Texas McCombs MBA Insider

Category: Student Life (page 2 of 8)

picture of Chris Stafford with text that reads "MBA STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Chris Stafford, Weekend MBA at Houston '24"

Chris Stafford Reignites MBA at Houston eQual to Foster Community for LGBTQ+ Students

April 5, 2023 / / Comments Off on Chris Stafford Reignites MBA at Houston eQual to Foster Community for LGBTQ+ Students
Written by Meena Anderson. 

Chris Stafford, MBA at Houston Class of 2024, is reigniting the Weekend MBA program’s eQual chapter, an organization aimed at fostering community and solidarity among LGBTQ+ MBA students. 

“When I started the Fall semester in Houston, I learned that eQual Houston had fizzled away during COVID-19 and needed fresh blood to give it a restart,” Chris says. “I know how important it is for community engagement and representation both internally and externally. I think it’s really important to have LGBTQ+ representation in the program and also for students to get involved in the local LGBTQ+ community.”

Alongside completing his MBA, Chris is employed at ExxonMobil. Prior to his MBA journey, he graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in 2010 and served as an Officer in the Navy Reserves. 

Photo of chris in his navy uniform standing outside of a navy hospital ship.

Chris during his time in the Navy Reserve in 2011.

“The ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy (DADT) was still in place while I was a Midshipman at USMMA and for the beginning part of my time as an Officer in the Reserves, this policy required that I keep my identity as a gay man a secret and live my life ‘in the closet,’” Chris says. “I actually wrote my admissions essay to McCombs about the repeal of DADT and how it shaped my career. Serving under the DADT policy was not easy and surely presented lots of obstacles, but I am a stronger person for it.”

Photo of chris and his husband kissing at their wedding.

Chris and his husband, Tyler, kiss during their wedding.

Chris says his background in maritime operations and trading influenced his decision to apply to the Weekend MBA at Houston program.

“I really want to grow my business acumen and enhance my understanding of different aspects of business that I have yet to be exposed to. My employer is very supportive of me getting my MBA and I am really hoping to bring back to the office what I am learning at McCombs,” he says. “When trying to decide on where to go for my MBA, there were a few options locally here in Houston I was considering. I wanted a strong academic program with a large network, great reputation and prestige and a big school atmosphere.”

After settling in at the program, Chris and his classmates got in contact with the Dallas and Austin chapters of eQual, who were instrumental in helping reboot the organization for the Houston program.

“We plan to link up with both Austin and Dallas eQual groups more in the future and try to host some joint events,”  Chris says. “We announced to our classmates on National Coming Out Day that eQual was back and that started the buzz. We had significant interest and were super excited to get it going.”

For the future of Houston’s eQual endeavors, Chris and other organizers in the group plan to engage with the local community and increase awareness about topics of diversity and inclusion.

Chris and his husband hold up a rainbow pride flag

Chris and Tyler pose with a rainbow Pride flag at Cross Fit.

“We plan to get involved in local philanthropic and volunteer endeavors, for example the Houston Pride Parade and Montrose Center,” he says. “We plan to bring in guest speakers to speak to eQual about inclusion and diversity in the workplace, and hopefully get local executives that identify as LGBTQ+ to speak to our cohorts about their experiences in the corporate world.”

Ultimately, Chris’ goal is to uplift and support the McCombs — and extended — LGBTQ+ community in both the corporate world and their academic ventures.

“Our main goal is to be a voice for the students in the Houston MBA program, especially those of us that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We strive to protect and promote an inclusive and safe environment and celebrate diversity in all forms within the program. We want to leverage LGBTQ+ alumni to help mentor and recruit students that are a part of the eQual group, as well as act as a recruiting tool for the admission team to continue to admit diverse classes in the future.”

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

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Elevate 2023 Conference Recap

The 5th Annual Elevate Conference Introduces Inaugural Excellence in DEI Award

March 13, 2023 / / Comments Off on The 5th Annual Elevate Conference Introduces Inaugural Excellence in DEI Award

Written by Meena Anderson.

This year Texas McCombs celebrated the 5th year of the Elevate: Diversity Equity and Inclusion Conference, at Rowling Hall on February 10. The annual Elevate Conference is one of the most significant channels for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) across the Texas McCombs MBA program. Founded by 2019 alumnae Ashley Fox and DeAndrea Staes, the conference has grown to be a full community-wide event. This year’s Elevate co-chairs, Azzy Francis, Fernando Galindo, Lauren Vague, and Oshane Mcrae hoped to evoke a different perspective to DEI with the new theme, “Let’s Dance.”

“I recalled the quote from one of my classes: ‘Diversity is being asked to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance,’” Fernando Galindo says. “It stood out to me and felt like a great way to encourage people to come and join us in this dance.” 

The team wanted to communicate a joyful, fun, expressive environment where people are unafraid to participate and share.

“‘Let’s Dance’ to me means celebrating diversity, breaking down barriers, and embracing discomfort,” says Azzy Francis. “DEI work can be awkward, much like middle school dances. You might feel unsure of yourself, out of your comfort zone, or like you don’t know the steps. But just like at those dances, the key is to embrace the awkwardness, find your own rhythm, and engage with one another in kindness & respect. The more you participate and engage, the more confident and comfortable you will become. And before you know it, you’ll be moving to the beat of inclusivity and creating meaningful change.”

“We hope that this brings us to a place where we are engaging respectfully, rather than not engaging due to fear or discomfort,” Lauren says. “Asking attendees to dance means that we are encouraging all of us to end up in a place where we can all be a little more ourselves, and be seen for who we are.”

