Author: Texas MBA Admissions (page 1 of 17)

First-Gen Forward: Navigating the MBA Admissions Process – Q&A with Eric Martinez

First-generation (or first-gen, for short) college students are students whose parents or guardians have not had the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in the United States. Many students whose parents have degrees from outside of the U.S. also identify as first-gen. First-Gen Longhorns—including first-gen faculty and staff—are a fundamental part of our campus and a strong and proud part of the UT family. There are almost 10,000 first-gen college students currently enrolled at the University of Texas. That’s one in four students!


My name is Eric Martinez, and I am a member of the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2024. At McCombs, I was happy to have had the opportunity to contribute to student organizations that promote inclusion in our community and the workplace, such as the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, where I served as one of three liaisons, and the Engaged Queer and Ally (eQual) MBAs, where I served as co-president.

Eric Martinez poses with a Hook 'Em at Rowling Hall with the UT Tower behind him

What were you doing before pursuing your MBA?

Prior to pursuing my MBA, I worked at a nonprofit association committed to advancing the field of neuroscience. While there, I gained skills in a variety of roles across program administration and digital strategy.

Where were you located before coming to Austin, TX?

Before coming to Austin, I was living in Washington, D.C.

What was your main motivation for pursuing an MBA?

After witnessing layoffs at my company in the fall of 2020, I revisited the idea that furthering my education would strengthen my candidacy for any job I might have in the future.

Having only ever worked in the nonprofit sector, I was originally interested in pursuing a Master of Public Administration but, upon doing more research, I learned the MBA could pivot my career altogether and give me the chance to work in a new sector I have never worked in before.

Why did you choose Texas McCombs for your MBA?

As a Houston native, I’ve always loved visiting Austin. So, when I sat down to do my initial research on MBA programs, I was excited to learn McCombs had one of the best MBA programs in the country.

Later, when I started to engage with members of MAC, I found students were going the extra mile to connect me with their classmates who shared similar backgrounds and career interests as me. Their transparency about their experiences in the program, their friendliness, and their willingness to help a stranger were very much appreciated.

Separately, it was easy to picture myself getting along with them both in and outside of the classroom.

Eric with members of his cohort

Can you describe your experience applying to MBA programs as a first-gen student?

From beginning to end, applying to MBA programs was almost a two-year process for me. Once I’d learned about the value of an MBA, I spent a lot of time researching how it could help advance my career in the nonprofit sector.

Somewhere along the way, as I mentioned before, I realized the MBA could help me learn skills from the tech sector that I might later in my career bring back to a leadership position in the nonprofit sector. At that point, I started looking at which programs had a proven record of placing students into careers in the tech sector. After I’d narrowed my selections down to a handful of programs, it was time to prepare for the GMAT.

I chose to take the GMAT since I had no formal background in business, and I wanted to make up for my less than stellar undergraduate GPA. I’ve since learned that the admissions committee truly has no preference between submitting a GMAT or GRE score but, at the time, it was important to me that I at least reach the median score reported by the programs I was interested in.

After months of preparation, I finally achieved a score I was happy with and moved my focus to sourcing my letters of recommendation and writing my application essays.

Throughout this process, I was fortunate to have learned about the Consortium early enough that I could apply to multiple schools using their streamlined application. In addition to paying less in overall application fees, another perk of applying through the Consortium was that my recommenders only had to upload their letters in one place rather than each of the schools’ portals.

Eric and members of the Consortium at an official Consortium event.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the MBA admissions process as a first-gen student, and how did you navigate these challenges?

I think the biggest challenge I faced during the admissions process was understanding the recruiting timelines MBA students were working with. Since my parents are educators, and since I didn’t study business during undergrad, I didn’t know, for example, that consulting recruiting started early in the fall of your first year and wrapped by the end of January.

So, when it came to writing application essays that addressed my plan A and plan B recruiting goals, it was difficult to know whether my plans made any practical sense. It was only through talking with current students that I started to create a clearer picture of recruiting timelines for myself.

Did you seek any specific support or resources during the application phase, and if so, what were they? How did these resources help you along the way?

During the application phase, I attended many events hosted by the Consortium and by Reaching Out MBA. In addition to learning about each of their partner schools’ offerings, their events also helped provide me with key insights into each schools’ culture. Additionally, both the Consortium and ROMBA were helpful in providing information about potential scholarships that could help me fund the MBA.

