Tag: working professional

Meet the Working Professional and Executive MBA Admissions Team

Every year, the Texas McCombs Working Professional and Executive  MBA Admissions Team meets with hundreds of people interested in pursuing their MBA. Our Admissions Officers are experts in helping people navigate the application process and cultivating a class of diverse ideas and talents.

Get to know more about them, below. 🤘

Rodrigo Malta HeadshotRodrigo Malta
Managing Director of MBA Recruiting and Admissions

Rodrigo Malta, also known as Digo, is originally from Brazil and immigrated to the United States during high school. He earned his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business, and his bachelor’s degree in management from Missouri State University. Before and after his MBA, Digo worked for Fortune 100 companies in internal audit and marketing in the telecom and technology industries. 

One of Rodrigo’s proudest moments was becoming a United States citizen in 2008, which was the same year Rodrigo joined Texas McCombs as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions, Lead Diversity Recruiter for the Full-Time MBA program.

“I was a McCombs Ambassador Committee co-chair as an MBA student and that experience ignited my passion for admissions and higher education. In 2008, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to transition from tech to higher education and never looked back.”

He now serves as Managing Director of MBA Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions over Texas McCombs’ Full Time, Evening, Weekend – Dallas, Weekend – Houston, and Executive MBA programs. His most rewarding experience is working with his team and representing the Longhorn Community all over the world. Digo is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is passionate about building a collaborative work environment where individuals can be their authentic selves. 

“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.”

Digo says the best thing you can do when applying to Texas McCombs is to be authentic and ensure your application highlights who you are personally and professionally.

Focus on the things you can control and be yourself. Engage with us in a purposeful manner, but do not over do it.”

When Digo is not reading applications, you can find him at the movies, enjoying tacos and margaritas, or spending time with his husband and two dogs.

Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn.

Sharon Barrett HeadshotSharon Barrett
Director of Working Professional and Executive MBA Recruiting and Admissions

Sharon Barrett grew up in Houston but has called Austin home for over 30 years. She is a University of Texas alumna and has worked on the McCombs MBA Admissions Team for 13 years. Before McCombs, she spent time in marketing and program management at various financial institutions and professional associations. 

“I love our team. Everyone is very dedicated and mission-driven. We are energized by our students who bring the UT slogan ‘What Starts Here Changes the World’ to life!”

Sharon enjoys getting to know the students and seeing all the different paths the MBAs take when they graduate.

“I’m constantly rewarded by seeing the career trajectory of our alumni over the years. Every week my LinkedIn account announces numerous promotions and career advancement stories. Our students and alumni are truly amazing!”

When applying to McCombs, Sharon says it’s important to remain professional and understand the application components.

“Keep in mind that every interaction you have with a university is part of your candidacy. Take care to keep emails and inquiries professional. Our application process is also a bit different from most other universities. It’s always refreshing when applicants have read through and understand our process before getting started.”

If you’ve been thinking about getting about getting an MBA, Sharon says to just go for it.

“Speaking from a personal perspective, getting your MBA never gets easier or cheaper. Just do it!”

Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn.

Christie Jenkins HeadshotChristie Jenkins
Evening MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Christie Jenkins is from Vernon, Texas, a 10-ish stoplight town near the Texas Panhandle. She attended the University of Oklahoma for undergrad and earned her MBA from the Working Professional program at The University of Illinois. 

Christie discovered her love for admissions when she was a campus tour guide during her undergrad.

“…it turns out, I love talking about why you should get an education. There weren’t a lot of opportunities around me growing up in rural Texas, and higher education has opened doors for me that I would’ve never dreamed of as a kid. I love being able to help others accomplish more than they ever imagined too.”

Christie encourages applicants to set themselves up for success by taking their time with their applications, attending events, and reaching out to admissions or current students.

