Texas McCombs MBA Insider

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Diversity Weekend 2019 Recap

November 11, 2019 / / Comments Off on Diversity Weekend 2019 Recap

This October, the MBA program welcomed 84 future MBA students to Austin for our annual Discover McCombs: Diversity Weekend, which focuses on increasing underrepresented populations in business school. The two-day event brought attendees together to meet current students, alumni, and McCombs faculty and staff to see first-hand all that Texas McCombs has to offer. 

McCombs pop up banner that reads "powering positive change."

Networking in the Heart of Austin

The event kicked off on Friday, October 25th at Facebook Austin for a welcome reception filled with food & drinks and networking. Partnering with Facebook was integral to delivering an authentic Austin business experience for our guests.

Kyle Johnson, MBA ’21 and a student ambassador for MBA admissions, shared his thoughts as an event co-lead at the networking reception:

“I am excited to be here at Diversity Weekend. This was a pivotal event for me last year when I was deciding what school to come to. I had a great time interacting with prospective students and giving them a candid view of what life as a Longhorn is like.”

The fun didn’t stop there. After the reception, attendees received glow sticks in different colors and were invited to hang out at Upstairs at Caroline, a popular Austin nightspot, for a casual night out with current MBA students.

Getting to Know Texas McCombs

group photo of current students at diversity weekend.

Current MBA students gearing up to welcome attendees.

On Saturday, October 26th, starting in the morning, attendees gathered for breakfast and were warmly welcomed by McCombs’s Assistant Dean of the Full-Time MBA Program, Tina Mabley. Then, panels of students shared their experiences in the program and MBA Career & Talent Development Consultant, Scott Brownlee, presented our globally-recognized Career Management team and resources. An alumni panel closed out the morning with a discussion about navigating post-MBA life.

 

“I think it’s really important to have events like these because there’s a lot of stereotypes about business school,” said Kathie Xiao, MBA ’20, “Someone might look at the stats when they’re applying to business schools and feel like they don’t see themselves in those statistics. We’re really making an effort to make everyone feel included and have a good experience.” 

At noon, attendees joined a networking lunch with current MBA students. Complementing the student panel, this is where MBAs were able to offer more personalized, candid insight and valuable tips for applying to McCombs. Among the topics discussed in conversations were “class culture,” “commuting to campus,” and how the cost of living prices compare across Austin. 

After lunch, we were proud to spotlight two of our professors for Mock Class Breakouts: Professor Badolato from the Department of Accounting, and Professor Murphy from the Department of Management. These class breakouts gave applicants the opportunity to immerse themselves in student life by highlighting classes from our core curriculum, which every student takes during their first year in the program.

Alumni Panel at Diversity weekend

Texas McCombs MBA alumni panel at Diversity Weekend, 2019.

Diversity Weekend came to a close with several speakers sharing insight on why getting an MBA is a worthwhile venture. First, Executive Communication Coach, Nadina Sandlin, led a workshop on understanding and communicating your value and personal brand. Similarly, our keynote speaker and Microsoft’s Head of Global Talent Optimization, Monica Pool Knox, spoke about her professional journey after getting her MBA at Texas McCombs, and how the program helped shape both her career and the way she thinks about the world around her. Finally, if there were any lingering questions, a second panel of first and second-year MBAs discussed their paths to pursuing their degree, the culture and community at McCombs, and what life in Austin is truly like.

“Austin is very diverse in every sense of the word: Diversity of thought, experience, backgrounds,” said Kyle Johnson. “You can be who you want to be here, and I love that.”

Diversity weekend organizers

MBA Admissions staff Jaden Felix and Rebecca St. Nicholas, and students Carmen Kuncz, Lola Sholola, Vicky Wu, and Kyle Johnson.

Texas McCombs is grateful to all that attended, and to the teams of people that made this event so successful. The event might have ended, but our commitment to fostering a welcoming space for our community is constant.

“It’s two years of your life,” said Kathie. “You really want to be able to give back and leave the place hopefully better than when you came.”

If you have any questions, please reach out to MBA Admissions. For more information on our community and programs, check out our website. Hook ’em!

