Author: emilyschatzle

Advisory Council Spotlight: Joe Sagrilla, MSBA AC Member

by emilyschatzle

Did you know that each of our MS programs has an Advisory Council of industry leaders? Our AC members provide mentorship to current students, advise staff and faculty on the curriculum and future of each program, and advocate for the programs broadly. Learn more about one of our MS Business Analytics council members, Joe Sagrilla below:

headshot of Joe Sagrilla, wearing a dark blue suitTell us a little bit about yourself – your educational/professional background and current position/company.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a double major in accounting and general business. I then completed an MBA at Cleveland State University before taking the CPA exam.

I’ve spent the majority of my career in management consulting working with global companies across industries on projects including business strategy, transformation, technology, process improvement, business analytics, organizational effectiveness, and M&A integration. I’ve had the opportunity to work at large firms including Booz Allen, Ernst & Young, and PwC. In late 2018 I was looking for a new challenge, so I joined a technology implementation startup called Clearsulting as Chief Strategy Officer to help the company expand and scale.

Why have you volunteered your time to be on the MSBA Advisory Council?

The invitation to join the MSBA Advisory Council was something I couldn’t pass up. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back in a small way by investing in the next generation of business leaders. Through the Council, members have a platform to work with the MSBA program leadership to ensure that the course content is evolving on pace with the business technology landscape. It’s extremely rewarding to see the MSBA leadership incorporate the Council’s industry perspectives into the course content to help optimize the program for student success. Council members also have opportunities to help students flourish through panel discussions, mentoring circles, and interview preparation. It’s a rewarding experience all around.

What do you enjoy about working in the field of business analytics?

I love the Edwards Deming quote: “Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.” With business analytics, one can quickly separate opinion from fact, which is essential when trying to diagnose a complex issue or design an effective solution. As a consultant, I found business analytics to be an indispensable tool for cracking tough client problems and presenting compelling recommendations. I’ve also had the opportunity to help multiple clients deploy analytics systems at the enterprise level. I’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous value analytics systems create through improved automation, decision support, and forecasting.

In your teaching capacity at McCombs as well as your interactions from the Advisory Council, what is your impression of McCombs students?

I’m constantly impressed by the caliber of McCombs students. They are ambitious and hold themselves to a high standard while remaining humble and open-minded. McCombs students are truly a joy to teach and interact with.

Why do you think someone should choose Texas McCombs to earn a Master of Science in Business Analytics?

McCombs is an innovator in this space with tremendous foresight, as it was one of the first schools to launch an MSBA program. Since its launch, the McCombs MSBA has been highly ranked each year and universally recognized as a top-tier program.

I think what sets the program apart is its laser focus on student success. Students leave the program with working knowledge of the latest technologies and analytical models, along with the business acumen and communication skills to create real value in the business world.

I see the McCombs MSBA program as a launchpad for career success. Some of the most prestigious and innovative companies in the world recruit McCombs MSBA students. Students also benefit from an incredible Career Management team to help guide them through the job search process.

Why should a company hire a McCombs MSBA graduate?

McCombs MSBA students leave the program ready to solve problems and create business value for the companies they join. The program is very intense, so prospective employers can be confident that any graduating student is highly motivated, with a strong work ethic and passion for business analytics. These students have been trained by some of the best minds in the field on the latest concepts, with a constant emphasis on creating business value. As an employer, you can be confident that McCombs MSBA students are well prepared to apply their skills and make a meaningful contribution at your company from day one.

Ending on a tough one – what is your favorite part about living in Austin?

Austin is an amazing city that seems to get better every year. It’s hard to name a single favorite thing about living here. Having lived in the Midwest for most of my life, I enjoy the weather and skipping the long, cold winters. Beyond that, the entertainment options are hard to beat – standup comedy, live music, amazing speakers at UT, incredible restaurants – there’s always something fun to do in Austin!

