Category Archives: Houston

From MBA+ To The Big Leagues

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If you find working in the sports industry appealing but don’t think your current résumé can land you a job, the Texas MBA+ Leadership Program may be just what you need to help you get a foot in the door.

Over the past few years, hundreds of students have capitalized on the opportunities available through MBA+, with dozens of them completing micro-consulting projects for sports teams and related brands. For some students, the sports-related projects were simply a unique way to apply what they were learning in class, but for others, it was the first step to breaking into the sports industry.

In fact, for many prospective students looking to change careers or switch into any new industry – not just sports – MBA+ is a key factor in their decision to come to McCombs.

“When I visited for Preview Weekend, I decided I was going to come here during [MBA+ Director] Deidra Stephens’ presentation about MBA+ projects,” says soon-to-be Texas MBA graduate Dan Amodio. When he saw some of the brands from past projects listed on the presentation slides, his mind was made up.

Before coming to McCombs, Amodio was working in technology sales – a good job, he says, but not one that left him completely satisfied. When considering his options, Amodio kept going back to an internship he had completed with the Cincinnati Reds while in college. “I loved the industry and loved working towards something I believed in,” he says. “I loved giving people the best day of their week at the games.”

Amodio knew his return to business school would be all about trying to put himself in position to get a good job in baseball. He saw the MBA+ project as the first step to gaining industry experience, which he could then turn into an internship, and eventually, a career. With plans to work in baseball after graduation, Amodio knew this project would ultimately play a big role in making that goal a reality.

With the help of Stephens, Amodio was able to connect with a member of Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants and managed to set up a consulting project with the team’s strategic revenue department to analyze the purchasing behavior of fans at the ballpark. After recruiting some fellow classmates to join in on the project, Amodio’s team reviewed transaction data for a specific group of season ticket holders and recommended ways to enhance the value proposition for these fans. Able to directly apply what they were learning in the classroom, the project turned out to be a great success.

Dan Amodio, far right, with his MBA+ project team at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

When it comes to students working with sports brands on MBA+ projects, the Giants project team is far from alone. While McCombs remains better known for excelling in more traditional corporate environments, the list of successful sports-related projects completed by Texas MBA students is an impressive one. Continue reading →

Catching Up With Reid Bond, MBA ‘12

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Texas MBA Student Reid Bond

Reid with son William and daughter Charlie during his first semester in the program.

Reid Bond is a member of the Texas MBA at Houston class of 2012.

What have you been up to since you graduated?
Since the program wrapped up, I’ve relocated to North Carolina within my same company. I took a role as an Automotive Sales Territory Manager. The new job is in a part of our organization that is heavily marketing focused, which is what I wanted to become more involved in after my MBA. While the job is still evolving, the move has been great for me and my family.

That’s great to hear. What was your previous role?
I was formerly an Account Manager with Exxon’s Chemicals business.

Why did you decide to return to school and get an MBA?
When I decided to get an MBA I ran through all the payback scenarios, i.e. time and expense vs. future employment opportunities. What it came down to in the end was a personal decision to better myself with the hope of seeing a financial payback in the end.

How did this program impact your life and career?
The biggest impact has been in the way that I think. I think like an investor and a manager. I understand the big picture and how different pieces fit together.

In addition to that, the friendships that I formed will last me a lifetime. The people in our program impacted my life greatly. I think the caliber of students is one of the best things that the program has to offer. It’s one thing to learn from professors, but it’s another to see and hear the experiences of those in the class and form lasting friendships with them.

What have you been doing with your “extra” time now that you aren’t having to spend it studying and in class?
Most of my extra time over the past few months has been spent moving and getting my new house in order. I’m able to spend more time with my family which has been phenomenal. We had our third kid my last semester, so there’s no lack of need for my time. I think when you really look at it, it’s not overly difficult to find the time to dedicate to the program. And when it’s all done, there’s no problem filling the new time with new activities.

Anything else you’d like to share?
People often commented to me that they didn’t see how I did full-time work, full-time student, and full-time father. There were many parents in the program and obviously all were employed. In the end, it was an investment for myself and for my family. We will all benefit from the time dedicated to the Texas MBA program. Despite the energy required to do everything, I don’t regret my decision one bit. I actually miss my time in school as a chance to continue to learn and sit at the feet of great people – students and teachers alike.

Texas MBA at SXSW 2013

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With SXSW just days away, I wanted to share a couple of ways that the Texas MBA program will be involved at the conference this year.

Texas MBA at SXSWTexas MBA at SXSW Startup Village

When: March 9, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Vince Young Steakhouse

Along with the Master of Science in Technology and Commercialization (MSTC) and the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) programs, Texas MBA will once again be hosting a networking reception during SXSW Interactive. This year’s reception will feature a live band, complimentary food and beverages, and branded giveaways. If you made it to last year’s event, then you know that a great time is in store – don’t forget to RSVP.

Texas MBA at SXSW Trade Show

When: March 10-13, beginning at 11 a.m. each day
Where: Austin Convention Center, Exhibit Halls 3 & 4

Current students, as well as staff from our admissions and career management teams, will be on hand to talk with prospective students about the various opportunities within our programs. Staff and students will also be available to speak with prospective employers about the talent pool at McCombs for MBA internships and full-time positions. Stop by to learn more about the Texas MBA and pick up some cool McCombs swag.

In addition to our program’s involvement, many other faculty, staff, and students from across the university will be involved in SXSW activities. For more information, check out McCombs at SXSW and UT at SXSW.