Tag Archives: oregon state mba

How Does an MBA Benefit You?

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What’s behind your decision to earn an MBA? Are you looking to differentiate yourself in a competitive job market? Explore your

MBA students practice communication skills during the elevator pitch competition.
MBA students practice communication skills during the elevator pitch competition.

passion for business? Move your career forward? Add new skills to your professional toolbox? Start and run your own company?

Like snowflakes, no two career paths are exactly alike. That’s why MBA programs are designed to provide a well-rounded mix of academic, professional, social and leadership-development experiences to propel your career forward.

When I talk to graduating students about how their MBA experience has served them, I receive a wide range of responses. Here are a few examples:

  • “I have a much better understanding of business fundamentals – what works and what doesn’t and how to get there. I ammuch more confident in analyzing and solving problems.”
  • “I loved the hands-on learning opportunities – they helped keep my real-world skills fresh and earned me some great connections.”
  • “I’m definitely a better leader and feel equipped to manage teams of all sizes.”
  • “My knowledge of and appreciation for other cultures and styles of business is definitely going to serve me well at a multinational company.”
  • “I’ve now got friends all over the world – I feel like I can find a job or a reference almost anywhere I go.”
  • “I now have a wide range of communication skills and styles. I can confidently pitch a customer in an elevator or present to a CEO in a board room.”

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of earning your MBA, please drop me a line.

Brian Precious is the MBA Program Director at Oregon State University. He can be reached at: OSUMBA@OregonState.edu. 

College of Business Hosts Oregon State MBA Welcome Reception

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The Oregon State College of Business hosted a reception for MBA students October 3, 2014 at The Vue in Corvallis, Ore. Students networked with peers, faculty and staff while enjoying the view from the fifth floor of the Elements Building in downtown.

This year, Oregon State MBA students have seven track options, including business analytics, commercialization, executive leadership, global operations, marketing, research thesis and wealth management, in addition to the Accountancy MBA and Pharm.D./MBA degrees.

New Faces at the Oregon State MBA

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New MBA staff members
Mel Almanza, Brian Precious and Ashley Murphy.

Over the last few years, the Oregon State MBA program has grown in both size and offerings. The program now serves over 220 students in nine different tracks or specializations. In order to support this expansion, three new professionals have recently joined the team. Combined, they have over 20 years of higher education experience at several universities spanning the country.

Ashley Murphy, our new academic advisor, started in March. Prior to moving to Oregon, Ashley worked as a Director of Admissions at New York University. She’s experienced in many areas of Graduate Program administration but particularly enjoys working with students to ensure they meet their academic and professional goals. Ashley has a tw0-year-old daughter named Macy, and once worked on a documentary for Turner Classic Movies where she met Martin Scorsese (unfortunately, he wasn’t interested in earning his MBA).

Melissa (Mel) Almanza started in April as our new admissions advisor. She works with prospective students and recent applicants, answering questions and promoting the benefits of the Oregon State MBA program. Mel comes from the University of San Francisco where she served as the Coordinator of Graduate Student Programs. She’s excited to be on board and loves sharing the benefits of an Oregon State education with prospective students. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Oregon and says Crater Lake has been her favorite trip so far (although she’s open to suggestions of new places to visit). Mel also enjoys soccer and once spent two summers practicing with the U.S. Women’s team.

Brian Precious assumed the role of MBA Program Director in May. He has several years of higher education experience, serving as the Admissions Director and Associate Program Director at the University of Illinois and Purdue University.  Prior to that, Brian served as the Director of Marketing at a startup solar electronics organization in Champaign, Ill.  Brian is passionate about higher education, particularly the intersection between business education and emerging technology organizations.  Brian has an MBA in Marketing and a BS in Management Information Systems, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Brian and his wife Cheryl are expecting their first child later this year.

If you haven’t already, please stop by the Graduate Programs office (Austin 326) to meet Ashley, Mel and Brian.