 

 

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The conference featured keynote speakers Iris Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer of the Dallas Mavericks, and Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, President and CEO of CapEQ. Alongside their speeches, there were also student-led panels and various discussion-led sessions throughout the day. Oshane Mcrae, Elevate co-chair and Full-Time MBA student, says the Elevate chairs chose the keynote speakers for their humanness, their charisma, their talents of storytelling, and the bravery of their approach to their careers and changing the world.

“No one person can improve DE&I outcomes on their own, it takes a community, it takes institutional buy-in, it takes outspoken leaders, it takes quiet ones as well,” Oshane says. “It takes sustained effort over time to change processes, to change norms, and to shift core practices.”

“We wanted to make the sessions very interactive,” says Lauren. “We chose Aurora Archer, Meme Styles, and our very own Zerina Hamulic as facilitators. Most of the sessions were discussion based, with our hope being that we could leverage the expertise of our attendees and also make sure that they got to ask the questions and have the discussions they wanted.” They also hosted student-led sessions with current Texas McCombs MBA students to provide their classmates a platform to share their stories and educate their community and peers.

The Elevate team also introduced the Inaugural Ashley Fox and DeAndrea Staes Excellence in DEI award to celebrate students that are making a difference in their leadership at McCombs.  

“It was an award intended to honor student leadership & innovation in DE&I, in the spirit of Ashley Fox and DeAndrea Staes who were the original founders of Elevate,” says Oshane. “We opened it up to the students to nominate their peers and make the case for each nominee.”

Yessica Bravo headshot

Yessica Bravo
Full-Time MBA ’23

Yessica Bravo, Consortium member, and Full-Time MBA student was presented the first Excellence in DEI award by the conference’s founders, Ashley Fox, and DeAndrea Staes. Yessica says it was an honor to win this award, and that while it can be easy to be hard on herself, she ultimately trusts herself and her ability to bring brilliant people together.

“Good work is never done alone. I’m incredibly fortunate to have sat alongside peers deeply passionate about ensuring more students from diverse backgrounds experience McCombs,” Yessica says. “Alexis Allen, Muna Rehma, Getaneh Mekonen, Craig Perry, Matt Wong, Amanda Garcia, Usjid Hameed, and the next gen of leaders- yall are the vessels. We did great work together. I’m so proud of what we accomplished in our short time here.”

 

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Yessica says one of the best ways to practice improving DEI circumstances is to show up. “For a long time, I didn’t participate in DEI discussions because I was afraid of what I didn’t know, I was worried I didn’t hold the correct language or I didn’t know everything about what I perceived to be sensitive topics. My fear was keeping me away from learning,” Yessica says. “The opportunity is all around us. Whether it’s at a conference like Elevate, Consortium’s monthly storytelling sessions, GWiB’s allyship roundtable, or the Food and Beverage Club’s dinners. The opportunity to connect and learn from people different than us exists. Show up.”

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

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MBA Student Spotlight Veronica Mabry Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth '23

Student Spotlight: Veronica Mabry, Weekend MBA ’23

February 16, 2023 / / Comments Off on Student Spotlight: Veronica Mabry, Weekend MBA ’23

Written by Elain Yao.

veronica mabry headshotVeronica Mabry is a first-generation college student in the Texas McCombs Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth program who is balancing the demands of school, work, and family life. Despite the many challenges of juggling a full-time job, parenting, and pursuing a graduate degree, Veronica has always had a strong desire to pursue an MBA. With a lifelong passion for academics and an undergraduate degree in communications, Veronica saw an MBA as a way to broaden her understanding of business.

“I really saw the value of being able to evaluate how business decisions are made. Every job function I have sat in, I can look at through a different lens, like, is this commercial viable? Is this going to maximize value? Now I can justify any decision I make because I have such a strong foundation under me with this MBA.”

Veronica did not follow the traditional path of completing her undergraduate degree, working professionally for two to three years, and then pursuing an MBA. Instead, she decided to continue her education after a decade of working and starting a family. Veronica was drawn to the Weekend MBA in Dallas for its convenience, reputation, and opportunities it would provide for her future career. As a full-time working parent, she appreciated the program’s flexibility, which allowed her to balance her studies with her other responsibilities.

“I started looking at working professional, evening, and part-time programs. I still wanted the respectability of a ranked MBA program and a name like McCombs because of the recruiting, network, and alumni that are so valuable.”

Veronica smiles with her son and partner.  

Veronica spends her busy weekdays helping her son get ready for school, working 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, going to the gym, dedicating time to her husband and son after work, and studying late in the evenings. She attends classes on Friday evenings and Saturdays, while her husband takes on solo parenting duties, and devotes Sundays to spending quality time with her family. Despite the long hours and packed schedule, Veronica sees the Dallas/Fort Worth weekend program as a way to further her education and advance her career without sacrificing her other commitments.

“I knew I wanted to attend grad school, but the clarity of it being an MBA came recently and I am so glad that I chose McCombs because I can’t imagine going through a different program.”

In pursuit of an MBA, Veronica has faced her fair share of internal and external challenges. Internally, she has struggled with the unknowns of day-to-day life as a working parent, including the potential for illness or unexpected family needs. Externally, she has encountered challenges with how she is perceived by her classmates, particularly as one of the few women in the program with children. She has sometimes felt isolated as “the mom of the group”. 

