Texas McCombs MBA Insider

Page 7 of 26

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.

Hook ’em!

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.”

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tina Mabley (@rowlingwithdeantina)

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.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Yessica Bravo (@yessbravo)

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.

Hook ’em!

Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month with 7 Black-Owned Businesses in Austin

February 28, 2023 / / Comments Off on Celebrating Black History Month with 7 Black-Owned Businesses in Austin

Written by Elain Yao.

As Black History Month comes to an end, we reflect, honor, and celebrate the history, achievements, and contributions of the Black community here at McCombs and in the greater city of Austin. Learn about 7 Black-owned businesses around Austin that you can support throughout the year and check out how our Black Graduate Business Association celebrated Black History Month.  

Support Black-Owned Businesses Around Austin

Bird Bird Biscuit

Website | Instagram

Founders, Friends, and Owners Brian Batch and Ryan McElroy. Photo courtesy of Bird Bird Biscuit.

Co-founded in 2018 by Brian Batch and Ryan McElroy, Bird Bird Biscuit is a chicken and biscuit restaurant that has spent years crafting the most delectable recipes for its menu. Located on 2701 Manor Rd in Austin, Texas, Bird Bird Biscuit has gained its reputation for providing customers with great service, flavorful food, and allergy-friendly food items.

Austin Daiquiri Factory

Website | Instagram

Margarita from Austin Daiquiri Factory. Photo courtesy of Austin Daiquiri Factory Instagram.

Austin Daiquiri Factory is woman-owned and family-operated. Iesha Griffin opened Austin Daiquiri Factory in 2021 as an East Austin to-go Daiquiri shop offering 7 base flavors, 16 signature drinks, and the option to build your own frozen drink. All daiquiris are made with real fruit and real cane sugar. They are also 100% gluten, sulfite, GMO, and preservative-free! Located at 2000 E. 12th street.

Tony’s Jamaican Food

Website

Owners, Kim Scott and Tony Scott. Photo courtesy of Tony’s Jamaican Food.

Located north of Austin in Pflugerville, Texas, Tony’s Jamaican Food offers its customers a comforting slice of Caribbean cuisine. Founded in 2018 by Tony Scott and his wife Kim, Tony’s Jamaican Food prides itself on its customer service and authentic dishes like jerk chicken and oxtail.

Cranky Granny’s

Website | Instagarm

Owner Sianni Dean (right) and Granny (left), Sianni’s grandmother and inspiration.

Founded, owned, and operated by Sianni Dean as a tribute to her grandmother, Cranky Granny’s opened its doors in 2021 as a Black-woman-owned business sweet rolls shop. Located in Round Rock, Texas, Cranky Granny’s offers delicious pastries, from cookies and cream to peach cobbler.

Nana’s Prayer Tattoos

Instagram

Imani Tatum, owner. Photo courtesy of Mikala Compton/American-Statesman.

Founded in July 2021, Imani Tatum opened Nana’s Prayers Tattoo Studio with a dream of exploring tattoo art. Located at 715 W Powell Ln in Austin, Texas, her studio features tattoo artists Imani (@twiggytattoos), Patricio (@victimofbirth), B (@b_infante_), and Xóchítl (@chiflada.tatts). Imani describes tattoos as a way of connecting with her ancestors and named her business after her grandmother.

Black Pearl Books

Website | Instagram

Owner Katrina Brooks (middle), poses with her family and husband/co-owner, Eric Brooks. Photo courtesy of Black Pearl Books.

Founded in 2019, Black Pearl Books began its business as an online store that participated in markets and pop-ups. Currently located at 7112 Burnet Rd in Austin, Texas, Black Pearl Books is a fully family-run black-woman-owned business that aspires to utilize literature to promote inclusivity and diversity.

Black Austin Tours

Website | Instagram

Founder and native Austinite, Javier Wallace. Photo courtesy of Black Austin Tours.

Founded in 2019 by Javier Wallace, Black Austin Tours aims to spotlight Black voices within Austin’s city history. The tour company informs people about Black community leaders and trailblazers that are not currently celebrated in conventional history books. Black Austin Tours currently offers in-person walking and virtual tours.