Admissions Update: Introducing our New Video Assessment!

by emilyschatzle

Beginning with the 2023-2024 admission cycle, we are excited to introduce a dynamic video assessment component to the application. This is replacing our video essay that applicants historically uploaded as part of their application. The video assessment will ask questions based on a number of competencies and give us a chance to see how you think on your feet!

Shortly after you submit your MS application and your application fee is paid, you will receive an invitation to complete the Texas McCombs MS Video Assessment! All applicants will have 7 days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform. The number of questions asked depends on the program(s) you applied to (see below for more detail) and will take no more than 30 minutes to complete. Applicants will be allowed to practice before submitting their video assessment and will have 60-90 seconds to answer each prompt.

What is the Admissions Committee looking for?

This video assessment helps the Admissions Committee better understand who you are in your own voice and allows us to assess your communication skills. Within the video assessment each program is evaluating different competencies. Check out your program of interest below to learn more about what we look for in a strong applicant:  

MS Business Analytics (Full-Time and Working Professional) 

Career Motivation & Aspirations: The MSBA Admissions Committee is looking for a genuine interest in pursuing an MSBA and a clear understanding of how it will help to achieve their professional goals. Strong applicants put significant thought and consideration into their decision-making in applying for this program. They should understand why Texas McCombs is the right place to pursue their MSBA and how it will set them up for professional success.

Technical Skills & Analytical Thinking: MSBA students possess strong technical skills and an analytical mindset. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their coding skills and give examples of times they’ve built or worked on programming applications.

MS Finance

Curiosity & Motivation: The MSF Admissions Committee wants to understand what motivates applicants not just to get the job done, but to go above and beyond. MSF students are intellectually curious and utilize an enterprising and tenacious approach to problem-solving. Applicants should demonstrate ambition and the ability to deliver results.

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: MSF students have an analytical mindset. They can gather and synthesize information, independently identify multiple ways to solve a problem, make deductions, conduct critical analysis, and can determine the best solution for any situation. The MSF Admissions Committee is looking for applicants that show potential to strategically synthesize information to solve complex problems at a high level.

Career Focus & Understanding of Program: The MSF Admissions Committee is looking for a genuine interest in pursuing an MSF and a clear understanding of how it will help to achieve their professional goals. Strong applicants put significant thought and consideration into their decision-making in applying for this program. They should understand why Texas McCombs is the right place to pursue their MSF and how it will set them up for professional success.

MS IT & Management

Career Motivation & Aspirations: The MSITM Admissions Committee is looking for a genuine interest in pursuing an MSITM and a clear understanding of how it will help to achieve their professional goals. Strong applicants put significant thought and consideration into their decision-making in applying for this program. They should understand why Texas McCombs is the right place to pursue their MSITM and how it will set them up for professional success.

Collaboration: Successful MSITM students foster collaboration because they value working with and learning from others. They see and value others’ perspectives, creating a supportive space to solve problems as a team. They excel at being a teammate and work conducively with anybody.

Time & Priority Management: MSITM students should be able to demonstrate a realistic appraisal of their life, prioritize conflicting responsibilities, and consistently complete tasks on time. They are detail-oriented, mature, self-guided and have concrete strategies to balance their academic, personal, and professional life.

Ability to Try & Learn New Things/Resilience: The MSITM Admissions Committee is looking for candidates who are able to try and learn new skills despite it being unfamiliar and new to them. They should possess perseverance with their ability to respond appropriately to disappointment and setbacks and accept failure as part of the learning curve.

Technical Skills & Analytical Thinking: MSITM students possess strong technical skills and an analytical mindset. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their coding skills and give examples of times they’ve built or worked on programming applications.

MS Marketing

Curiosity & Motivation: The MSM Admissions Committee wants to understand what motivates applicants not just to get the job done, but to go above and beyond. MSM students are intellectually curious and utilize an enterprising and tenacious approach to problem-solving. Applicants should demonstrate ambition and the ability to deliver results.

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: MSM students have an analytical mindset. They can gather and synthesize information, independently identify multiple ways to solve a problem, make deductions, conduct critical analysis, and can determine the best solution for any situation. The MSM Admissions Committee is looking for applicants that show potential to strategically synthesize information to solve complex problems at a high level.