Hook 'Em celebrating first gen students

National First-Gen College Day
at McCombs

November 6, 2019 / / Comments Off on National First-Gen College Day
at McCombs

In conjunction with UT’s First-Generation College Celebration and the National First-Generation College Celebration this week, we’re proud to highlight several first-generation students in our Texas McCombs MBA community. 

Jose Carlos Rojas

Jose's headshot photo.

Jose Rojas
MBA at Houston ’20

Jose is a first-generation college graduate and Texas McCombs at Houston MBA ’20 student. The hardest thing about being first-gen, he says, was having, “no reference point,” he could go back to as he immersed himself in college. He explains the journey as being lonely as his parents tried their best to understand and help him adjust to this new environment. Despite the challenges, his motivation and dedication to his family were key factors to his academic success. 

 

“After my family and I moved from Chile, I always felt an obligation to make my parents’ sacrifices worth it. I see them work very hard and I continue to strive to alleviate some of that burden from them. I started looking at MBAs once I saw my career pick up steam. I have gathered a lot of technical knowledge through my experience and felt that I needed to round myself out by pairing it with some business acumen. I chose Texas McCombs because of its great reputation, world-class faculty, and the flexibility it allowed me to have without having to quit my job.”

When asked about what advice he would give to other first-gen students, Jose strongly believes in the value of community, and that you don’t need to go through this difficult journey on your own. Currently, he’s working on getting his younger sister into college, and trying to ease any stress points she’s presently encountering that he’s been able to overcome.

“Surround yourself with people that will help, motivate and care for you. There’s value in not making college just about studying: Join clubs and activities to immerse yourself into your college and get a full experience.”

Emy Hernandez

Emy with her parents at graduation.

“For my parents, they came with nothing and gave me everything.”

Emy is a Texas McCombs MBA at Houston alumna. Her family, who only had a primary school education, inspired her and her sister to pursue higher education, instilling the value of having access to education from an early age. For Emy, having a strong community and support system to guide her has been a key factor in her success. 

“Find your community within the school that you are in, and find a mentor, staff member, or professor who can help guide your decisions. Being the first in your family to attend college, whether undergraduate or graduate school, can be intimidating and it is important that students know there is someone who can guide them.”

Along her journey towards higher education, Hernandez had difficulty dealing with Imposter Syndrome. Nevertheless, Emy is proof that you can overcome any challenge with hard work, dedication and strong support systems.

“Do not be afraid to take the next step in your personal and professional life; whether you’re applying for a new job or pursuing an additional degree. I am a Latina, queer, daughter of immigrants, inner-city Houston-raised, and graduate of a high school known as a ‘drop-out factory’ – the statistics were against me. It wasn’t easy, and today I am proud of what I have accomplished and I know my parents and my community are too.”

Waldo Arreola

Headshot for Waldo Arreola

Waldo Arreola
Full-Time MBA ’20

Waldo is a first-generation Full-Time Class of 2020 MBA at Texas McCombs. As a child, he was raised by “hard-working immigrant parents” that highly encouraged his intellectual development, and his interest in puzzles and systems within math and science, which eventually led to a bachelor’s degree in engineering & management. 

During his time as an undergrad and graduate student, Arreola struggled to adjust to the demands that time management and personal accountability have on students. However, having strong mentorships and student involvement helped him stay engaged, help others and invest in his future.

“Be curious! Ask questions! Connect with people! Get involved! First-generation students might not have as many resources as others, including networks, and might have the added pressure of supporting family members with their personal success, so it is critical to be engaged and deliberate as you pursue your personal and professional goals.”

If you have any questions, please reach out to MBA Admissions. For more information on our community and programs, check out our website. Hook ’em!

Picture of Rowling Hall

First Look: Executive MBA
Class of 2021

October 24, 2019 / / Comments Off on First Look: Executive MBA
Class of 2021

The Round 1 application deadline is approaching for our Executive MBA, currently ranked #8 in the U.S. by Poets and Quants, and our admissions committee is preparing to put together another elite class of students to bring their skills and experience to the McCombs network.

This past August, our newest enrolled students started their MBA journey at Rowling Hall. Introducing the Executive MBA Class of 2021:

stats for the Executive MBA program class of 2021.

