3 reasons why Auburn business graduates stand out to employers

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Auburn University / Harbert College of Business / Brasfield and Gorrie
(Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

In today’s ever-changing business world, students are looking for new ways to stand out to employers around the globe.

Through hands-on guidance from qualified mentors, real-world experience and an unparalleled personalized educational experience, Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business produces graduates who are prepared to lead in their field.

About the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business

Established in 1967, the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business is one of the 12 colleges that make up Auburn University. The Harbert College offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees to a student population of more than 7,100—making it not only the largest college at the university but one of the largest business colleges in the Southeast.

The Harbert College offers eight undergraduate business degree programs, each tailor-made to equip graduates with the skills they need to enter the global business world with confidence:

“We believe that for our students to enter the workplace and be ready to innovate, we must prepare them to lead.

The Harbert College of Business accomplishes just that through a combination of technical education and professional experiences, where they have an opportunity to take that knowledge that they’ve gained in the classroom and apply it in real-world scenarios.”

Jennifer Mueller-Phillips, Dean, Harbert College of Business

Why employers choose Harbert College of Business graduates

1. 90% of students gain real-world experience before
graduation

(Harbert College of Business)
Students talk with potential future employers during the Harbert College of Business career fair on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (Photo by Julie Bennett)

It’s no secret that internships are invaluable opportunities for students to practice the skills they’ve learned in the classroom. Employers and students know this—so internships are more selective than ever before.

To make sure its students have the best chance to succeed in an internship, the Harbert College of Business provides them with:

  • A list of companies offering internships or employment opportunities on Handshake.
  • Internship prep with Program Champions to help students make positive, career-forward decisions.

The result? Nearly 90% of Harbert College students have real-world experience before graduation.

“I got to try something new every day during my internship, whether it was researching companies for a project or working with the financial team on analysis. To me, it was very meaningful to work on projects for a company like Brasfield & Gorrie as a 20-year-old college student.”

Graham Barnett, Finance Major, Auburn University Harbert College of Business

2. Auburn invests in hard skills and soft skills

(Harbert College of Business)
2024 Harbert College of Business Social Media Ambassadors Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (Photo by Julie Bennett)

Students at the Harbert College receive an exceptional education—regardless of which path they choose—through majors like Business Analytics and Management (ranked in the Top 15 and Top 20 among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report, respectively).

But the Harbert College takes it a step further by investing in each student’s soft skills—invaluable traits that are essential for success in the workplace.

“That’s one of the things employers say about our graduates—not only are Auburn students motivated, well-trained and intelligent, but they can talk to people up the corporate chain.

We invest in those soft skills, like communication, that we know employers value.”

Jennifer Mueller-Phillips, Dean, Harbert College of Business

3. Students receive guidance from experienced mentors and career coaches

Auburn Harbert College of Buisness / Johanna Mondragon-Olvera /
Student mentors are imperative for success at the Harbert College. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

To help students discover their strengths and identify career paths, the Harbert College employs a diverse ecosystem of professional support. The college’s Office of Professional and Career Development (OPCD) provides:

  • Career coaching + personal development
  • Major + career exploration
  • Career + personality assessments
  • Internship + mentorship assistance
  • Job search preparation + tools

In addition to OPCD, each major within the Harbert College has its own Program Champion—a seasoned industry professional who mentors juniors and seniors on their chosen career paths.

“At the Harbert College of Business, we have built an entire ecosystem of professionals to support our students—from their foundational courses in their first year to their capstone projects at the conclusion of their time at Auburn.

Our goal is for every graduate to have the knowledge and experience to start their careers as ethical leaders within their organizations.”

Mandy Devereux, Executive Director of Career and Employer Initiatives, Harbert College of Business

Learn more about the Harbert College of Business

(Harbert College of Business)
The Harbert College of Business’ new Horton-Hardgrave Hall. (Harbert College of Business)

To learn more about how the Harbert College of Business produces prepared students who stand out to employers, reach out on the website and follow the Harbert College on Facebook and Instagram.

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Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer

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