Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Why this Birmingham business leader chose Auburn’s Online MBA for career growth
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Whether you’re well established in your career or just starting out, it’s never too late to enhance your professional skills with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Just ask Charlie Conboy, a local business leader who recently started courses in the Harbert College of Business‘ Online MBA program at Auburn University.
We spoke with Charlie Conboy to learn why he chose Auburn’s Online MBA to advance his career.
Why this local executive chose an Online MBA with Auburn
Born and raised in Atlanta, Charlie Conboy graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in management information systems, eventually landing a job in medical technology sales with Olympus Corporation of the Americas. Over his 18-year career with Olympus, Charlie has risen to area vice president, leading sales and strategic initiatives within the company.
“Professional development has always been important to me, but at this point in my career it wasn’t quite obvious what that next step might be.
I’m 45 years old, and I enjoy what I do, but I needed to do something new to remain intentional about the rest of my career.”
Charlie Conboy, Area Vice President, Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Due to Olympus’ global reach and his interest in mergers, acquisitions and corporate strategy, Charlie started looking at MBA programs to see which would be the best fit.
“The ability to take courses online was a big factor in my decision, since I have a 13- and a 15-year-old and I wanted to retain a healthy work-life balance.”
Charlie Conboy, Area Vice President, Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Auburn University’s Online MBA program stood out to Charlie for four main reasons:
- It was recently ranked No. 25 among Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News & World Report
- Its course offerings and electives matched Charlie’s interests
- Its cost was competitive compared to similar programs at other universities
- Its flexibility allows candidates to finish on their schedule, anywhere from two to six years
What Charlie Conboy loves about Auburn’s Online MBA
For Charlie, choosing Auburn’s Online MBA has allowed him to complete coursework despite his busy schedule.
“I’ve really appreciated the flexibility that Auburn’s Online MBA offers. Whether I’m waking up early to complete a module or watching a pre-recorded lecture during lunch, Auburn makes it very easy to fit my coursework into my schedule.”
Charlie Conboy, Area Vice President, Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Although Charlie is only three classes into his Online MBA, he’s already applying the skills he’s gained in the classroom to his day-to-day job.
“I’ve been exposed to business strategy within my organization, analyzing potential investment opportunities with our mergers and acquisitions team. I’m taking a course on corporate finance, a skill I want to elevate so that I’ll better understand the directions Olympus is moving in.”
Charlie Conboy, Area Vice President, Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Learn more about Auburn University’s Online MBA
While balancing an executive role and pursuing a master’s degree is not for the faint of heart, Auburn’s Online MBA is designed for leaders just like Charlie.
“When we’re early on in our careers, we’re very intentional with professional development. It can be easy to lose that growth mindset in the middle of our careers. I would encourage anyone to think about what you can do now to make sure you’re ready for that next opportunity.
It may sounds crazy to invest two years at this point in your life, but when you realize that it will help you excel in your career for the next decade, it makes a lot more sense.”
Charlie Conboy, Area Vice President, Olympus Corporation of the Americas
To learn more about the Auburn Online MBA, visit their website or click here to schedule an online meeting with Program Admissions.
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