 

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How did you approach crafting your application essays, and were there any unique perspectives or strengths you brought as a first-gen applicant?

When I wrote my application essays, I was repeatedly explaining that my decision to follow a pre-med course of study during undergrad was a mistake. If I were to write them again, I think I would more elegantly explain that it was a necessary step to finding where my true strengths lie. After all, if everybody in the program had a background in business or shared the same kind of work experience, I don’t think discussions in the classroom would be nearly as engaging (or insightful.)

Can you share any tips or advice for other first-gen students who are considering applying to MBA programs? Were there any key lessons or insights you gained from the application process that you wish you had known earlier or that you believe would be helpful for other first-gen students?

Sure! I think the biggest piece of advice I have for prospective first-gen students is to make a list of all the career paths you’re potentially interested in exploring through an MBA. Then, talk to second-year students who have completed internships in those areas, and understand the responsibilities they held in those roles as well as the recruiting timelines they had to navigate. Doing these things will help you determine 1) whether a certain path is one you actually want to pursue, and 2) whether you’ll be able to explore two paths at the same time (for example, investment banking and consulting are very time intensive during the first semester.)

Lastly, one key lesson I gained from the application process is that – even if your work experience is nontraditional – there is space for you in the classroom. Don’t shy away from your unique perspective and remember that your skills are transferable to other industries.

Good luck with the application process!

Eric smiling by the stairs at Rowling Hall


Read Eric’s feature on Poets & Quants.

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events or take a peek into student life on Instagram. For any inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MBA Admissions Team. We look forward to connecting with you on your journey to success.

Hook ‘Em!

Mastering the Employer Support Conversation,
As Told by Current MBAs

Pursuing an MBA while working full-time allows you to immediately apply new skills and knowledge to drive your career forward. For those considering an MBA program, seeking employer tuition support can supplement your financial planning and make a top-ranked program more accessible. The Texas McCombs School of Business offers Evening and Executive MBA options in Austin, and Weekend MBA programs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, all catered to working professionals, giving you the the ability to complete your advanced studies without career disruption. As you consider Texas McCombs and determine how to fund this investment, here’s how to have an effective conversation about receiving tuition support from your company.  

First, employer tuition support refers to companies funding all or part of an employee’s graduate school costs. This usually includes tuition reimbursement up to a set amount per year. It may also cover textbook purchases, travel for residencies, and time off to study and attend classes.  

Securing MBA employer support can be advantageous for both employees pursuing further education, as well as for companies supporting their staff. Some key advantages include:  

Benefits for Employees Benefits for Employers
Reduce out-of-pocket education expenses Improve talent retention
Position yourself for a promotion Encourage professional development
Gain skills to help you advance Gain employees with upgraded skills

Initiating the Support Conversation 

When looking to secure employer support for an MBA program, it is strategic to lay the groundwork with your manager early on. A current Dallas MBA student said, “My biggest piece of advice is to start the conversation with your manager about your MBA early on. Once I started doing research, I sought out my manager’s advice. We discussed my decision criteria, whether it was the right time to go, etc. This way, when it came time to talk about employer support it was 1 – not a surprise and 2 – came from a place of furthering my career, which is beneficial for both parties.” 

When the time comes to formally request financial backing, prepare specifics on your program of interest and anticipated costs. Antonio Hung (MBA at Houston) took this approach by first getting organized and gathering all the information possible.

“First, I made sure to understand our company’s sponsorship policies, then I set up a face-to-face meeting on a Friday afternoon with my manager to talk about my career goals and how pursuing an MBA could benefit both me and the organization. I was honest and transparent about my ambitions and how the program could contribute to our mutual success.”

The most compelling case ties your development to benefits for your employer. As Michael De Lucia (Evening MBA) did, “I explained that I thought getting my MBA would help me to be a more effective leader and build more core competencies that would directly benefit our team.” He connected his request to previous career path discussions showing how the MBA aligned with his roadmap, and highlighted how bringing back knowledge could aid his team. 