Career Focus & Understanding of Program: The MSM Admissions Committee is looking for a genuine interest in pursuing an MSM and a clear understanding of how it will help to achieve their professional goals. Strong applicants put significant thought and consideration into their decision-making in applying for this program. They should understand why Texas McCombs is the right place to pursue their MSM and how it will set them up for professional success.

Note: If you are applying for two Master of Science programs, you will need to complete a video assessment for each program.

Tips for a Successful Video Assessment

  1. Practice: You will be able to respond to practice questions for as long as you wish. Take advantage of this opportunity! The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be with the technology when answering real prompts.
  2. Test Technology: The Video Assessments are conducted through the Kira platform. It will require a desktop or laptop computer (no smart phones/tablets) with a functioning webcam, microphone, and internet connection. We recommend connecting directly to your internet for the most reliable internet connection – and make sure you have plenty of charge on your laptop or that you’re plugged in! Most browsers are compatible (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera) but the platform will not work well on Safari.
  3. Pace Yourself: We limit the responses to 60-90 seconds because it is great practice for your McCombs experience. Keeping responses concise but clear is important when recruiting for jobs. However, you want to make sure you answer each question in full! The practice questions will be a great way to gauge what a minute or more actually feels like when responding to a question.
  4. Be Professional, but Comfortable: If you’re nervous, practicing in front of a mirror or with a friend or colleague is a great way to get the nerves out. Did you answer the question? Did you rush it? Take the prep time to outline your answer in your mind first, and then address it calmly and confidently. You can also jot some quick talking points down on a piece of paper to help jog your memory – just don’t forget to maintain good eye contact when you record your formal responses. Don’t get TOO comfortable – this shouldn’t feel too formal but maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism is always a good idea (this includes professional language and attire).
  5. Be Yourself! The questions we ask were not designed to trip you up or be impossible to answer, but rather to give you a chance to draw from your experiences. We’re using this video assessment to get to know YOU, beyond the limits of a traditional application. This is your chance to share your story, give us examples, and explain why you’re choosing an MS program at McCombs in your own voice.

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your admissions team at:

MSBA (Full Time & Working Professional): TexasMSBA@mccombs.utexas.edu

MSF: TexasMSF@mccombs.utexas.edu

MSITM: TexasMSITM@mccombs.utexas.edu

MSM: TexasMSM@mccombs.utexas.edu

Admissions Update: GRE/GMAT Test Scores are Optional!

by emilyschatzle

Beginning with the 2023-24 admissions cycle, we are pleased to announce that GMAT and GRE test scores are now optional for the Texas McCombs Master of Science Programs! Applicants will not be disadvantaged in the admissions profess if they do not submit test scores, and applicants who feel that their test scores reflect their potential for success in graduate school may submit scores for consideration.

Apply Today!

If you opt to submit GMAT, GMAT Focus or GRE scores, you will need to provide your test scores in order to submit your application. While the official score report may reach the Graduate School after we have received your application, you will not be able to submit unless you have entered your scores and at least uploaded an unofficial score report. Please reach out to the appropriate admissions team (contact information is listed at the bottom of this post) if your testing plans change after you submit your application.

The MS Programs admissions committees review all applications holistically to determine preparedness for our programs. Factors that the committees consider in additional to test scores include academic background (major), prior GPAs, relevant pre-requisite coursework, videos and written essays, work or internship experience, and letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references

Many applicants are concerned about the impact that not submitting a test score may have on their chances of admission. The admissions committee of each program is committed to a holistic review of all applications, and absent of test scores will focus closely on the other application components listed above. We encourage applicants to think about ways they can amplify their quantitative and verbal strengths across their application. Think about relevant coursework, projects, internships, and work experience that can demonstrate adequate quantitative preparation. You can also utilize your essays to demonstrate verbal strengths. While not required, applicants have the option to submit additional information that demonstrates their potential and readiness. These additional elements may be important for applicants who wish to enhance their portfolio by providing evidence to address gaps, uneven performance, or areas of their application that are less fully developed. GRE/GMAT scores, certifications, personal statements, or supplemental essays will all be considered when submitted, and will be used as additional data points for application evaluation.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team:

TexasMSBA@mccombs.utexas.edu

TexasMSF@mccombs.utexas.edu

TexasMSITM@mccombs.utexas.edu

TexasMSM@mccombs.utexas.edu

Building a Story for Your Resume

by emilyschatzle

Tips from a Career Coach on Creating a Standout Resume

Recruiters look at a resume for an average of seven seconds! With that, it’s important that your story jumps off the page…quite literally. While this may feel overwhelming, the good news is that you have a lot of agency in the process, and it doesn’t need to feel like “work.” Simply doing things you’re interested in will make you that much more of an amazing candidate, whether that next step is a graduate program, an internship, or stepping into your career.

headshot of Julie Krause, career coachI am Julie Krause – one of the Career Coaches for the MS Programs Office here to give you a few tips on what you can be doing now, while still in school, to help craft your story. Please read on below for how to be that resume who catches the recruiter’s eye and gets pulled out of the stack!

Tip #1
If you don’t know what you want to do, that’s okay. We’ve all been there! But please don’t let this stop you from getting some kind of work experience. A potential employer wants to see a basic level of commitment or continuity within an organization, i.e. the ability to hold down a job. Internships are a great place to start! But so is any job. Have you bartended or served in a restaurant? You can likely manage in high-stress situations with excellent customer service. Have you been a research assistant? Excellent – showcase your ability to cull lots of information into various insights. You can pull out transferrable skills from ANY role.

Tip #2
Leadership is something all recruiters are looking for, no matter what career path. Leadership can look a lot of different ways – it could be athletics, it could be a position within a student organization, it could be starting a side business of your own, it could be participating in a case competition at your school, and so forth. It is these types of activities that set a good candidate apart from a great one.

Tip #3
Raise your hand on group projects (as much as you may not want to). Leading the group, or serving in some unique capacity, will not only give you insight into what you might like to be doing in a career down the line – but it will be excellent interview content. Inevitably then, when you get asked the question “Tell me about a time where you worked with others and a conflict arose/it didn’t go as planned?” early in your career, you won’t struggle as much to answer this.

Tip #4
Keep a file with notes of your experiences. Projects or work assignments that make you happy, and ones that absolutely do not. Challenging situations and triumphs. Contacts you meet or connections you make. Tracking these along the way will give you a portfolio to access as you interview, and later on, to help shape an idea of what you might like to do for your career. I can’t tell you how many students I’ve seen who have said “Yikes, I can’t really remember what I did there – that was a few years ago!” Don’t fall into this trap; if you track as you go, you will make life much easier on yourself.

Tip #5
We’ve heard from employers that they want to see more than just a great GPA. In fact, some will weight a resume that shows steady, involved volunteer activity over one that does not. Is there a cause that’s important to you? Even if you can only give a few hours a week, that’s okay. If you have an opportunity to volunteer in a capacity that may relate to future roles of interest, that’s amazing, but if not – the experience itself is rewarding and you will likely learn a lot of valuable skills.

Tip #6
Consider graduate school. This would be a great option to level up your skills, or pivot from a different undergraduate field of study into the direction you’d more so like to go in the future. Specifically with our MS Programs, you will sharpen your analytical skills, get real-world experience in working on actual businesses’ pressing problems, and leave with a very strong network – to say the least. Speak with an Admissions Counselor to learn more, if this is something you’re considering!

We’ll call it a wrap with an even number! Hope this gives you a sense of how you can make the most of your remaining months (or years) while in school. And while it may add some extra hours to your schedule, it’s all in service of helping you towards your ultimate goal – finding a job you love. Future you will thank you.