“Stepping outside of your comfort zone to apply for something – especially when you’re not sure if it will work out – is scary. I encourage you to go for it and give it your best effort anyway. Attend an application overview workshop to hear all of our tips. Give yourself plenty of time and commit genuine effort into studying for the GMAT, GRE, or EA. Ask a friend to review your essays and resume. Prepare for your admissions interview in the same way you would a job interview. Don’t sell yourself short by sandbagging it and not giving it your best effort. Doing these things will not only help you earn admission, but they will also help you prepare for the program and get the most out of it.”

Christie joined the Admissions and Recruiting team in April 2020. She says she chose McCombs because she likes working with the best and brightest.

“Texas McCombs is the best MBA program in Texas, and the Evening MBA program is ranked #7 in the country. It’s inspiring to be in an environment around faculty and staff who are the best at what they do, and students who are the future business leaders of the world.”

If you are still on the fence about applying, Christie has some advice.

“Don’t count yourself out. Looking at our rankings and class profile can be intimidating; and while I am proud of the prestige of our program and the accomplishments of our students and faculty, it may make our programs seem out of reach to some applicants. We are looking for students from all walks of life and we understand that you can bring more to the program than what is on your resume and transcripts. Research shows that having a diversity of backgrounds in the room leads to better outcomes in business and creates a richer experience for everyone in the classroom.”

Christie says that earning her MBA was one of the best decisions she has ever made.

“Getting my MBA was challenging in the best way, personally and professionally rewarding, and exposed me to new skills and ways of thinking that I may not have encountered otherwise. But beyond all the tangible benefits, it gave me the confidence to speak up when I have an idea to share, ask questions when something doesn’t make sense to me, and know I can get through any paper, no matter how dense or boring it is.”

Connect with Christie on LinkedIn.

Emily Le HeadshotEmily Le
MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Emily Le is a UT alumna who grew up in Plano, Texas. After completing her undergrad at the McCombs School of Business, she earned her Master’s in Accounting at the University of Southern California and started her career in Big 4 Public Accounting. After several years in finance then switching to recruiting, she realized her passion for relationships and helping people. 

“After having a front-row seat to my husband going through the MBA program and the impact the experience had on his professional and personal development, I knew I wanted to be involved in helping future MBA students attain their goals while maintaining the McCombs culture.” 

Emily advises all MBAs to “go all-in” when it comes to networking and building relationships within the MBA program through the various opportunities provided early on such as Austin Intensives, residency, and cohorts.

“Even though this is a part-time program, our MBA program is deliberately designed to foster community. It’s conducive for developing camaraderie for student organizations, identifying teammates for micro-consulting projects, networking for future business contacts, and also to build deep friendships that will last beyond the MBA program. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to the alumni network, especially if you identify someone who is on a similar career track to what you’re interested in.”

Emily says the applicants that stand out can clearly articulate how their background ties to their career goals, and how they will leverage the resources in the McCombs MBA to achieve these goals.

Getting your MBA should not be an impulsive decision or just another degree to add to your resume. We want to see you have been thoughtful in exploring your options and done your research. Likewise, be prepared in your interview to clearly communicate your experiences and why McCombs is right for you. Interviewers can tell when you are holding back or giving cliché answers. We want to actually know YOU and your journey, your goals, and your passions. At the same time, it’s important to still maintain professionalism during an interview.” 

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn.

Melanie's headshotMelanie Krugel
MBA at Houston Recruiting and Admissions Officer

Melanie Krugel grew up in Dallas, Texas, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in Communications and Leadership from Gonzaga University.

Melanie was inspired to work in admissions by her previous admissions counselor at the University of Kansas.  She said her counselor was integral in helping her throughout her admissions process, helping her convince her parents to let her go to school out of state, and helping her feel a part of the community.

Melanie joined the Admissions and Recruiting team in September 2021, bringing her diverse recruitment and admissions experience to McCombs.