Tips for an Effective Discussion 

Having an organized, compelling case for tuition assistance is key to securing employer support and sponsorship. Useful strategies include: 

  • Looking at our curriculum to find specific classes/opportunities that McCombs provides that would benefit your company’s objectives and help you improve or advance in your role
  • Highlight the access to expert faculty and a wide range of other business professionals to learn from and to help you spark new ideas
  • Emphasize the strength of the Longhorn Network of students and alumni. This can come in handy should your company have openings they need to fill
  • Quantify the anticipated return on investment and performance benefits 
  • Align your goals to your manager’s career plans for you
  • Start the conversation early while applying, when your reasons for pursuing an MBA are fresh 

In my case, the areas I wanted to develop through the MBA were roughly the same developmental areas that I knew were going to get me on a better trajectory inside my current company, so I leveraged some of the same talking points from my application and my essays to talk to my manager about it,” said Giuliano Seguro (Evening MBA). “I also anchored on the example of peers and other people at the company that also had done an MBA and how it affected their trajectory within the company. One thing that really helped was introducing my manager to the managers of these other peers that had gone through the MBA so that my manager could understand from someone in their position what was like for them to have someone on their team that had gone through a similar program.” 

Addressing Challenges &
Managing Expectations

Your manager may be hesitant for reasons like budget restrictions or concerns about work disruptions. Be ready to make a case by highlighting your past performance. Offer reasonable accommodations like using vacation time to attend residencies or making up hours spent in classes. 

One of the more significant challenges I encountered during my MBA was a change of reporting lines,” said Kelly Benda (MBA at Houston). With the managerial change, I needed to be sure that my new manager was not only aware of the sponsorship agreement, but also supportive of the associated time commitment. To make sure each transition went smoothly, I initiated the discussion early.Every manager is different, but transparency was always the priority. I outlined the time commitments and potential impacts to my schedule and work. In some of my roles, my job included some weekend operational support, so I was constantly communicating with my manager when I was concerned about any conflicts with the weekend class schedule.”

Once support is secured, it’s vital to proactively manage expectations. Schedule regular check-ins with your manager to discuss program updates, workload changes, and potential flexibility needed for exams or course commitments. Come prepared with clear talking points and be transparent about any struggles so you can collaboratively problem-solve.

Seguro emphasized overcommunication: “I made sure that nothing came as a surprise to my manager at any time during the program. I had to get out of my comfort zone and learn to ask for help when needed. My manager knew what was going on with my MBA at all times and whenever I needed to re-balance priorities at work to fit the MBA and vice-versa, we were always able to find a solution together.” 

Share what you learn in the classroom with your manager and team. Not only does this benefit your team with the latest research on a topic, but it also demonstrates the value your employer is gaining by sponsoring you in the program. Often you will have the opportunity to use a team project assignment in class to solve an issue for your company. Look for these opportunities to showcase the benefits your employer is gaining through your experience and connections. 

I had a frank conversation with my manager on what I thought I would be able to reasonably take on while pursuing my MBA and they were candid in their expectations towards me. I detailed out the structure of the program (e.g. class Monday & Tuesday) and how I would be unavailable during those times but offered that I would be able to make up for that later in the week should it be needed,” DeLucia said. “My manager set the expectation that I prioritize and get my work done on time and that if there were things that I was struggling with bandwidth-wise that I would communicate and be upfront about it.”  

How Sponsorship Shapes Your
Career Trajectory
 

Securing employer assistance for MBA tuition not only eases financial barriers but influences career growth in meaningful ways. By backing educational investment in their people, companies open up expanded advancement routes and signal retention priorities. 

As Hung shared, it “gave me the confidence to pursue a working professional MBA without compromising my career trajectory. It reinforced my commitment to personal and professional growth while strengthening my alignment with the organization’s goals.” When companies invest in tuition assistance, it signals retention plans and advancement potential. 

For DeLucia, getting employer support approval “solidified that I would be able to successfully pursue the degree financially” and served as a catalyst. By easing the monetary constraints, he could accelerate his timeline and optimize his learning. 

The fresh knowledge gained also opens up new trajectories internally. As Seguro experienced, support enabled realizing “there was still runway for me to grow inside the company in areas I didn’t think possible before the MBA.” New business perspectives connected opportunities to pivot roles. 

