Name: Jocelyn Sexton
Class: Executive MBA, ‘14
Hometown: Shiner, TX (home of the world-famous Shiner Beer)
Education: Journalism-Public Relations, University of North Texas
Current Job: In January, I accepted a new position as the Director of Programs, Products and Services at the Texas Land Title Association. Previously, I spent nearly seven years in state government working as an editor and communications coordinator.

Why did want to come back to school for your MBA?
I always knew that I wanted to earn a master’s degree and originally gained admittance into UT’s top-rated graduate advertising program. The program seemed to offer a good balance between creative and strategic thinking, and I was excited to attend UT in the fall. However, because I work full-time, I planned to take just one or two classes at a time and slowly work my way through the program.

I never really entertained the thought of pursuing an MBA because I was intimidated by all the math (… and still am). But after I received my acceptance letter to UT, I started to take a harder look at my future career plans, and realized all of my ambitions were ultimately tied to management. My career had reached a long plateau, and if I was ever going to get into a true leadership position, I felt like a business degree might help me finally make a move up the ladder. Lucky for me, UT had two great MBA programs available for folks like me who worked full-time. I’m happy to be in the Executive MBA program because I’ll finish in just two years, and I’m only in class every other week.

What has been your biggest surprise since starting the Texas MBA program?
If I’m being completely honest, I had a preconceived notion that MBA graduates from prestigious programs such as UT had a reputation for being a bit snobby. I worried about not measuring up or feeling insignificant compared to my classmates. But I could not ask for a better group of peers! By and large, my classmates are so nice, friendly, humble, encouraging and helpful. There’s not one snob in our bunch! Also, I’m incredibly impressed by the backgrounds of so many of my new friends. From military folks, doctors and engineers, to a farmer, an art dealer and a former MMA fighter… we have a crazy-awesome mix of experiences. Many of my classmates have already had exceptional careers, but when we’re in school, we’re in it together and totally there for each other. The professors at McCombs are really great, but I’ve learned more from my classmates.

Outside of class, what are you involved in?
At school, I serve as the co-chair of the Texas Evening and Executive MBA Women’s Forum, and I look forward to continuing a campaign that encourages more professional women to pursue an MBA at UT. At work, I’m involved with professional organizations that promote leadership, professional development and communication, especially for association executives. But the most important thing in my life — above school and work — is being a wife and mom. My husband and I are parents to (in my unbiased opinion) the world’s best three-year-old boy, and I try to carve out as much time as possible hanging out with my two handsome guys. It’s really hard to juggle everything, but I’m hoping it will all be worth it once I earn my degree!