Ben Gardner

Why FSU?

Florida State University was the best fit for me because there is a large number of professors in the marketing department who are all conducting research that I think is amazing. To be a part of the team, be involved with their research, and learn from them about the nuts and bolts behind producing at a high level of scientific knowledge is an amazing opportunity.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

During my undergraduate years, I interned as a research assistant with a professor and loved the experience. During my MBA program, I progressed to leading my own research project under the mentorship of a professor. The best place to continue to do research and give back to my field of study was through a graduate degree, and I could find no better place to pursue it than FSU.

Importance and impact of research

I am open to different research topics and just amazed by so many things. If you ask me this question again in a year, I’ll have a much better idea of how to answer it.

Career aspirations

I want to be a professor where I can continue my research and teach the next generation of business professionals.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

If you're considering graduate school, I would advise you to find out what the outcomes of the school you are going to are and if those outcomes match with what you want to do. I would recommend being perhaps a little more deliberate than you might have been as an undergrad deciding what you want to do, what it takes to get there, and if you're willing to do what it takes to get there. Think about all of those things in advance.