If you are interested in learning more about Black-owned businesses in Austin’s metropolitan area, read more about them in Jade Fabello’s How to Spend a Day in Austin Supporting Black-Owned Businesses piece for Thrillist.

Celebrating Black History Month with Black Graduate Business Association 

BGBA Leaders hold up a hook 'em hand sign on the stairs of Rowling Hall.

The Black Graduate Business Association Leadership team.

Black Graduate Business Association (BGBA) is a student organization founded in 1985. BGBA members represent a variety of academic concentrations and political, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Members’ business interests range from the public to the private sector, entrepreneurship, and national and international markets in various areas of the business world. As a professional organization of predominantly Black students pursuing an MBA, the BGBA’s purpose is to provide a nexus through fellowship to broaden, enhance and promote the successful futures of its members.

Check out how BGBA celebrated Black history and the Black community this past month. ⬇️ 

Azzy Francis, VP of Communications, hosted a McCombs Instagram Takeover during the march to the capitol on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

BGBA also hosted a Black History Bike Tour focused on exploring the black history of Austin, an Art Galleries at Black Studies Tour, and a Storytelling session with other student leaders at McCombs. 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tina Mabley (@rowlingwithdeantina)

BGBA hosts events for MBA students throughout the year. Follow BGBA on Instagram to connect and learn more. ⬇️ 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by BGBA @ Texas McCombs (@mccombsbgba)

Contact BlackGraduateBusinessAssociation@mccombs.utexas.edu to talk to current members. 

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.

Just announced: Full-Time MBA Round 4

Admissions Announcement: Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Adds Round 4 for Fall 2023 Entry

February 20, 2023 / / 3 Comments

The Round 3 application deadline to the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA program is slated for March 28, 2023. However, economic uncertainty has impacted many prospective students around the world. With many prospective students facing layoffs or uncertainty in their professional situation, our team believes an additional application round will be helpful for those needing a little more time to work on their application and evaluate their next professional step.

In response, Texas McCombs will add a fourth round to the Full-Time MBA Class of 2025. The Round 4 application deadline is Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Stacey Batas, Director of Full-Time MBA Recruiting and Admissions, provides insight on the addition of a new application round and advice for navigating the application.

Who is eligible to apply in Round 4?

Any U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident of the U.S. is eligible to apply in the new round. Round 4 is not open to international applicants due to issues with visa documentation timelines.

Are you still offering application fee waivers or test waivers to Round 4 applicants?

Yes! We have one more application fee waiver-eligible event, open to both Round 3 and Round 4 applicants in this application cycle. In order to obtain the waiver, you must register for and attend our Application Overview Virtual Session on March 7 at 8AM CT.  Register here.

As with other rounds, test waiver petitions are also available and can be found on our website. If you are considering applying in Round 4 and would like to submit your application without a GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment exam, please read this document carefully to see if you’re eligible and submit the waiver form by no later than May 4, or 7 days before the deadline.

Are there still financial aid or scholarship opportunities available to Round 4 applicants?

It’s hard for the admissions team to predict merit-based scholarship availability for future rounds, since it depends on how many scholarships we have to award at that point in the cycle. Admitted students will be notified within their acceptance letter if they receive any merit-based scholarship funding from McCombs.

How will Round 4 work? When will decisions be released?

Round 4 will work much like our other rounds – you need to submit your application by 11:59 PM  CT on May 11, 2023.   Decisions will be released on or before June 8, and the enrollment deposit deadline for those admitted will be June 15.

I was laid off. How do I explain being laid off in my application?

Though unfortunate and stressful, lay-offs happen! Once you upload your resume on the “Employment Information” section of the application, there will be a question asking whether or not you’re currently employed full-time. If the answer is no, you’ll be given a chance to explain your situation. This response is limited to 255 characters, so you don’t have to go into full detail here! If you’d like to include additional details about your employment to the admissions committee, complete the optional statement for us to review.

I was laid off and I don’t have a professional recommender. What are my other options?

There are lots of great sources for recommendation letters! Here are some of our tips to help you choose a recommender who knows you well and can speak to your strengths.

What are the benefits of applying in Round 4 vs. applying next cycle?