 

The Executive MBA welcomed 48 top-caliber business professionals to the Texas McCombs MBA network with women leaders making up 21% and international students making up 18%.  We also have a growing military population throughout all programs at McCombs with 10 veteran students included in our Executive class this year.

These executives represent a wide array of industries, including technology, energy, government, banking and finance, and consulting. Our students also have rich educational backgrounds, as 27% of the class already hold advanced degrees.

They also have an average of 14 years of experience, signaling their skills in managing teams, decision-making, and entrepreneurship. Their experiences will challenge and inspire one another in order to reach new heights in their careers over the next two years in Austin.

As Austin continues to grow, 28% of Executive students live outside the Austin metro area and commute to the city every other weekend for classes. Commuters are not uncommon for the program and all students benefit from the strong, expansive business culture of McCombs and Austin.

We feel humbled by the amazing experiences and perspectives making up the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2021 and cannot wait to see what they accomplish during their time in the program. If you’d like to join them as part of the Texas McCombs MBA network, start your application!  

To learn more about the MBA, download our brochure, check out other Executive MBA events, or follow us on Instagram for an inside look at student life. We look forward to meeting you and reading your application.

Hook ’em!

Houston skyline

First Look: MBA at Houston
Class of 2021

October 24, 2019 / / Comments Off on First Look: MBA at Houston
Class of 2021

The deadline for the Round 1 MBA at Houston application is just around the corner! Our admissions team is committed to selecting bright, world-changing students that offer unique perspectives to their incoming class. 

Last year, our admissions team received a strong pool of applications to pull from, and the stats certainly reflect that. With that said, Texas McCombs is proud to welcome our talented students from our Houston MBA program! Check them out:

Texas McCombs MBA at Houston welcomed 83 motivated students to the program as new members of the Longhorn family. These students are no strangers to the fast-paced, hard-working town of Houston and they are all a true testament to the institution they will come to be challenged by over the next two years.

We are excited to see the continued diversity of industry backgrounds from the energy sector & technology, to consulting, the nonprofit space, and government. Through our 83 students, there are over 40 world-renowned companies represented, such as Chevron, Ernst & Young, Oracle, and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

We are excited to see the addition of more students from Healthcare this year. Our students also have robust educational backgrounds, as we welcome students with PhDs, RNs and JDs to our class. We have representation from many of the leading healthcare organizations in Houston and our students have backgrounds in entrepreneurship, law, and nursing.

Other industries we introduced to the class this year include telecommunications, retail, and hospitality/consumer services, making this class even more professionally diverse.

Group photo of the Houston Class of 2021.

Introducing our MBA at Houston Class of 2021.

Women make up 24% of our total class population and international students make up 22%. Our MBAs also include members from the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy. Overall, we have seen increasing growth in both under-represented minorities and first-generation college graduate students.

Our Longhorn pride is strong at McCombs but we also celebrate our students from different undergraduate universities as well. Students from this class represent 53 different undergraduate universities, including Stanford, MIT, and Georgia Tech.

Our admissions team feels humbled by the amazing experiences and perspectives making up our latest MBA at Houston students, and cannot wait to see what they accomplish during their time in the program. If you’d like to join them as part of the Texas McCombs MBA network, start your application soon. 

To learn more about the MBA, download our brochure, check out other  MBA at Houston  events , or follow us on Instagram for an inside look at student life.

We look forward to meeting you and reading your application.

Hook ’em!

Top Tips for a Successful MBA Interview

October 9, 2019 / / Comments Off on Top Tips for a Successful MBA Interview

We understand that if you are planning to apply to start your MBA next fall, this application cycle or your plans may be affected by challenges posed by COVID-19. The University of Texas continues to prioritize your safety and you can stay updated on safety measures and announcements via Protect Texas Together.

After you submit your MBA application, you may receive an invitation to interview.  The weeks after submitting create a new set of questions, especially because of the current restrictions for on-campus visits and virtual interviews. Common questions include:  What interview format options are there? What sort of questions will I be asked? Who conducts the interview? How should I prepare?

Some applicants anticipate an interview and feel nervous, which is natural. If you are nervous, here is some key advice: The interview is your official opportunity to share your story, provide examples, and tell us why you chose McCombs like no one else can. Take advantage of this opportunity; It can be just the thing the Admissions Committee needs to understand the rest of your application elements and gives us the chance to get to know you better!

