opportunity with Cadence Bank. They loved that I was excited about learning and that I was pursuing an Online MBA at Auburn. I interviewed one day and got an offer the next day, and it was one of those opportunities I just couldn’t pass up!”
Olivia Kaetz
The flexibility of Auburn’s Online MBA Program allowed Olivia to dedicate the extra hours needed to finish her time at Southern Company and onboard at Cadence Bank.
“Taking two classes during the holidays and trying to balance a job change might not have been the brightest decision I’ve ever made. Luckily, the professors have been incredibly understanding and allowed me to postpone a project due date while I wrapped up at Southern Company.”
Olivia Kaetz
You can add an MBA to your resume with Auburn University
“You can do anything you put your mind to. I’m a mom, I work full time, I make it to the gym several times a week and I make time to accomplish my coursework. It’s certainly doable, you just have to plan and stay committed.”
Olivia Kaetz
To learn more about Auburn’s Online MBA Program, visit their website or click here to schedule an online meeting with Program Admissions.
Want to stay up-to-date on the happenings at Auburn’s Harbert College of Business? Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn!
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