As Matt Bowen (Evening MBA) summarized, sponsorship facilitates “this great synergy where what you learn on Monday, you can apply on Tuesday and what is learned on Tuesday gets applied on Wednesday, and so on.” When companies sponsor tuition, they reap the benefits of elevated employee skills and can quickly apply emerging lessons at work. The outcome is growth and mobility for both sponsored professionals and their supportive employers alike. 

Pursuing an MBA while maintaining your career is a challenging yet rewarding path that leads to immense personal and professional growth. By securing employer tuition support, financial barriers are reduced and unique opportunities are unlocked. With transparent communication, shared vision, and ongoing collaboration, employees and companies together reap the multitude of benefits from this valuable investment. The outcome is strategically aligned career progression, optimized talent development, and synergistic gains on both sides. Now equipped with tips for securing sponsorship, you can confidently initiate the conversation and put plans in motion to propel yourself toward your next-level goals. 


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events or take a peek into student life on Instagram. For any inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MBA Admissions Team. We look forward to connecting with you on your journey to success.

Hook ‘Em!

Navigating MBA Funding Opportunities at Texas McCombs as a Student Veteran

Student veterans bring a unique perspective to the MBA classroom, shaped by their exceptional leadership abilities and experiences gained during military service. Their backgrounds and strategic mindset contribute to dynamic learning environments and deeper discussions. For veterans considering their post-service career paths, pursuing an MBA can be a transformative opportunity to leverage their skills and experiences for professional growth and advancement. Here, we are dedicated to guiding Texas McCombs Military MBAs through this journey and providing the support they need to thrive. 

Why Consider an MBA as a Veteran? 

There are several compelling reasons for veterans to pursue MBAs: 

  • Complement Leadership Skills: An MBA will expand your business and management competencies to complement the exceptional leadership skills cultivated during military service. 
  • Develop Strategic & Analytical Thinking: MBA programs teach innovative approaches to dissecting problems and developing winning solutions that translate to strategic advantages in any field. 
  • Job Mobility & Acceleration: An MBA credential enhances professional advancement opportunities, whether transitioning into civilian roles or seeking to further a military career. The knowledge gained through an MBA program can lead to new opportunities and accelerate career growth.  
  • Improve Assignment & Promotion Prospects: The MBA credential demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and personal development, positioning veterans for success in leadership roles.  

Is an MBA Worth it for Veterans? 

Pursuing an MBA provides veterans with opportunities to transition into business and civilian workplaces. An MBA clarifies career pathways and opens access to management-track positions that an operational background alone may not offer. The MBA also enables veterans to speak the language of business, boosting their value and versatility across industries and sectors. 

Can I use VA Education Benefits? 

Students admitted to VA SAA-approved programs may choose to use their VA Education Benefits. UT Austin certifies benefit requests for Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E Chapter 31), Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30), Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35), and Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) in accordance with VA policies. 

The following benefit types do not pay a tuition benefit but will pay a monthly stipend to eligible students: Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30), Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35), and Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606). 

These benefits cover eligible tuition (based on student eligibility percentage) and may pay a book stipend and Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) stipend:  Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E Chapter 31). 

For details on how to request benefit certification visit UT’s Veteran Certification Veteran Education Benefits website.  

In addition to requesting benefit certification Evening & Executive MBA students: If you are a nonresident or have not yet been classified as a resident, contact the Residency Office (residency@austin.utexas.edu) for questions regarding VA Education Benefits Non-Resident tuition waiver or re-classification to Texas Resident for tuition purposes.

Many top-ranked MBA programs, including Texas McCombs, offer additional financial assistance through scholarships, military tuition waivers, and other funding options. Understanding and maximizing the available benefits can alleviate the financial commitment of pursuing a Texas McCombs MBA.

Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) stipend considerations: MHA amounts are determined by the VA and vary based on enrollment status. Some months you may have full-time enrollment and full-time MHA. Other months you would have less than full-time enrollment and thus you would receive partial or no payments. It’s essential to understand how enrollment levels may impact MHA payments throughout the academic year.  

For example, if you were enrolled in 10 hours over an entire term and you completed 6 of those hours mid-term, the VA may consider you full-time for the first half of the term and pay you MHA accordingly. The VA would consider you less than full-time for the second half of the term (even though UT considers you full-time for the entire semester) and pay or not pay you accordingly.  

For more information regarding MHA, please contact UT’s Veteran Certification Team (gibill@austin.utexas.edu; (512) 475-7540). 