“I absolutely love my job and being in MBA Recruitment! I have the honor and privilege to be part of my student’s MBA journeys from the beginning, graduation, and beyond. These relationships that I have built with my students over time have been incredibly rewarding and I love that I have gotten to be with them every step of the way. To me, there is nothing better than being able to personally deliver the great news that they have been admitted to our program and be a support system for them the rest of the process. I love getting to hear about job and internship offers, being someone that they can come to if things don’t go to plan, and being part of other milestones and life events along the way.”

Melanie chose McCombs for our reputation and world-class education.

“Growing up in Texas I was always aware of UT and the amazing programs offered. I had always heard about how incredible our MBA curriculum was, the expansive alumni network, the dedication to diversity and inclusion, and how phenomenal our students, staff, and faculty are. Before joining McCombs I spent several years in Student Affairs and went on to start my MBA Admissions career at the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business as their Assistant Director of Admissions and Diversity Recruiter. After relocating to Texas and a brief time working in Law School admissions, I realized that I missed working in MBA admissions and there was no better place to be in Texas than at McCombs! I love having the opportunity to recruit new, diverse, and talented Longhorns in the Houston area while still being connected to the UT Campus in Austin.”

For applicants looking to apply to McCombs, Melanie advises you to do your research and take the time to truly build a comprehensive and thoughtful set of essays.

“Getting your MBA is not only a commitment to being in school for two years of your life; it is also a commitment to bettering your personal and professional life. It is so important to really get to know the schools that you are looking at and the people that make up their community. By attending information sessions, visiting campus, and spending time with their students, faculty, and staff you can get a better idea of if you are a good fit for them, and most importantly, if they are a good fit for you.”

Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn.


Talk with our MBA Admissions Team at an upcoming admissions chat, info session, or any other MBA event. 

Student Spotlight: Laura
Gallardo, MBA at Houston
Class of 2021

Laura Gallardo Headshot

Laura Gallardo
MBA at Houston ’21

Laura Gallardo is a first-generation college student that learned to navigate her own way through undergrad to Texas McCombs. From applying for scholarships & aid, to registering for classes for the first time, Laura took the initiative to ensure optimal success in her professional life. She is now taking her attained journalism and public relations skill set into the business world as she works toward her MBA at Houston degree.

In October, Laura Gallardo took over Instagram stories on MBAchic  to show followers what a day in the life of a working professional student is like in our Texas McCombs MBA at Houston program.

Laura’s motivation to pursue her MBA is fueled by the desire to make her family proud. 

“My parents emigrated from Mexico in pursuit of a better life. My father’s work ethic has always resonated with me and motivated me. As a teenager, it’s so easy to be influenced by the wrong crowd, particularly in the area that we grew up. I knew that if I wanted my sister to stay on the right track, I needed to set the right example for her.”

Choosing a Business School

After completing her undergraduate degree, Laura pursued a job in journalism as a local news producer. She worked in the newsroom for six years before transitioning into a traditional public communications role at a law firm. After 11 years as a working professional, Laura realized she had to move outside her comfort zone. An MBA felt like her calling.

In recent years, I found myself making multiple lateral professional moves, when in fact I’d been vying for leadership roles. I took a hard look at my career and determined that in order to shift my professional life in an upward direction, I had to re-invest in my education. A BA in communications has served me well so far, but I am hungry for strong professional growth.

Laura says she had a gut instinct that drew her to attend McCombs. She knew she wanted to ensure that she was pursuing a degree from a school that held weight in the business world, and was drawn to the University of Texas at Austin for its recognizable name and reputation.

I made my decision to apply to McCombs after sitting through an admissions webinar series hosted by our program’s amazing admissions counselor, Jenn Cole. The webinar series was incredibly helpful in walking me through the admissions process from point A to point Z. From my very first interactions with the program, I know it could potentially be a right fit for me. 

That gut instinct was solidified after attending an open house in the spring and sitting through a class. The program’s culture immediately drew me in. Current students were extremely helpful in answering questions about the workload, schedule, and overall culture – in other words, just keeping it real! Their willingness to share was very comforting. Now as a student, I can confirm that is still the case – the class of 2020 has been incredibly welcoming and inclusive.

