Student Perspectives
Class of 2024
Jessica Konrad, Vocal Performance
Throughout my college search process, I sought out a place that would allow me to pursue my dream of studying both music and business. When I heard about the CREATE Path to the MBA, I knew it was the perfect program for me! Not only does it allow me to study both subjects, but it also allows me to get my Bachelor’s in Music and reach my ultimate goal of getting an MBA in the same amount of time it would have taken me to double-major in music and business. This program is truly one-of-a-kind. Being a part of it has given me the opportunity to broaden my field of study and gain a wider variety of skills than just one degree would offer me. I’ve also had the chance to connect with like-minded students and professors who understand the value of studying business alongside another field of study.
Class of 2023
Emily Johnson, English
As a student in a liberal arts field, I came into college worried about what would come after graduation. The CREATE Path to MBA posed a great solution to this problem, as it would allow me to study my chosen field while simultaneously working towards an MBA. At first, when I joined the program, this concept of job security and being more competitive to employers is what drew me in, but my reasoning quickly evolved. Surrounded by students in a wide variety of majors across STEM and creative fields, I was exposed to new perspectives and met people I otherwise never would have spoken to. While the students largely make up the community of the program, I believe the professors are a key piece as to why the program is so successful. If you compared my academic interests with those of my professor, you would not think we had much anything in common. But through the program, I forged a relationship with him through learning about business and leadership that made the CREATE Path to MBA all the more beneficial. I know the opportunities the program has given me to develop myself professionally as well as personally will be vital in my future outside of the University of Alabama.
Class of 2022
Sarah Grace Houy, Interior Design
As an Interior Design major, I was worried when coming to college because I did not know how I would be able to acquire the business knowledge that I felt was necessary for success. By taking business classes each semester along with my interior design classes, this program allows me the opportunity to graduate in five years with both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Due to the smaller class sizes, I have been able to form close relationships with the professors in the program who have served as mentors to me. Also, having the opportunity to specialize in Real Estate during my graduate year will allow me to couple my love for design and sales, all of which are transferable to whichever path I choose post-graduation for work. During my time in the program, I have been able to participate in ALDAG, a local entrepreneurship competition, with a business that my peers and I created. This and countless other opportunities provided through the CREATE Path to the MBA program have given me a plethora of skills and knowledge that I feel make me a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Alyssa Hochstetler, Studio Art – Digital Media & Painting
When trying to decide where I wanted to go to school, The University of Alabama stood out to me because they offered the CREATE Path to the MBA program. I knew I wanted to major in Studio Art, but I was worried that my undergraduate major might not provide me with enough diversity in the workforce. After discovering the CREATE Path, I knew that this accelerated program would allow me to explore my love of Fine Art while increasing my knowledge of all things business: from Finance and Accounting to Marketing and Global Business. Since joining the program, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and when an engineering major, interior design major, biology major, and art major get together for a project, the results are truly innovative! The CREATE Path to the MBA program offers everything I was looking for in my college experience: outstanding professors that support their students, networking and social events, guest lectures from professionals, study abroad opportunities, and a place to fuse both of my passions – Art and Business.
Class of 2021
Melanie Marshall, Interior Design
I love how the CREATE Path to the MBA bridges my creative major with business, so I can understand both aspects. I also love how each professor comes from a different and impressive background. I have so much to learn from them, and I appreciate their willingness to answer my questions. The professors constantly present ways to get more involved in the CREATE and STEM programs and in the actual business world. The CREATE Path to the MBA has given me so many resources and opportunities. I look forward to advancing my understanding and appreciation of business in the years to come through this program.
Reed Morley, Advertising and Sociology
Initially, I was a part of the STEM Path to the MBA as a Mathematics major. The sole reason I chose math was so that I could be a part of the program. During my second semester of freshman year, I began to run into some conflicts. Math was absolutely not working out for me. Fortunately enough, the CREATE Path to the MBA was in its inaugural year. After working out the details with several STEM/CREATE professors, I was able to make the switch and remain in the program as an Advertising major. I couldn’t be happier with where I’m at. The skills I’ve learned thus far are invaluable. The group projects are especially helpful in the sense that both the creative and analytical perspectives of CREATE and STEM students, respectively can lead to a more well-rounded strategy in tackling business issues.
Class of 2020
Rebecca Shofner, Apparel and Textiles – Fashion Retailing
As an Apparel and Textiles major on the CREATE Path to the MBA, I have opened myself up to so much new material and so many different experiences that have expanded my knowledge and thinking. Since the CREATE Path is new and smaller than the STEM Path, I have been able to get to know the professors personally, and I genuinely feel that they care about my opinions and ideas. They continue to offer opportunities that enhance my experience and grow me as a student. One such opportunity involved being on the marketing team for Startup Weekend Tuscaloosa. In addition, one of my favorite experiences to date was participating in the NASA Technology Innovation Project. Ultimately being able to present my idea to NASA was way beyond expectation. Who would have thought that a fashion student would present a technology idea to NASA? This project provided a tremendous example of the value of blending creativity and technology with resourcefulness and a determined mindset when it comes to the business world. I have to admit that I was intimidated at the thought of being an Apparel and Textiles major among a sea of Engineering, Computer Science, and Pre-Medical students, but people like me are needed! When you get STEM students and CREATE students together, the sky is the limit. Creative minds are extremely important, and becoming a student in the CREATE Path to the MBA continues to build my confidence in who I am and how I think.