For Aya Groom, working in her field while navigating pregnancy and family required her to find a graduate program that was both academically challenging and flexible. The online LSU Flores MBA offered exactly what she needed! Through this program, Aya strengthened her leadership, financial, and strategic skills while continuing to apply what she learned directly to real-world projects and high-stakes decision-making.
Meet Aya Groom
What program and school did you graduate from, and what initially made you apply to your program?
I graduated from the online Flores Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. I applied because I was looking for a rigorous, flexible program that would strengthen my strategic, financial, and leadership skills while allowing me to continue advancing in a demanding engineering and project management career.
What were your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
Balancing a demanding full-time career with graduate-level coursework while also navigating pregnancy and motherhood was my biggest challenge. I overcame it through disciplined time management, strong support systems, and a commitment to staying focused on long-term goals. Applying coursework directly to real-world projects helped me stay engaged, efficient, and motivated during a very full season of life.
What was your favorite course or topic? Why?
My favorite courses were Business Law and Negotiation with Professor James Fargason and Leadership Essentials with Professor Dana Hart. These courses strengthened my ability to navigate complex decision-making, manage risk, and lead with clarity and confidence—skills I apply daily when working with cross-functional teams, clients, and stakeholders.
What did you appreciate most about the faculty and support services?
I appreciated how accessible and practical the faculty were, with instructors consistently bringing real-world experience into the coursework. The support services also stood out, particularly the guidance of Gabriella Jeter, my Student Success Coach, who was instrumental in helping me navigate challenges, stay on track, and successfully complete the program. Her support exemplified LSU Online’s commitment to student success from start to finish.
How has the program impacted your personal and professional life?
Professionally, the program strengthened my confidence as a leader and decision-maker, enabling me to take on more complex responsibilities. Personally, it reinforced discipline, resilience, and the importance of lifelong learning and running my small business companies.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the program?
Be prepared to commit fully and engage deeply. This online MBA from LSU offers an excellent opportunity, but the value you gain is directly tied to how intentionally you apply what you learn to your career and personal growth.
How do you hope to use your degree in the future?
I plan to continue leveraging my MBA to bridge engineering, business, and legal perspectives in leadership roles, driving operational excellence, compliance, and sustainable growth across organizations I serve or build.
What skills or knowledge from the program have been most valuable in your journey?
Strategic thinking, financial analysis, leadership communication, and data-driven decision-making have been the most valuable skills—especially when managing cross-functional teams and complex projects.
Is there anything else you want us to know?
LSU played a pivotal role in shaping how I lead today. I’m proud to be an LSU alum and grateful for a program that truly prepares professionals for the next level of impact.
The Online Flores MBA is Your Gateway to Success
The online Flores MBA from the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business, available through LSU Online, is a program designed for professionals balancing demanding careers with ambitious goals. With faculty who bring real-world expertise, dedicated student support, and coursework built for immediate application, the program equips students to become expert business leaders across industries and disciplines.
Ready to start your journey? Explore the online Flores MBA from LSU, and apply today!
Explore the Online Flores MBA