Work-Life-School Balance

As a mother of twin 4-year-olds, the MBA at Houston program also offered Laura a convenient weekend class schedule that worked for her family. Her husband’s job requires him to travel during the week, so they felt the program’s alternating weekend structure would be the best fit. Laura developed a routine with her husband to make the addition of the program a smoother life transition.

Laura, her husband and her two children.

“The alternating weekend structure allows my family to have our normal routine during the week, and plan ahead for class weekends. On weeknights leading up to class, I excuse myself immediately after dinner to study, but make sure to read my kids their bedtime story and tuck them in to bed.

Fortunately, now at 4-years-old, they understand why mommy is not around some weekends. As a result, we’ve had some endearing conversations as they’ve asked me questions about school based on their own experiences in pre-k, such as if we have ‘circle time’ and if I ‘learn about colors.’ I try to explain to them as much as possible about my weekend absences or having to step away after dinner to ‘do homework.’

Balancing a family, full-time career, and an MBA does have its challenges for Laura. Having limited time means missing a few soccer games and special occasions. Laura credits her friends and family for being understanding and supportive in the process and her parents for being readily available to provide child care.

“Most importantly in this MBA journey, having a support system that I can rely on for emotional and moral support has been so crucial.”

Laura’s Post-MBA Plans

“Ideally, I would like to apply my current skill set (attained from a career of journalism and public relations) to a different industry. I am increasingly interested in an investor relations role where I can use my new knowledge about accounting and finance, gained here at McCombs, and compliment it with my previous experience. If I remain solely in the communications field, I would hope to lead the marketing strategy team for a publicly traded company or a private equity firm. My long-term goal is to lead at a Fortune 100 company.”

Laura and her children posing by the UT tower

Laura’s Advice to You

“If you’ve been even remotely considering pursuing an MBA, go for it! Invest in your career and yourself. Prepare and begin the admissions process early so you’re not cramming to meet the final deadlines: study for the GMAT, request your letter of recommendation, think about how you’ll fund tuition– set the wheels in motion early. Once June rolls around, the enrollment process moves extremely fast,

Don’t let your role as a parent keep you from pursuing graduate school. Like any major life change, having the right support will be crucial when returning to school, and especially if you have a family. Between classes, projects, and studying, the program will inevitably keep you away from your loved ones, so surround yourself with friends and family who have your best interest at heart, understand, and are there to encourage you.”


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to find out more about all our programs, events and community, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Hook ’em!

Why McCombs? Evening MBA

This post was written by Kimberly Jones, Marketing Coordinator, Texas McCombs MBA Programs.

Texas McCombs part-time MBA programs are ranked #7 in the country by U.S. News due to the strength of our MBA network, career resources, and experiential opportunities. The McCombs MBA journey is focused on innovation and individually-tailored success, making it one of the most valuable degrees in the world. Our Evening MBA program is especially unique, offering classes on Monday & Tuesday evenings in Austin, so you can continue to work, achieve a work/school balance for your lifestyle, and graduate with a prestigious MBA degree from Texas McCombs in just 2.5 years. Explore the Evening MBA at Texas McCombs.

Evening MBA students in the classroom

Evening MBAs attend class at McCombs

If you’re considering applying to Texas McCombs, we encourage you to start your application now.

As an Evening MBA at McCombs, you will:

  • Learn from renowned, accessible faculty in every subject area
  • Gain skills in cutting-edge business that you can apply to your work in real time
  • Attend classes at the center of a thriving city on a top research university campus
  • Engage in cohort-based learning with a tight-knit, diverse group of peers
  • Explore direct connections to the world’s top employers

The next class of Evening MBAs starts in January 2019. We encourage you to register to attend a summer event below to get to know the Texas McCombs MBA community.

Continue reading

Skip to toolbar