Veronica and her son take a selfie

“We have great parents in this program, but I do think it’s harder for mothers because we are the primary caretakers. It’s hard to engage and socialize in the same way as everyone else and that’s a hard reality.”

Nonetheless, Veronica has made great friends in the program and found support through Texas McCombs’ Graduate Women in Business organization, claiming that clubs and organizations were the softer components “that really made me feel like at the end of the day, when I had multiple offers in front of me, that Texas McCombs was the right decision.”

Veronica and other MBA students take a photo outside of the colosseum in Rome, Italy.

Veronica and other Texas McCombs MBA students outside of the colosseum in Rome, Italy on a McCombs+ Global Connections Trip.

Ultimately, Veronica has learned that pursuing her dreams and ambitions while also being a parent is possible. She encourages other women considering an MBA program to go in with clear expectations, understand their resources and support system, and not let the guilt of pursuing their own goals hold them back. As she puts it, “investing in yourself is never the wrong choice.”

Texas McCombs MBA students take a photo in rome, italy.

Texas McCombs MBA students in Italy on their McCombs+ Global Connections trip.

“I think as women it takes an extra level of care to get rid of the self-doubt or guilt about our decisions. Identifying your people is so important. And I’m not just talking about the people who are going to help with your children. I’m talking about mentors and friends who are going to remind you of the long-term vision, the ones who are able to say, ‘I see that you are stressed, and yes this is really chaotic right now, but here’s the bigger picture.’ It’s so important to have those people who can help you zoom out a little bit.

At the end of the day, it’s less about what path you choose or when, it’s what you make out of those life experiences that matters.”

Learn more about the MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and stay up to date with all things McCombs by subscribing to our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram to see more about student life. If you have any questions, please reach out to MBA Admissions. Hook ’em!

Coming In for National Coming Out Day

Coming In for National Coming Out Day

October 11, 2022 / / Comments Off on Coming In for National Coming Out Day

The MBA Insider content below is written by eQual MBA Students.  Engaged Queer and Ally (eQual) MBAs is one of 40+ student organizations at Texas McCombs. 

In honor of National Coming Out Day, Texas McCombs is excited to celebrate the students who are “coming in” to their identities and the community shared amongst our Engaged Queer and Ally (eQual) MBAs.

Students and staff pose by stairs in Rowling Hall decorated with rainbow balloons.

Texas McCombs MBA students and staff pose by stairs in Rowling Hall decorated with rainbow balloons for National Coming Out Day. 2021.

Coming out is a significant moment in a queer person’s life but it’s important to note that the process of coming out is not finite. As an LGBTQ+ individual enters new spaces, they constantly make choices about sharing their identity with the people around them.

Most students in the McCombs MBA program are coming back to school after spending years in the workforce. It’s an ongoing activity to share aspects of yourself with new classmates, study team members, or during the process of recruiting for full-time positions of internships. eQual is focused on creating welcoming spaces and supporting our students as they navigate these experiences!

Emily Siegers headshot“Finding community within eQual is amazing but we are also so grateful to the broader McCombs community for their support, involvement, and enthusiasm in celebrating our eQual members this October.”
– Emily Siegers, Class of 2023

This year the organization is celebrating National Coming Out Day with two days of programming including a Storytelling Hour hosted by the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM) where current LGBTQ+ students and faculty will share stories of journey and discovery, as well as a community event with local alumni and the Graduate Business Council (GBC).

Nick Shea headshot“Coming into McCombs, I had not been out at work and had only recently confided to my family and friends that I was in a same sex relationship. The amount of support and community I’ve found at McCombs to be my authentic self every day has been not only invigorating but also life changing. As a member of eQual, I hope to spread this positivity and acceptance to everyone at McCombs.” – Nick Shea, Class of 2023

Who are eQual MBAs?

The student-run organization has grown to include over 60 members, including allies, and many of the members are involved in other affinity organizations and diverse programming opportunities.

In the past year eQual has been active in the following ways:

  • Student-led group chats for applicants interested in LGBTQIA+ at McCombs
  • Mentorship program with undergraduate QBSA (Queer Business Student Association) to foster learning, development, and knowledge-sharing between LGBTQ+/allied students and professionals
  • Alumni panel at the Elevate D&I conference on developing community and experiencing allyship in the workplace
  • Student and faculty attendance at Reaching Out MBAs (ROMBA) 2022 Conference in Washington D.C.
  • Allyship workshop, co-hosted with the Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) featuring Mx. Shane Whalley (ze/hir/hirs)

How to Support eQual

Texas McCombs MBA students and staff at the annual ROMBA Conference in Washington D.C.

Texas McCombs MBA students and staff at the annual ROMBA (Reaching Out MBA) Conference in Washington D.C. 2022

Interested in repping eQual MBAs? Their custom rainbow Longhorn shirts are available for purchase ($25) and you can email christopher.novak@mba.utexas.edu for shirt size availability. Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram at @equalmbas to see all the latest activities and ways to get involved.

Hook ’em and Happy National Coming Out Day!

Creating Connections: The Weekend MBA at DFW and Houston Student Experience

May 13, 2022 / / Comments Off on Creating Connections: The Weekend MBA at DFW and Houston Student Experience

The MBA Insider content below comes from Rebecca Gavillet, Managing Director of Working Professional MBA Student Affairs. She writes about the Working Professional student experience and different ways to connect with classmates while in the program. 

The MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and MBA at Houston programs are offered to those who want a Texas McCombs MBA but do not want to stop working while pursuing their degree. Students take classes every other weekend at the Centrum in Dallas and the Cizik School of Nursing in Houston. The Working Professional MBA programs allow students to immediately apply learnings at work, enhance their careers, as well as transform themselves into leaders. Students can tap into the robust Longhorn network, building lifelong connections with their classmates, other Texas McCombs MBAs, and alumni.

Cohorts and Study Groups

Students are put into cohorts at the beginning of the program and take all classes with their cohort mates. The cohort-based model offers a collaborative learning environment, helping students to network and support one another in their classes. Additionally, each student is assigned a study team of 4-6 students within their cohort. Study teams are created to promote diversity across backgrounds and strengths. Each student will be assigned to four different study teams throughout the program, encouraging student interaction and community building.

“The cohort system allowed us to quickly get comfortable with one another and speak freely in class. As for my study group, I can’t say enough positive things. We all pull the weight and our skills benefit one another so well – like complementary puzzle pieces.”

– Trevor Baugh, MBA at Houston ’23

“I absolutely enjoyed the cohort experience. Looking back, I would not have been able to choose my own classes or plan my MBA path. On top of that, being able to learn through the coursework with the same groups of classmates brought us even closer together. I couldn’t imagine an MBA experience any other way.”

– Jospeh Shih, MBA at Houston ’22

“My study group was one of the most impactful and valuable aspects of McCombs for me. It was just another element of the program that showed me how customized the school made the program. Our study groups were so well-rounded in terms of background that it made learning that much more collaborative and insightful. One person might run point as the subject matter expertise and could help the others by providing real-world examples, etc. It truly helped bring the material to life and make it that much more impactful.”

– Kelsey Charles, MBA at DFW ’22.

Austin Intensives

Austin Intensives are week-long immersions that happen at the beginning of your first and second year on The University of Texas at Austin campus. DFW and Houston MBA students come together for a week of orientation, team building, career management sessions, and McCombs+ workshops, along with academic classes. We still leave time for students to socialize – offering program planned activities, such as dinner and a tour of DKR Football Stadium, and student planned events, such as a Graduate Women in Business (GWiB) hosted social at historic Scholz Garten. While in Austin, students stay in their own room at AT&T Conference Center and Hotel on campus. Most meals are provided, including all breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and some dinners. Meals and accommodations are included in the program cost. The week is definitely intense, but students gain a great amount of learning and networking during the week, along with time to explore campus and Austin.

“I had no clue what Intensives was when I got to Austin. I wondered why we had multiple days of orientation, but I soon realized it was much more than that. I still remember going out the first night with my classmates, building the bicycles in the auditorium, as well as the festivities the last night and the impending headaches while in class Friday before driving home. A truly valuable experience in more ways than one.”

– Trevor Baugh, MBA at Houston ’23

First Semester Residency 

During the fall semester of the first year, students stay at a nearby hotel on class weekends. In Dallas, students stay at the Marriott Uptown and the Hotel Zaza Museum District in Houston – both are a short drive from campus. The residency experience allows students to build community with one another and faculty. It also decreases commute times and allows students to focus on academics. Typically, students go to the hotel immediately following class on Friday and socialize at the hotel bar. There are also ample meeting spaces throughout each hotel for study teams to gather and prep for class the next day. Each student gets their own room during the residency, which is included in the program cost.

“The residency was a great feature of the program. The hotel was the perfect spot to congregate for group work…or meet at the bar for drinks. I wish we had the option to sign up for a room throughout other semesters.”

– Trevor Baugh, MBA at Houston ’23

“Residency is great because it gives you a chance to truly get to know your peers. This program FLIES by. You will be done before you know it and residency is just another way to get to know your fellow classmates and make friends and connections that will last a lifetime.”

– Kelsey Charles, MBA at DFW ’22

Global Trips

One of my favorite components of the program is the Global Studies course, which incorporates a week-long international study tour providing students with a global perspective on business and leadership. Students from the DFW, Houston and Texas Evening MBA students travel together to learn how business is done in another country, as well as experience another culture. This past year, we traveled to Croatia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Panama, Portugal, Spain, and the UAE. In the course, students gain background knowledge of the history, culture, politics, and economics of the region, enhancing their knowledge and understanding of global business.

A student who recently traveled to Italy said the “trip made me a well-rounded and more internationally aware”, while a DFW MBA classmate said, “the best part was interacting with students in the other programs. It was nice getting to know new people that can sympathize with your situation and also exchange stories on classes, projects, etc.”

A Houston MBA student who went to the UAE said he enjoyed, “Spending time with business leaders seeing how strategy, marketing, and operations look in practice, plus visiting the cultural sites including the Burj Al Arab and the spectacular Burj Khalifa; it was completely worth the time and money from a cultural and educational standpoint”.

To learn more about Texas McCombs, visit us online, join us at an upcoming event, and sign up to receive MBA news.

The MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and MBA at Houston applications are open. The next and final deadline to apply is June 15, 2022.

Executive MBA Dallas Immersion: Moving through Transitions toward Transformation

May 2, 2022 / / Comments Off on Executive MBA Dallas Immersion: Moving through Transitions toward Transformation

Each semester the Executive MBA program hosts an off-campus, Immersion class weekend, to provide opportunities for in-depth experiential learning. The first Executive MBA Class of 2023 Immersion took place in New York City in November 2021. The second immersion was hosted in Dallas, Texas in March 2022. The class has two more planned for Washington DC and the Austin-area Hill Country. Each is linked to course content and includes executive/company visits, alumni networking, cultural experiences, and time to network and bond with classmates. Immersions provide real-time, real-place exposure, and direct application to what Executive MBA students are learning in the classroom. Read more about the Executive MBA Immersions here.