Out-of-Pocket/Program Waiver Details: The total program cost is itemized by three categories: tuition (generally about 80-85% of the total charges), course materials, and non-tuition fees. For students using Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Department of Veterans Affairs will cover your tuition at your percentage of eligibility.  

To supplement the VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) tuition contribution, our program will apply a waiver to your course materials and non-tuition fees at a matching rate. For instance, if you have 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) eligibility, your tuition and expenses will be fully covered, with the exception of your plane ticket to your Global Academic destination, and any optional items you choose to purchase, such as MBA paraphernalia. 

Hazlewood Act Exemption and Texas Military Waiver: While the Hazlewood Act Exemption is not applicable to all programs, such as the Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and Weekend MBA at Houston, Texas McCombs offers the Texas Military Waiver to eligible veterans, providing financial assistance toward program costs. 

Applications for the Texas Military Waiver will require a Certificate of Eligibility, a DD Form 214, and a notarized affidavit (a sample will be provided to you upon admission). Please submit all items to StudentBilling@mccombs.utexas.edu 

Pursuing an MBA as a veteran offers a transformative opportunity to leverage military skills and experiences for professional growth and advancement. Understanding available benefits, financial assistance programs, and application procedures is crucial for veterans embarking on their MBA journey with Texas McCombs. We remain committed to supporting veterans and active-duty military personnel in achieving their academic and career goals.  

For additional assistance or inquiries,
please reach out to:
 
 

UT Austin Veteran Certification 
gibill@austin.utexas.edu
(512) 475-7540 

 

Lanita Hidalgo 
StudentBilling@mccombs.utexas.edu  


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events or take a peek into student life on Instagram. For any inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MBA Admissions Team. We look forward to connecting with you on your journey to success.

Hook ‘Em!

Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2023 Sets New Records in Employment Outcomes

Students in the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2023 accomplished remarkable success in their post-graduation employment outcomes. Among the 271 students who matriculated in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, an impressive 90% received job offers within three months after graduation and 89% accepted these positions, contributing to the attainment of the highest average base salary in school history – $157,735, making a significant 9% increase from the preceding year.

Click here for a detailed overview of the Texas McCombs Class of 2023 Salary Statistics.

This year’s key insights highlight the unique and exceptional achievements of our McCombs MBAs. They secured positions across a spectrum of 12 different industries, showcasing the comprehensive interests and adaptability of our students. The consulting function, in particular, saw a significant uptick, with 44% of our graduates entering full-time careers in this field.  

Moreover, 74% of acceptances were in consulting, financial services, and technology combined. Recognizing the exceptional talent in our McCombs 2023 graduates, 4 out of 5 Fortune 5 companies hired graduates for key positions within their organizations.   

Facilitating this success, the Texas McCombs Career Management and Corporate Relations (CMCR) team plays a pivotal role in preparing students for their job search. The team provides a strategic planning course, coaching appointments with school career consultants and industry experts, and career workshops, among other events and experiential learning opportunities. 80% of graduate offers were obtained through school-facilitated resources, underscoring the strength of McCombs’ career management initiatives.

Specifically, the Strategic Career Planning course equips students with skills needed to compete in various industries, combining theoretical frameworks with practical market insights gained from employer recruiting support. Delivered in year one of the MBA experience, this course aids students in building a strong career foundation. It progresses students through their Career Management Framework, helping MBAs evaluate their priorities, assess the job market, develop a personalized plan, and ultimately launch their overarching career strategy.  

90% Offers Received 3 months after graduation 89% Offers accepted 3 months after graduation

Reflecting the exceptional accomplishments of the Class of 2023, we proudly announce a historic milestone – the highest average salary in school history, reaching $157,735. Additionally, the average signing bonus stands at $32,915, marking a 6% uptick from 2022.  

$157,735 - Average Salary Reported by 177 Students, $32,915 - Average Signing Bonus reported by 140 Students

Examining job acceptances by industry reveals the wide-ranging success of our graduates. A substantial 43% of acceptances were in consulting, 16% in financial services, and 15% in technology. Noteworthy growth was observed in consumer-packaged goods (6%), energy (5%), retail (4%), and manufacturing (4%).  