Different schools have different interview processes. It’s important to be familiar with how the Texas McCombs MBA runs the virtual interview experience. Be sure to read all confirmation emails and instructions very carefully.

Invitation Only

Currently, all interviews are being conducted virtually. For our Full-Time MBA program, interviews will be conducted by a current MBA student member of the Admissions Committee. For our Working Professional MBA programs, interviews will be conducted by the dedicated Admissions Officer for your program.

If you receive an interview invitation, an email will point you to our online platform and allow you to select an interview time slot that works with your schedule. There is a deadline to complete your interview, so be sure to schedule it as early as you can.

Interview invitations can come at any time during the application round. You will want to check your email (and  your Spam Folder) regularly after you submit your application  so you can  respond to our invitation and secure your preferred time slot.

An Un-Biased Approach  

Going into each interview, our interviewers do not have access to anything about you or your application, except for your resume. (Even so, it’s always a good idea to have a copy of your resume on-hand during the conversation.)

All of our interviewers are fully trained on conducting an interview that is professional, fair, impartial and helpful. Interviews typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Most interviews follow the general framework of introductions, questions from the interviewer for you to answer, then leave time  at the end for you to ask questions about the program and/or application process.

Top Tips

  1. Be On Time: Arriving on time is “Interviewing 101,” yet it still manages to trip up even the most prepared of candidates. Please follow all the instructions in your confirmation email about how to connect with your interviewer.
  2. Test Technology: Virtual interviews are being conducted through Zoom. If you don’t have one already, create a Zoom account. You’ll want to find a good space to conduct your interview, ideally with good lighting, stable internet, and access to a plug. We recommend connecting directly to your internet for the most reliable internet connection.
  3. Pace Yourself: You’d be surprised how many times, at the end of an applicant’s long answer, we are asked to repeat the original question. Most often this happens to people who try to put too much into the first answer for fear of not being given an opportunity later on to address their prepared examples.  Don’t worry, you will have time to get to it.  Plus, there is often an opportunity at the end of an interview to mention anything you didn’t address in the formal line of questioning.
  4. Be Professional But Loosen Up: Given our program’s famously friendly culture, our interviews are relatively informal.  If you still find yourself nervous, practice your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend or colleague and ask them how you did. Did you answer the question? Did you rush through it? Take a moment to outline your answer in your mind first, and then address it calmly and confidently.  Don’t get too comfortable, though. While we’re an easy-going group, maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism is always a good idea. This includes professional language and attire, as if you were interviewing for a job.
  5. Know What We’re Looking For: We listen for confidence, clear and concise communication of career goals, concrete examples of teamwork and leadership, in-depth knowledge of our MBA program, and overall genuine enthusiasm.  Also, the interview can be a place to showcase secondary skills that are difficult for us to determine solely based on your application: interview skills, self-awareness, communication style, and “hire-ability.” Keep these in mind so we can get a feel for the application intangibles.
  6. Come with questions: A good list of questions for your interviewer can illustrate a few key things about you as a candidate: You’ve done your research, you care about our program, you have envisioned yourself as an MBA, and you can formulate coherent thoughts under pressure. We usually leave anywhere from 10-15 minutes for questions, so limit your list to 2-3 good ones and have a few backups.

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the the Texas McCombs MBA.

Full-Time MBA Admissions Team

The Full-Time MBA Admissions Team

August 18, 2019 / / Comments Off on The Full-Time MBA Admissions Team

Every year, the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA admissions team travels around the world to participate in events to meet you, share what makes McCombs such a unique place,  and answer any questions you have about the program or application process. This team is also who will support your application process, really getting to know you and your goals.

Get to know more about them, below. 🤘

Rodrigo Malta, Managing Director of MBA AdmissionsRodrigo Malta
Managing Director, MBA Recruiting and Admissions

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?
I grew up in Brazil and moved to the United States in high school. I earned my bachelor’s degree in management from Missouri State University. I then used my MBA experience at McCombs to transition from an internal audit career in the telecommunications industry to a marketing role in the technology industry with Dell. During my time as an MBA student, I was very involved in our McCombs Ambassador Committee. This passion for MBA admissions eventually led me back to McCombs and to my current Director role – my dream job!