The MBA Insider content below comes from Lexy Scheen, EMBA ’23. She writes about her experience during the inaugural Executive MBA Immersion weekend in Dallas, TX.

It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of our second semester as Executive MBA students and have just wrapped up the second immersion of the program. While our trip to NYC was focused on change, this weekend was centered around transitions. It’s abundantly clear that the transitions the class of 2023 is going through at work, home, or in the classroom, are becoming transformational.

Our week started with an inside glimpse into our cohort’s favorite HR guru’s workplace, Order My Gear (OMG). Jaclyn Unruh helped host a fantastic event at her office and led us through a compelling discussion with her CEO, Dave Dutch. Dutch was refreshingly honest, and transparent about his role, and what it takes to become a CEO; qualities he told us are imperative to holding that title. Dutch has led through many corporate transitions, and his message was something familiar to us all; culture is key.

Thursday, we kicked off our time in the classroom with Professor Angie McDermott and Deidra Stephens leading the Executive Seminar. We discussed the results of our 360 assessments, a tool where our managers, peers, direct reports, and friends rated us on our leadership qualities. This was, let’s just say, an eye-opening, and humbling experience. Much to our dismay, it turns out the Class of 2023 is not perfect after all! Joe Semma, of Alix Partners, spent the lunch hour with us discussing several big corporate transitions and the strategy behind them. He was knowledgeable and forthcoming about the highs and lows of corporate transitions. Thursday afternoon we discussed corporate strategy with Professor Toh. He led us through an acquisition game that demonstrated strategy behind corporate integrations and brought out a lot of passion and laughs from the class.

Thursday evening, Alma Moore facilitated another fabulous networking event with many star-studded longhorns of MBA classes past. These panels are always inspiring and full of some incredibly impressive leaders. The most striking thing about these events is always how approachable these important and influential people are. Every one of them openly offered help and guidance to the audience.

Friday was spent with one of our cohorts’ favorite professors, Britt Freund, discussing Supply Chain. While supply chain is certainly a hot topic these days, Professor Freund is possibly the only person who can make supply chain exciting for an entire cohort. He brought in UT MBA alum Ken Do from PepsiCo to discuss supply chain in the “real world.” Then, he let us embark on “the beer game.” We became responsible for getting cases of beer from the factory to retail locations, through wholesalers, and distributors. Though it was “just a game,” this competitive cohort was quite passionate about the outcome, which made for a very lively and entertaining afternoon (despite the lack of actual beer involved)!

It was over happy hour cocktails at our “EMBA Connects” social hour Friday night that I realized our group has gone from 60 strangers getting to know each other, to 60 friends who would do anything to help each other. It’s evident from the photos of that evening, and the entire weekend, that this group respects, admires, and genuinely likes one another.

More karaoke ensued post-dinner Friday night, with video proof that will live in infamy. Luckily, this group knows how to rally and was bright eyed and ready for Saturday. Professor Toh taught us about corporate hierarchy and organizational strategies before we took a trip the AT&T Discovery Center. We had a fun tour, followed by a compelling talk with Steve McGaw, SVP of Corporate Strategy for AT&T. The talk on “AT&T’s Transformational Journey” was the perfect way to wrap up the immersion.

The weekend was filled with so much more than can be encompassed in the classroom and scheduled events. We had dinner together, deep conversations over cocktails in the hotel bar, worked out together, laughed together, and shared even more about ourselves with this special group. We know that what happens at UT changes the world, and what’s to come from this class is going to transform it. But first, we might need a nap!

Hook ’em!
Lexy Scheen, EMBA ’23

Learn more about the Texas McCombs Executive MBA on our website, and contact us with any questions at TexasEMBA@mccombs.utexas.edu. Sign up to receive Executive MBA news here, and register for an Executive MBA event to meet admissions and program staff, current students, and alumni.

The Executive MBA program application is open for Fall 2022 enrollment. The next and final deadline to apply is June 15, 2022.

Student Spotlight: Kelsey Charles, MBA at DFW ’22

April 26, 2022 / / Comments Off on Student Spotlight: Kelsey Charles, MBA at DFW ’22

Meet Kelsey Charles, MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Class of 2022. At McCombs, Kelsey is a part of the McCombs Ambassador Committee as a MAC Chair. She is currently a Strategic Sports and Entertainment Sponsorship Director at MVP. Kelsey tells us about her experience juggling life and work, while in school, and shares advice for students looking to apply to McCombs.

What were you looking forward to most when you started your MBA journey?

“When starting my MBA journey, one of the things I was most excited about was the opportunity to connect with like-minded people. Undergraduate programs are awesome and set a great baseline in terms of general knowledge, but deciding to go back to school for an advanced degree, especially while working full-time, is a different level of commitment and drive. I think it’s important to surround yourself with people who push you and the McCombs MBA program does just that.”

Why did you choose the Texas McCombs MBA at Dallas program for your MBA?

“McCombs is iconic and well-respected internationally. There is simply no other way to put it and it’s for good reason. Texas picks the best and brightest but also places an emphasis on culture which I think is important. By coming to UT, you are joining one of the most well-rounded, well-known, and respected groups in the world. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.”

What was the application/interview process like for you? 