Questions about how a Master of Science degree can help your future career? Don’t hesitate to reach out:

TexasMSBA@mccombs.utexas.edu

TexasMSF@mccombs.utexas.edu

TexasMSITM@mccombs.utexas.edu

TexasMSM@mccombs.utexas.edu

Student Spotlight: Monica Hebner, #TXMS Marketing Class of 2023

by emilyschatzle

Undergraduate Institution: UT Austin

Undergraduate Major: Government

Tell us about yourself: Hey, y’all! My name is Monica Hebner and I am super excited to be a part of the MSM program. I went to UT for undergrad and could not quite leave the 40 Acres just yet. All throughout undergrad, and now in the MSM program, I am on the women’s cross country/track and field team where I specialize in distance events. I am a regular at Town Lake Trail, so if you’re ever out there in the morning we probably have crossed paths 🙂

What is your proudest accomplishment? I think I have two. First, getting to run at UT with my twin sister. There is nothing like lining up with a longhorn on your chest and competing for the University of Texas next to your best friend. Second, getting into the MSM program. I went through undergrad pretty uncertain as to what I wanted to do post-college. When learning about the MSM program and all the learning it would provide me, I felt like I had found my home. I remember opening the acceptance email while traveling for a track meet and it felt like I had just won the race!

What drew you to apply to the MSM program? The combination of the academic rigor, the professors, and the network in MSM is unmatched. There is no program quite like the MSM program where you get true analytical and quantitative coursework in addition to more traditional marketing coursework. I knew I wanted to strengthen those skills prior to entering the workforce and there is no better place to do it.

What are you most looking forward to this year? I am really looking forward to all the learning that is still left, the connections I will make, and the network I will have at the end.

Interested in learning more about the MSM program? Reach out to us at TexasMSM@mccombs.utexas.edu or connect with us here.

Application Tips: When Should I Apply?

by emilyschatzle

header that says "When should I apply? Application tips"

When you start your application to graduate school, you probably have questions about admissions requirements, application components, and deadlines. But what is the difference between each of the deadlines, and when does it make sense for you to apply? Our admissions team dives into some factors for you to take into consideration when applying below:

What does “rolling admissions” actually mean?

Our application typically opens at the end of August and remains open through May. Depending on whether you’re an international or domestic applicant, this gives you 4-9 months to submit a competitive application. To save time for the admissions committee and allow early applicants to receive early decisions, we’ve established deadlines throughout the cycle. Applicants can expect to receive a decision on their application 6-8 weeks after the closest application deadline. Applicants who submit around a deadline will likely be reviewed in batch with other applications submitted around that time. If you apply significantly outside an application deadline window, your application may be reviewed sooner. For example, if you apply in mid to late December, your application would likely be reviewed after the January 9th deadline. If you apply in mid-November, the admissions committee MAY opt to review your application sooner (note – this is not guaranteed and depends on the program you’re applying to and committee bandwidth).

When is the last date I can apply?

For the 2023-2024 admissions cycle (students applying to begin the program in July 2024 or June 2024 for MSBA-WP), we have four deadlines:

Round 1: October 11, 2023

Round 2: January 10, 2024

Round 3: March 6, 2024

Round 4 (MSBA-WP only): April 10, 2024

Round 4 (All full-time programs): May 1, 2024

 

If you are an international student, you must apply by January 10, 2024. We set the international deadline earlier so we can ensure all admitted students can complete the visa process in time for classes to begin. This applies to international students applying from abroad as well as any international students currently located in the United States. If you are currently in the United States on an active visa, we still require you to apply by the January 10th deadline so we can ensure you’ll be ready to start the program in time. US citizens and permanent residents can apply towards any of our four deadlines – the final deadline is April 10 for MSBA-WP and May 1 for all other full-time MS programs.

When SHOULD I apply?