What has been your most rewarding experience so far with the MBA Admissions Team?

The graduation ceremony in the spring of every year is very special and rewarding to me. I love seeing our excited students walking across the graduation stage and enjoy meeting their families and friends that supported them in this great endeavor.

What are some of the strongest attributes of a Texas McCombs MBA class?

Hands down the diversity of our class! We bring together students from all corners of the world with unique personal stories and varied professional backgrounds. Add in our award-winning faculty members and this is the perfect recipe for lively class discussions and an amazing learning environment.

Stephen Sweeney, Director of Texas Full-Time MBA AdmissionsStephen Sweeney
Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?

I have been leading the recruiting and admissions for the Full-Time MBA at Texas McCombs since January of 2014. I am also an alum of the program and volunteered with the McCombs Ambassador Committee as a student. Prior to enrolling at McCombs, I worked in the hedge fund industry and taught fourth grade through Teach For America.  After I graduated from the MBA, I worked in management consulting until returning to McCombs.

What are some of the strongest attributes of a Texas McCombs MBA class? 

Our accessible faculty along with the hands-on opportunities that McCombs offers truly sets our program apart. Whether being selected for one our Fellows programs or doing an MBA+ project, our students have ample ways to apply what they learn in the classroom to current issues facing companies. I also feel that our Career Management team is the best in the business. This is evident in our placement rates, but you have to see how students transform over the two years and much of this can be attributed to our stellar team.  Lastly, no other top MBA program is located in Austin– the best city in the country!

Senior Admissions Officer, Stacey KammerdienerStacey Batas
Senior Admissions Officer, Full-Time MBA 

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?

I’m a higher ed lifer! I became a part of the Texas MBA team in 2015. Prior to my current role, I worked for an Austin-based marketing firm focused on college and university admissions. We helped clients with social media, branding, search campaigns, publication design, etc. I also spent 8 years in admissions and marketing at a private college in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I managed our events and recruited transfer and international students. While in Charlotte, I attained my MA degree in Higher Education. I’m originally from a small town in Western Pennsylvania so I’ve been slowly making my way down to the warm weather!

What has been your most rewarding experience so far with the MBA Admissions Team?

I manage and supervise the “MAC,” or McCombs Ambassador Committee. They’re our (super amazing) students who answer your emails & phone calls, grab coffee with you, host you at our on-campus events, and help Admissions recruit a strong and diverse incoming class. It’s been very rewarding to work with such a collaborative & intelligent group of individuals who are passionate about giving back and talking about their love for Texas McCombs with future students.

What are some of the strongest attributes of a Texas McCombs MBA class?

The student culture! Our Texas MBAs are so supportive of each other. They want everyone to succeed and push their classmates to be their best selves. Students even go so far as to help each other prep for the same interview! The culture of the program also reflects our great location– the city of Austin. MBA students are friendly, laid back, and take advantage of all that Austin has to offer.

Jaden Felix, Senior Admissions Officer, Full-Time MBA Jaden Felix
Senior Admissions Officer, Full-Time MBA

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?

It’s been a quick one and half years on the Texas McCombs MBA recruiting and admissions team, but 9+ years at the University. I was born and raised in Fresno, CA and graduated from The University of Michigan with a degree in political science. Prior to joining Texas McCombs, I worked at University of Michigan and in the Office of the Dean of Students at The University of Texas at Austin where I focused on leadership development, intercultural education, wellness and safety, as well as, student success initiatives. My interest in positive leadership, change, and effective teams within organizations led me to pursue a Master of Science in Leadership and Change at St. Edwards University. I’m looking forward to meeting you on the road and on-campus.

What has been your most rewarding experience so far with the MBA Admissions Team?

My most rewarding experience is preparing and welcoming our community of Consortium students to the annual Consortium Orientation Program and Career Forum. With assistance from Career Management, Employer Relations, Admissions, and the 2ndyear MBA Consortium liaisons, we design a dynamic training to jump start their Texas McCombs MBA journey with mock interviews, alumni speakers, coaching, experiential learning activities, and community building. To top it off, we even create playlist of each person’s song of choice – think of it as their ultimate mix tape – which is very eclectic. It was full of memorable experiences and takeaways, including you’re always on, prioritize your time, recharge, and chanting Texas Fight.