“The application process was great. I really appreciated McCombs asking what my goals were in the short and long term because it ensured that I had intention when entering the program. I also really enjoyed the conversations I had with alumni and the admissions staff- it was very clear what type of people go to McCombs and I immediately knew I found my home when I realized that culture was just as important as intelligence and experience.”

What were some of the challenges, if any, that you and your peers faced in the first semester?

“Juggling a full-time job in addition to school is always difficult at first. On top of that, many people have spouses, families, or even additional commitments and side hustles. I personally have several other commitments and jobs on top of my 9-5, so working out a schedule to balance it all was imperative for me in the beginning.”

What were you surprised by in the first semester?

“I was surprised by the diversity of the curriculum, in the best way. I feel like a lot of schools are focused solely on tactical types of programming, whereas McCombs truly builds future leaders through career coaching, leadership classes, and of course, a core business foundation.”

Kelsey also took part in the Austin Intensive Seminars.  The Austin Intensive Seminar is a week-long signature program that kicks-off your first and second year in the MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and MBA at Houston programs.  They are an opportunity for you to get to know your classmates, start learning from McCombs faculty, and launch your first and second year of MBA studies on The University of Texas at Austin campus. The Austin Intensive Seminars bring together first and second year students from our two weekend programs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston.

What were Austin Intensives like? 

INTENSE. But SO FUN. It truly was the epitome of ‘work hard, play hard’ and was the perfect combination of drinking from a fire hose and learning so many incredible things, but doing it alongside your friends in the program. It was a true bonding experience.”

MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Class of 2022 in Austin.

Bonding with your classmates is an invaluable part of the MBA experience. The MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth program also includes a Residency component, in which you’ll stay in Dallas at the Marriot Dallas Uptown, the official program hotel, on class weekends during the first semester. The Residency cuts down on commute time, fosters a more immersive environment, and creates additional networking opportunities for students and faculty.

How did the first-semester residency impact your part-time MBA experience?

“Residency is great because it gives you a chance to truly get to know your peers. This program FLIES by. You will be done before you know it and residency is just another way to get to know your fellow classmates and make friends and connections that will last a lifetime.”

What is the work/life/school balance like for you? 

“Work/life/school balance has been great. I think identifying days upfront that you will be studying is key and really leaning into your study groups is helpful too. Teamwork makes the dream work, right? You’re not alone in this so asking others what works for them is always a great idea and then fine-tuning it to fit your personal schedule has been my strategy.”

What is your study group like? Did you find it helpful to have those selected for you?

“My study group was one of the most impactful and valuable aspects of McCombs for me. It was just another element of the program that showed me how customized the school made the program. Our study groups were so well-rounded in terms of background that it made learning that much more collaborative and insightful. One person might run point as the subject matter expertise and could help the others by providing real-world examples, etc. It truly helped bring the material to life and make it that much more impactful.”

Kelsey Charles with Emily Le, Senior MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth Admissions Officer.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learned?

“That being a successful leader in the business world isn’t all about the work you produce, but also the qualitative values you bring to the table too. Being a good leader, pushing the envelope, not being afraid to roll up your sleeves, asking the tough questions, and diving in.. the secret sauce is in being more than one-dimensional and I know I have been equipped with the proper tools to be successful as a leader in my field moving forward.”

Do you have any advice for future students starting the program in the fall? 

“DO THE ACCOUNTING BOOTCAMP! And if you do not have a business background, don’t worry. You will be successful. This is truly a program of well-rounded individuals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help where you may have blind spots- you will truly get what you put into the program.”

Learn more about the MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and stay up to date with all things McCombs by subscribing to our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram to see more about student life. If you have any questions, please reach out to MBA Admissions. Hook ’em!

The Full-Time MBA – Applying in Round 3

March 9, 2022 / / Comments Off on The Full-Time MBA – Applying in Round 3

Our Round 3 deadline for the full-time MBA Program is right around the corner on March 29, 2022!

One of the most common questions we receive from applicants is whether they should submit in Round 3 or wait until the following cycle to apply. Round 3 tends to be a smaller round because some candidates simply didn’t realize an MBA was an option or on their radar until later in the application cycle. Historically, we always have spots available in Round 3, but each year the number varies. We can’t say it enough– A strong, complete, well-researched application always stands out. 

“The Admissions Committee uses Round 3 to fill out the incoming class. We wouldn’t have a Round 3 if we didn’t need it! Some of our best students applied in the last round – maybe they were waiting for that higher score or promotion, or maybe they just decided a little later in the year that they wanted to pursue an MBA.” 

– Stacey Batas, Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting & Admissions

Below we break down some of the reasons why students chose to apply in the third round, and why it was still a great option for them. 

Student Perspectives 

Bradford Smith headshot

Bradford Smith
Full-Time MBA ’22

Bradford Smith, Full-Time MBA ’22, shared his experience applying in Round 3.

In the summer of 2019, Bradford Smith started thinking about business school. He took the GMAT to see how he would do and thought that if he studied more he could score higher and be ready to apply. He and his girlfriend were living in Los Angeles, California at the time and both agreed they could both use a change of scenery. He noticed the Round 2 deadline was quickly approaching and decided to wait until Round 3 to give him extra time to study for tests and submit his application.

“I didn’t feel comfortable applying with the GMAT score I had, so I figured I’d wait until Round 3. I studied more and got a score that I felt good about and thought well, I don’t want to have to wait another year so I’ll just go for it.” 