The right time to apply is not the same for every applicant. When planning your timeline, consider the following:

  • You cannot apply until you have completed all components of your application. This includes test scores, where applicable – we don’t require the official score report when you submit your application but you must include unofficial score results in the application.
  • We encourage applicants to submit their application when they feel it is strongest. For example, if you’re taking a course in the fall semester that is relevant to your program of choice, you may want to wait until you’ve received a grade for that course to apply so the admissions committee will be able to consider that along with the rest of your materials.
  • Each year, the admissions committee aims to enroll the strongest cohort possible. We know this won’t happen if we only admit students who apply during one of the first rounds. All applicants are given fair consideration for admission and scholarship, regardless of when they apply. However, towards the end of the cycle, fewer spots are available since we offer admission throughout the cycle. We typically receive the majority of our applications during the first and second rounds. If you feel your application is strong early in the cycle, we recommend you submit earlier for your best chances.
  • Applying from outside of Austin or Texas? Submitting your application early gives you plenty of time to visit campus if admitted and seeing if this is the right fit for you!

Ultimately, the right time to apply differs for each applicant. If you have any questions about the best process for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our program office!

TexasMSBA@mccombs.utexas.edu

TexasMSF@mccombs.utexas.edu

TexasMSITM@mccombs.utexas.edu

TexasMSM@mccombs.utexas.edu

Student Spotlight: Wesley House, #TXMS Finance Class of 2023

by emilyschatzle

photo of Wesley Undergraduate Institution: Sewanee: The University of The South

Undergraduate Major: Geology

Tell us about yourself: Hello everyone! My name is Wesley House and I am currently in the MSF program at UT. I recently graduated from Sewanee: The University of The South where I played baseball and majored in geology. In my free time I love to golf, fly-fish, grill out, and hunt.

What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is being named to the SAA All-Conference team for baseball this last spring, following my senior season. Receiving this honor was a great way to complete a big chapter of my life.

What drew you to apply to the MSF program? After working as a geologist for two summers at a privately held E&P company in Houston, I found the business development and financial side of the industry more interesting. With a degree in geology, I now have a good understanding of the technical side of the industry but would like to become more well-rounded in my knowledge of the business. While deciding on what to pursue following undergrad, it became clear to me that the MSF program at McCombs would be a great fit for what I was looking for.

What are you most looking forward to this year? I am most looking forward to meeting people from a vast variety of background and interests, both students and prospective employers. I’m looking forward to making the most of all the resources that this program has to offer and I can’t wait to see where everyone in our class ends up.

Interested in learning more about the MSF program? Reach out to us at TexasMSF@mccombs.utexas.edu or connect with us here.

Student Spotlight: Nihit Parikh, #TXMS Marketing Class of 2022

by emilyschatzle

photo of Nihit ParikhUndergraduate University: Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University – India

Undergraduate Major: B.Tech. – Computer Engineering

About Nihit: I am a reader, writer and podcaster. In my free time, I listen to Indian classical music, write poems or network with people from various fields and podcast: “Not A Podcast with Nihit Parikh.”

Proudest Accomplishments: 1) I presented my research paper on Social Review at Applied Research International Conference on World Economic and Social Review at Oxford University in the United Kingdom in 2019. 2) I ranked 2nd at National Level Creative Writing Bar Shree Competition in 2013.

Why did you choose the MSM Program? Having a family background in business, I have been fascinated by marketing since an early age. At my undergraduate level, I gained knowledge of Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Economics. I think Data & Marketing go hand-in-hand and the world can benefit from brands informed about what their consumers want. I love storytelling & networking to its core. This unique combination of qualitative & quantitative skillsets this program has to offer inspired me to apply.

What are you most looking forward to this year? Diving deep into statistics, data analytics, and core concepts of marketing is something that I’m very much looking forward to. I am looking forward to taking courses such as product & brand management and digital marketing for the first time. I want to create personal and professional value with this program and give new dimensions to the experiences I’ve had back home. I am also excited about the idea of global learning, networking, and the cultural experience that my time in Austin has to offer. This spring term, I’m looking forward to working with Google and Tinuiti for my capstone project.