Jamie Moon, MBA Admissions Counselor

Jamie Moon
Admissions Counselor, Full-Time MBA

How long have you been with the MBA program and what is your background?

I have been with the MBA program since December 2015. Prior to working at McCombs, I worked for a physician’s office in Austin doing billing and administrative functions. Originally from Georgia, I attended Georgia State University for my bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

What are some of the strongest attributes of a Texas McCombs MBA class?

Definitely the students’ willingness to communicate and collaborate with each other. They are all very supportive of one another, even when in direct competition – like interviewing for the same job! I also appreciate their willingness to give back, not only to their class and the McCombs community, but the broader Austin community as well, be it through Board Fellows, or student organizations.

If you have questions or would like to connect with a student or staff member of our Admissions Committee, please reach out to us.

We can’t wait to meet you. Hook ’em!

Exterior of The Centrum in Uptown Dallas

The MBA at DFW is Moving to The Centrum!

June 26, 2019 / / Comments Off on The MBA at DFW is Moving to The Centrum!

The McCombs School of Business has found a new home for the Dallas/Fort Worth Weekend MBA  at The Centrum in Uptown Dallas. The highly visible, 17,000 square-foot, first-floor space will open in the fall and provide interactive classrooms, group study and breakout rooms, individual study nooks, 16-seat board interactive room, meeting rooms, offices, and open community space. The new location will accommodate current and future classes and provide easy access from multiple freeways for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

“We’re excited to move to our new home at The Centrum, which will give us a central location to the DFW business community. The new location will increase the awareness and reputation of the program within that community, while also providing a space that’s customized for the needs of our students,”

– Dave Jackson, Sr. Admissions Officer, MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth

What The Centrum Has to Offer

The Centrum is located in Uptown Dallas and provides unique opportunities for students to network and connect with other innovative organizations including Capital Factory, Salesforce, and BRIT Systems,  who all operate within the building.

Amenities include a fitness center, five restaurants, a coffee shop, a tenant lounge, rooftop deck,  outdoor courtyard, underground parking, secure bike room/racks, and more.

“The new location is in the middle of the action in Dallas – it’s lively, has proximity to the major highways and is in a rapidly developing area in uptown. The modern design and innovative use of space will allow better collaboration between the students, faculty, and professors. The tech-friendly, connected hub will facilitate better quality study group meetings, private rooms to review exam material, and ample space to practice presentations.”

– Claire Mitzner, Texas McCombs MBA ’20

The building’s many amenities will make it a premier gathering place for our MBA students in all stages of their MBA journey. The Texas McCombs community is excited to show off our new Dallas home at admissions events, student events, and alumni gatherings starting this fall!

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MBA career management

Meet Your Working Professional and Executive MBA Career Team

April 24, 2019 / / Comments Off on Meet Your Working Professional and Executive MBA Career Team

This Insider insight comes from our Working Professional and Executive MBA Career Team.

Texas McCombs MBA Career resources are truly unmatched among other top business schools. Our Career Management team‘s vision is focused on the future, adapting and growing to meet the needs of tomorrow’s career landscape. And they understand that the MBA career path for our Working Professional and Executive (WPE) MBA student differs from full-time students, dedicating a team of career support specifically for our WPE students in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Austin (Evening & Executive).

The McCombs Difference

MBA program administrators realized they needed to rethink their approach to career management for part-time students.

“We developed an entirely new career management framework that emphasized students’ strengths and interests and better prepared them not only for OCR (on-campus recruiting), but also for other channels that led to experienced hires and will allow them to continually progress in their careers.” – Joe Stephens, Assistant Dean, Working Professional and Executive MBA programs.

The framework, which can be applied in any phase of a student’s career and is tied to students’ career management curriculum and one-on-one advising, includes a market assessment (self-assessment, career exploration, and network creation); value proposition (your brand and competitive advantage, and elevator pitch); sales tools and channels (resume, LinkedIn profile, interview prep, and network cultivation); and launch (plan execution and offer negotiation).

