BIZ Path to the MBA

Andrew Fickel

Following graduation from The University of Alabama, Andrew Fickel will pursue medical school with the goal of becoming a physician. Driven by a desire to better understand the business and organizational forces shaping healthcare, he pursued an MBA to complement his pre-medical education. Andrew hopes his MBA knowledge will equip him with the ability to translate business principles into practical insights that improve efficiency and equity in patient care.

For Andrew, The University of Alabama’s MBA program stood out for its distinctive structure and the diversity of academic backgrounds within each cohort. Collaborating with students from engineering, science, and other disciplines fostered a unique approach to problem-solving. “These collaborative experiences helped me better understand my leadership style while also identifying areas for continued growth,” Andrew said.

During his undergraduate years, Andrew studied economics while completing his pre-medical coursework as part of the STEM Path to the MBA. This interdisciplinary path enabled him to approach healthcare not only as a clinical field, but also as a system influenced by business principles.

By combining economics, biology, and business education through the path to the MBA, Andrew has developed the ability to evaluate healthcare challenges at both the patient and systems levels. “As a future physician, I hope to use these skills to advocate for more efficient resource utilization, data-driven decision-making, and policies that improve access to care,” Andrew said.

For students considering an MBA, Andrew’s advice is simple: approach the experience with curiosity and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. “At The University of Alabama, the MBA program emphasizes applied learning and mentorship, which allows students to connect classroom concepts to real professional challenges,” he said. “For students willing to fully invest in the experience, an MBA can be a powerful way to broaden perspective, develop leadership skills, and differentiate themselves in both professional and academic pathways.”

Nate Pedigo

Nate Pedigo pursued his MBA with a clear vision for his future. As a graduate of the Culverhouse College of Business, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems with a minor in computer science, Nate was confident pursuing his MBA at The University of Alabama was the right next step in his academic journey.

The MBA program at the Manderson Graduate School of Business stood out to Nate for its flexible structure and cost-effectiveness, further affirming his decision to continue his education at the Capstone. Beyond strengthening his problem-solving skills, the MBA program continues to shape Nate into a more capable leader and, over time, a more effective manager as his career advances.

A valuable lesson Nate gained from his MBA experience was the importance of collaboration. He learned a single individual cannot know or do everything alone. Understanding how to leverage the strengths and abilities of those around him, and knowing when to ask for help, is a critical component of effective leadership.

For students considering an MBA, Nate emphasizes both the professional and personal benefits. “Not only is it an opportunity to further hone your skills before entering the workforce, but it is also an excellent chance to build and foster relationships with like-minded young professionals,” Nate said.