To prepare his application, Bradford first reached out to his recommender to give them as much time as possible. During this time he was actively studying for the GMAT and taking practice tests.  He also asked his friends to read through his essays and give him feedback. He suggests that applicants be honest about their stories and try to share as much as they can about themselves.

“It’s a tough process because you get, at least from my perspective, self-conscious. It’s hard to have the blinders on because there’s always going to be someone that has an impressive resume or a crazier story, but everyone has something unique about them. It’s more about being honest and not trying to fit into a box. I wouldn’t worry about trying to scrape something together that makes you think you’re more impressive. I would focus on something that is genuine, and have some of your good friends read it because odds are, they probably know a lot about you and can help you craft it.” 

Renee Beauchamp headshot

Renee Beauchamp
Full-Time MBA ’22

Renee Beauchamp, Full-Time MBA ’22, also applied to McCombs in Round 3.

In July 2019, Renee was living in New York and decided she wanted to go to business school. By that time, the Round 1 deadline had passed and she knew she wanted to take some time with her application.

 

“I listened to the advice that most business schools tell hopeful admits – to apply when I felt I had the strongest application. Fall of 2019, I was focused on building and strengthening that application until I just had to go for it in Round 3.”

Renee says she chose McCombs because of the connections she felt between the admissions team and the student that interviewed her. She was looking to be in an energetic, entrepreneurial city and had visited Austin before and loved it. When she was admitted, she had a little more than two months’ notice before starting school, and within a month, she was living in Austin.

“I understand the worry associated with this process especially when you feel like you’re late to the game. I encourage applicants to stay positive, submit the best application you can, and be confident that that’s enough. Also, it doesn’t hurt to create advocates! Build relationships with people who can root for you and put in a good word.”

Tips from the Admissions Committee

  • Submit your application only when you’re 99.9% ready. Supplemental application materials submitted after a round deadline are incredibly risky since there is no guarantee the Admissions Committee will see them. Once your file is read, we will not re-review again based upon new information received post-deadline. 
  • Don’t wait until the last minute! We are not able to accept applications submitted after 11:59 PM Central Time on the day of the deadline. Stay aware of deadlines, and give yourself extra time to account for technical difficulties that arise for some applicants every round, every year. In the interest of a fair process, we don’t make exceptions to our deadlines, no matter what reason you have for a late submission. 
  • Be patient. The Admissions Committee does not begin reviewing applications for the Full-Time MBA program until the round deadline has passed. 
  • The Admissions Committee does not provide individual feedback on applications, out of fairness to all applicants and due to the volume of requests we receive. 

We look forward to reviewing your application this year and are always here to answer your questions about applying. Hook ’em! 

Executive MBA New York City Immersion: Changing for the Best

January 10, 2022 / / Comments Off on Executive MBA New York City Immersion: Changing for the Best

Each semester the Executive MBA program hosts an off-campus, Immersion class weekend, to provide opportunities for in-depth experiential learning. The first Executive MBA Immersion took place in New York City in November 2021, and the remaining Immersions for the EMBA Class of 2023 are currently planned for Dallas, Washington DC, and the Austin-area Hill Country. Each is linked to course content and includes executive/company visits, alumni networking, cultural experiences, and time to network and bond with classmates. Immersions provide real-time, real-place exposure, and direct application to what Executive MBA students are learning in the classroom. Read more about the Executive MBA Immersions here.

The MBA Insider content below comes from Lexy Scheen, EMBA ’23. She writes about her experience during the inaugural Executive MBA Immersion weekend in New York City.

One definition of immersion is “deep mental involvement.” There really is no better description of the 3-days our Executive MBA cohort spent together in New York City.

The learning theme of the weekend was “Leading Planned Change.” Fitting, as I believe my classmates will agree that we have all changed so much in the three short months we’ve been together.

A jam-packed first day began with a Veteran’s Day celebration. We honored the four veterans in our group and visited The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum Complex.

students standing in front of the Intrepid ship

A change simulation took place Thursday afternoon. Led by Dr. Luis Martins, our study groups had spirited discussions around best practices for implementing company transitions. We ended the day with the privilege of meeting and hearing from an incredible panel of top corporate executives across many industries. Many of our speakers were former longhorns and were in our Executive MBA shoes not too many years prior. They are proof that hard work, dedication, and being just crazy enough to go back to school while balancing full-time careers, and families pays off in the end.

Students working at a table

Executive MBA students work in teams to compete in a change management simulation hosted by Professor Luis Martins as part of their Leading People and Organizations course, held during their first immersive experience in New York City at the American Management Association, Thurs Nov 11th.

Despite many Executive MBA ’23 songbirds karaoke-ing until the wee hours, the group rallied for the portion of the agenda we likely dreaded the most; improv class. But, as with most things in life we stress over, improv class turned out to be a huge hit and a major topic of discussion for the remainder of the weekend. It reminded us of the art of listening, which came in handy as our speaker series continued into Friday afternoon. Professor Steve Limberg brought financial reporting to life through discussions with Blue Apron and Moody’s.

students in a circle with their hands in the air

Executive MBA students developing communication skills while engaging in Improv for Business Leaders during their Executive Seminar course, led by Professor Angie McDermott and co-led by the Executive MBA Career Management Team Sarita Soldz and Alma Moore.

Saturday morning, we turned to a conversation with Paul Levy. Levy’s impressive transformation of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a case we have been studying all semester. The access to such a profound list of leaders is a tribute to the dedication of the McCombs faculty who are ingrained in these experiences with us.