Student Spotlight: Rathi Kannan, #TXMS IT & Management

by emilyschatzle

Photo of MSITM student Rathi KannanUndergraduate University: University of Madras

Undergraduate Major: Electrical and Electronics Engineering

About Rathi: I was born in India and spent most of my life in Chennai and later in the Bay Area working in tech for banking and retail companies. I have been a life-long math aficionado, and continued to be a part-time math instructor until I joined UT. I moved to Austin at the start of the summer semester and it has been quite an exciting change. Growing up in Chennai, I was always in the middle of different music seasons and I get a similar vibe here in Austin!

Proudest Accomplishment: It has been my lifelong desire to do Master’s in a world-renowned school. Work and family commitment took most of my time away and when COVID hit, I got time to reprioritize. I was proud to receive scholarship for an MBA program at a UC school but felt even prouder when the UT Austin admit came along. It has really been a dream come true for me. Experiencing the learning process through highly skilled faculty and through my fellow go-getter classmates is such a rewarding experience – I am so proud to be a Longhorn!

Why did you choose the MSITM Program? I started off by teaching myself Python, R, and ML (machine learning) through several online forums. I wasn’t totally convinced that by merely posting my certifications on online forums I was making progress. I was looking for a brand tagged against my resume and a more hands-on learning, so I decided to take my learning process several leaps ahead and started looking at MS programs and also some STEM-focused MBA programs. The MSITM course curriculum felt like it would open up a plethora of opportunities and introduce me to several emerging technologies which were beyond my comfort zone. Given that I have work experience in tech, I wanted to stay close to tech and also be ready for leadership roles. I felt that MSITM offered this mix with a significantly more technical composition which was exactly what I was looking for.

What have you enjoyed during your time in the program? I have absolutely enjoyed the action during the last couple of semesters. There’s more doing than talking. I appreciate that there is repeated reinforcement of technical concepts from different perspectives across various courses. Non-technical courses are oriented towards solving business problems. The playing field is not level for sure, some students know more than others but I see that as an advantage and have enjoyed learning different technical approaches and absorbing different lines of thought while doing group projects and assignments.

Student Spotlight: Dara Rubio, #TXMS Marketing

by emilyschatzle

photo of Dara RubioUndergraduate University: Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey

Undergraduate Major: Industrial Design

About Dara: I am an industrial designer from Mexico, with experience working on marketing, UX/UI design, brand and product development and graphic design areas. I am passionate about creating solutions, jewelry design, dance, sharing significant moments with the ones I love and work for causes with social impact. Also, being with my gorgeous Blue Heeler dog and being involved in outdoor activities are things that I really enjoy to do.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is being where I am now. A woman whom through her personal and professional perspectives has learned that one of the most important things in life is to keep moving forward and learning from experiences no matter what. Nevertheless, there are a few things that I would never change in my life such as my participation in different social projects since I was young and my accomplishments within my dancing career.

Why did you choose the MSM program? Being a UT Austin MSM student is one of the most significant steps I have made in my professional career. From the beginning of my path towards my acceptance in the University of Texas at Austin I knew that the MSM program would help me build my professional career towards working within an NGO, Non Profit Organization, or Social Project within a business company. I was convinced that along with the creative background I would also be developing a skillset based on best practices supported by analytical work-frame within the Marketing field.

What have you enjoyed during your time in the program? Being an MSM program graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin and during a global pandemic is not easy; as students, we must be mentalized that is an intensive program but also that we have a handful of learning tools, mentors, and connection opportunities to make everything smoother. To mention only one thing that I have enjoyed during my tenure in this program is hard because there are too many.

I still have the privilege of being part of a unique and talented group of people, professors and coaches that are willing to share their expertise, and through teamwork that helps achieving individual and collective goals. Personally, I have been guided and supported by our MSM program Coordinator Andrea Gonzalez, our MS Career Coach Gina Chen, professors such as Karen Starns, Shannon Provost, Chris Kroeger, Sandy Leeds, and all the professors who have been there available to mentor me.
I am surrounded by wonderful students who have become friends. We are working in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, that make us learn from each other, we are building good moments together, but also good memories.
Finally, but not less important, I am also privileged of witnessing how this program helps us understand a whole new perspective of what marketing is, a whole area across quantitative, qualitative, and human aspects.