“This career management framework has served as our WPE team’s vision and mission,” says Janet Huang, Director of MBA Career Management at McCombs. (source: Medium)

Meet the WPE Team

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MBA vs. MHA

Examining Your Healthcare Higher Ed Options

April 17, 2019 / / Comments Off on Examining Your Healthcare Higher Ed Options

Our MBA at Houston program is top-ranked, led by world-renowned Texas McCombs faculty, and positioned at the center of thriving Houston, Texas– the no. 1 city in the country for healthcare jobs. Over 736,000 people are employed at Houston’s world-famous Texas Medical Center alone. Many healthcare professionals pursuing a graduate degree may wonder what an MBA can do for their careers or if an MHA or MBA is right for their goals.

Angela Van Dyke headshot McCombs Houston Class of 2020

Angela Van Dyke, MBA 2020

We recently caught up with MBA at Houston 2020 student, Angela Van Dyke, a healthcare professional who has earned her MHA and is on her way to an MBA, to explore these options.

Angela holds an undergraduate degree in Biology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. She currently works at PersonalMed as their National Sales Manager.

On Getting her MHA

Angela is passionate about the healthcare industry and sees herself working in the field long term.

“I pursued an MHA to gain a deep and abiding understanding of the entire healthcare industry. I wanted a fundamental grasp of law and economics specifically in their application to healthcare. I also wanted to learn more about public and population health, hospital management, and clinical services.” 

On Pursuing her MBA

Through the MBA, she is becoming more proficient in technical concepts, such as finance, accounting and analytics. So far, her experience at Texas McCombs has exceeded her expectations.

“Pursuing an MBA is like a journey of transformation that allows you to pick up new tools and sharpen old skills. It’s an incredible time in your life to grow personally and professionally. The MBA is well recognized across all industries and empowers you with the credibility, creativity, and ability to add value for any organization in a variety of settings in virtually any industry at any level. An MBA arms you with the necessary expertise to quickly assess problems and determine the appropriate strategy for success. This is why I found it valuable to return to school and pursue my MBA.” 

Why Both Degrees?

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MBA Student Parents

Student Spotlight: Dara Chike-Obi, MBA Class of 2019

April 8, 2019 / / Comments Off on Student Spotlight: Dara Chike-Obi, MBA Class of 2019
Dara Chike-Obi, Evening MBA Class of 2019

Dara Chike-Obi,
Evening MBA ’19

Dara Chike-Obi is an Evening MBA student from Houston and a new mom who recently shared her experience of being a new parent while in the MBA program. “Unthinkable exhaustion” is the very honest first response that comes to mind when she is asked about her experience, which was also rewarding and very possible with realistic expectations and family support on her side.

On Being A Student and a Mom

“Ignorance truly is bliss. I was naive and had no understanding of the amount of mental, physical, and emotional energy that is required of a new mom. But I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. As graduation nears, and my child gets older; I feel stronger, smarter, and quicker than I’ve ever felt before. If I can get through this, I can get through almost anything.”

Her Biggest Challenge

“My biggest challenge was figuring out how to balance school, new baby, marriage, and a full time job. Many times I had no other option but to put my head down and power through. You soon realize that the toughest parts of your journey are ALWAYS temporary. Take one day at a time, one breath at a time. Eventually, you look up and see how far you’ve actually gone.”

Dara’s Advice

“I have two pieces of advice:

1. Make sure you have help.

This cannot be done alone. Your support system needs to understand that this is an ‘all hands on deck’ situation for the next two years. My wonderful husband rearranged his work schedule so he can be home on class nights to put our son to bed. My mother in-law would drive 4 hours from Dallas with a trunk full of freshly prepared food for my entire family. You must allow people to help you.

2. Accept that there is no balance.

Madeleine Albright said it best:  ‘Women can have it all, just not at the same time.’ You’re going to be pulled in multiple directions by multiple people. Learning to prioritize will get you far.”

We encourage you to review our Parental Accommodation Policy for details on the kind of accommodations it can provide. When you enter a working professional MBA program, we understand that family support is a key element.  Please let us know if you have any questions or need further info.

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