TK

Executive MBA students after speaking with distinguished guest Paul Levy hosted at UTNY Campus as part of their Leading People and Organizations course led by Professor Luis Martins on Saturday, Nov 13th.

Early in the year, we learned from Professor Angie McDermott that, “what got us here won’t get us there.” This immersion drove that point home. To be effective and engaging leaders, we must be honest, transparent, and collaborative. Luckily, it’s become clear those three attributes are stamped into the DNA of this amazing group of individuals. In three short months, we’ve helped each other through business problems and trusted each other with very personal conversations. We’ve enjoyed the social side just as much as the classroom through dinners, happy hours, and Broadway show nights. This is a special group. Everyone has a seat at each other’s table.

I am honored to be part of the EMBA ’23 cohort, grateful to learn alongside them, and eager to see how much transformation takes place over the next eighteen months.

The UT motto is “What Happens Here Changes the World,” and what happened in New York City changed us all into better leaders, and people.

Hook ‘em!
Lexy Scheen, EMBA ’23

Learn more about the Texas McCombs Executive MBA on our website, and contact us with any questions at TexasEMBA@mccombs.utexas.edu. Sign up to receive Executive MBA news here, and register for an Executive MBA event to meet admissions and program staff, current students, and alumni.

The Executive MBA program application is open for Fall 2022 enrollment. The next deadline is February 15, 2022, and the final deadline to apply is June 15, 2022.

Celebrating Pride with eQual MBAs at McCombs

June 23, 2021 / / Comments Off on Celebrating Pride with eQual MBAs at McCombs

Happy Pride Month! This June we are celebrating members of our LGBTQIA+ MBA community and talking to Full-Time MBA student Lindsey Scheinthal, co-president of eQual MBAs, about pronouns, allyship, and living authentically.

eQual MBAs at McCombs is a social and career networking student organization made up of members, friends, and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community. They are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the Texas McCombs community.

Members of eQUAL on a zoom meeting

Members of eQUAL pose for a picture during a Zoom meeting.

Representation and Allyship 

eQual focuses a lot on educating people on pronoun usage and allyship by hosting workshops throughout the year to create a more inclusive environment. Since moving into the virtual space, members of eQual have advocated for adding pronouns to Zoom names. Even if you are cisgender (meaning you identify as the gender assigned at birth), adding pronouns to your bios, zoom names, or email signatures signifies that you are an ally and makes others feel included.

“For me, representation is everything. I believe it saves lives and makes people know that they are not alone.” says Lindsey. “I think that’s really important for all of us because when you have more representation you’re able to implement everything else a little bit easier.”

Inclusion and acceptance from others means a lot to Lindsey. She says she sometimes wonders if people know she’s gay and would accept her if they knew.

“My favorite thing is seeing people wear the eQual t-shirt with the rainbow longhorn,” says Lindsey. “You know, we just make assumptions about people…[you think] that person might not like me because I’m gay, and I’m nervous to say something. But then I go to class the next day and they’re rocking the eQual t-shirt, and how great of a feeling that is to see them wearing it.”

There is no way to be a perfect ally, Lindsay says. To her, it’s someone who is asking questions and is pushing themselves to continuously learn and be better.

“Everyone has a different idea of what an ally looks like, and I think it’s difficult to be the perfect ally. But I think as long as you’re trying to be better and listen and change and really hear the person next to you and where they’re coming from, that’s all we can ask for,” says Lindsey.

“I try to do my best to educate people. I really believe in representation. I try to continue to educate myself, because everything is constantly evolving.”

Living Authentically

While the LGBTQIA+ community at McCombs is a small group, Lindsey likes to think of eQual as small but mighty and hopes to encourage more LGBTQIA+ members to apply to business school.

Members of eQUAL pose in a rooftop swimming pool in downtown Austin.

Members of eQUAL pose in a rooftop swimming pool in downtown Austin.

black and white photo of Lindsey holding a rainbow pride flag that is in color.

Lindsey has been out since she was 17 and says it hasn’t always been easy. She has dealt with micro-aggressions, stereotypes, and mistreatment from others. To overcome this she lives by Michelle Obama’s famous words: “When they go low, we go high.”

“It hasn’t been easy but it’s their loss. I know I’m a great friend, I’m a great employee, and if [someone] is choosing not to be nice to me because of this one little aspect of my life, then it’s their loss,” she says.

“Life is too short, I’m just trying to enjoy every moment and like just being myself,” says Lindsey. “I don’t want to hide who I am ever.”

Pride Celebrations in Austin

At Texas McCombs, we strive to create a supportive community by partnering with Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA), a nonprofit organization that focuses on empowering LGBTQIA+ business students. In 2014 McCombs became one of the inaugural school partners of the ROMBA fellowship, which grants LGBTQ+ MBA Fellows with a minimum $20,000 scholarship and access to leadership programming. ROMBA also hosts events and an annual conference to educate and connect LGBTQIA+ business students through C-suite panels, workshops, competitions, receptions, and career fairs. This year the conference, which is the world’s largest gathering of LBGTQIA+ business students and alumni, will take place in Austin in October.  

Austin has many Pride Month celebrations around town in June but its official Pride festival and parade is held in August– this also gives the UT Austin student population, a very active part of the LGBTQIA+ community, the opportunity to volunteer and participate.

To connect with eQual MBAs, you can follow them on Instagram @equalmbs or email Sally and Lindsey at equalmbas@mccombs.utexas.edu.

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