Acceptances by Industry 43% Consulting, 16% Financial Services, 15% Technology, 6% Consumer-Packaged Goods, 5% Energy, 4% Retail, 4% Manufacturing

We are so thankful to the entire Texas McCombs community of faculty, staff, employers, and alumni who have played a valuable role in helping our MBAs achieve impressive outcomes. The Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2023’s journey has been marked by outstanding achievements, industry diversification, and a continued commitment to excellence. As we reflect on these accomplishments, we look forward to witnessing the continued impact our graduates will make in various sectors.  


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events or take a peek into student life on Instagram. For any inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MBA Admissions Team. We look forward to connecting with you on your journey to success.

Hook ‘Em!

Texas McCombs Working Professional MBA Class of 2022 Career Outcomes

The Texas McCombs Working Professional MBA offers a leading pathway to career advancement or transition without career interruption, according to Class of 2022 employment data. Embarking on a transformative journey, students in the Evening MBA, Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth, and Weekend MBA at Houston, have not only weathered the challenges of the business landscape during the pandemic but emerged with career outcomes that underscore the program’s commitment to excellence

Impressive Salary Outcomes 

The financial rewards of a McCombs MBA are evident in the Class of 2022’s salary average, which falls between $140,000 – $149,000. This figure not only reflects the competitive edge our graduates hold in the job market but also reinforces the program’s return on investment 

Graduates experienced an average base salary increase of +45%, not including bonuses, a testament to the program’s commitment to advancing the professional and financial goals of its students.  

Elevating Job Roles 

Beyond financial gains, the shift in job roles is equally remarkable. The percentage of graduates in senior or executive-level positions increased from 51% before school to 66% post-graduation. McCombs MBA alumni are not just climbing the corporate ladder; they are reshaping its summit, assuming leadership roles that drive innovation and impact.  

Top Industries of Employment  

The variation of interests within the Class of 2022 is reflected in their industry choices. Among the 140 students who reported their career outcomes, technology emerges as a dominant industry with 29%, followed closely by consulting at 24%. Manufacturing, energy, and financial services also play significant roles, comprising 10%, 10%, and 8% of outcomes, respectively. These results underscore the adaptability and applicability of a Texas McCombs MBA across various industries.  

pie chart that shows the stats above. Technology - 29% Consulting - 24% Manufacturing - 10% Energy - 10% Financial Services - 8%

Behind these outcomes stands the unwavering support of our dedicated career management team, a force recognized by our #1 ranking in Poets&Quants Best Career Centers (Poets&Quants, 2019). Committed to guiding each student through their unique career journey, our team employs a tailored approach that encompasses:  

  • Career Advising: Each student receives one-on-one guidance, ensuring their career strategy aligns with their aspirations.  
  • Employer Connections: Building meaningful connections is integral to success. The team facilitates networking events, career fairs, and industry-specific meetups to enhance students’ professional networks. 
  • Specialty Coaching: As part of the Texas McCombs+  program, students have access to communication and specialty coaches – seasoned experts who are ready to work with them one-on-one to refine skills in communication, leadership, strategy, organizational culture, and much more. 
  • Education & Training: Students learn how to successfully transition into a new career or accelerate their current one through our career education courses. Taught by knowledgeable professionals, and with a curriculum custom-built for working professionals, these classes cover a variety of career-related topics—from networking to interviewing to negotiating.  
  • Alumni Network: Following graduation, students join a powerful network of Longhorn alumni that expands throughout Texas and around the world.  

“Our Working Professional MBA Career Education and Coaching team provides our students with an elite and comprehensive journey to explore, prepare and connect with career opportunities that align with their goals. This experience, combined with an interactive and engaging teaching style, includes practical application and allows our students to create their own customized success upon graduation and beyond,” said Stefani Sereboff, Senior Assistant Dean, Career Management & Corporate Relations. “We are committed to creating a McCombs exceptional student experience and supporting careers for life.”

As we celebrate the achievements of the Working Professional MBA Class of 2022, we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of the McCombs MBA on future cohorts. Their success is a testament to the collaborative effort of our outstanding faculty, accessible alumni, dedicated staff, and of course, the incredible students who make the Texas McCombs MBA experience truly exceptional.  


If you have any questions about Texas McCombs, 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 Texas McCombs MBA. 

Good luck and Hook ’em! 

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