The biggest benefit is that you potentially won’t need to wait a full year to enroll! Round 4 is a great option for those who definitely know they want to go to McCombs, but who may have figured that out a little later in the game. We’d also like to dispel the myth that having to reapply the following cycle is a bad thing. We value re-applicants and never look down on someone who applied late cycle and then re-applied the following fall.

What advice would you give to an applicant submitting in Round 4?

Get to know us! We’re hosting campus visits until late April and will be hosting virtual events to help you navigate the application process. Attending our events can also help you craft your essay and prepare for the video assessment.

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.

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!

Redesigned Weekend MBA
Experience in Dallas and Houston Launching Fall 2023

February 7, 2023 / / Comments Off on Redesigned Weekend MBA
Experience in Dallas and Houston Launching Fall 2023
News Provided By Texas McCombs

We are excited to share news that the Weekend MBA programs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 8 in the country (U.S. News & World Report), have been redesigned to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving workplace. The program redesign will allow incoming students to tailor their degree with new elective offerings and more networking opportunities, while still experiencing all the hallmarks of the top-ranked Texas McCombs MBA. You can learn more about the updates below, which will take effect for Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston students starting the program in August 2023.

Joe Stephens, Senior Assistant Dean and Director of Working Professional and Executive MBA Programs shares more detail on the Weekend MBA program updates. 

Tailor Your Degree with New Electives

Students in the Weekend MBA programs in Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston experience a comprehensive cohort-based curriculum designed to enhance their understanding of core business principles. The new curriculum will add five electives to the students’ second year, including two flexible electives and three general electives, allowing them to dive deeper in areas of interest.

  • Program updates include more credit hours dedicated to technology, leadership, and global acumen. Students can expect to see electives that address emerging trends in technology, marketing, finance, business and society, and corporate social responsibility.
  • Students will enjoy two flexible electives and three general electives. Flexible electives will satisfy the program’s technology and global management requirements. Students can select their general electives from a curated list of topics provided by the department.
  • Elective offerings will be delivered during the Summer, Fall 2, and Spring 2 semesters in Austin or in market in Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston.

Additional detail about the Weekend MBA degree plan and coursework is available here.

More Opportunities to Network and Build Your MBA Community

In addition to the curriculum updates, students will also experience an additional intensive in Austin, which provides more opportunity for Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston students to come together for academic classes, team building, career management sessions, and experiential learning workshops.

“We want our working professional students to experience the program, the school, and the campus in a holistic and physical sense, no matter where they live,” said Joe Stephens, Senior Assistant Dean and Director of Working Professional & Executive MBA Programs. “While maintaining a broad core curriculum for optimal business agility and leadership, we wanted to give our students the opportunity to dive a little deeper into areas of interest for them.  We understand they have competing priorities and our specially designed programs for fully employed professionals give them the opportunity to not only grow cognitively, but also expand their network, and do both deeply.”

 Among the great things staying the same include our world-class, Austin-based Texas McCombs faculty, business foundations through the core curriculum and capstone, McCombs+ Experiential Learning and Leadership Fellows, award-winning career management support for life, and Austin Intensives – all of which will still be delivered in our 21-month, alternating weekends format for the Weekend MBA programs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston.

More information about class meetings and important dates is available here.

Learn More

Sign up to receive Weekend MBA news here, and register for an admissions event at our Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston campus to meet program staff, current students, and alumni.

Applications for the Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston are open, and the final deadline to apply is May 30, 2023.

Learn more on our website and contact us with any questions.

Questions about Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth? Contact: TexasMBADFW@mccombs.utexas.edu

Questions about the Weekend MBA at Houston?  Contact: TexasMBAHouston@mccombs.utexas.edu

Full-Time MBA Class of 2022 Achieves Employment Heights, Beats School Record in Average Base Salary

December 6, 2022 / / Comments Off on Full-Time MBA Class of 2022 Achieves Employment Heights, Beats School Record in Average Base Salary

(December 1, 2022) – Austin, Texas – After navigating the past couple of years of disruption and uncertainty from the pandemic, the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2022 achieved strong outcomes, securing an average base salary of $144,564, the highest in school history.

Brittany Tyree, managing director of career education and coaching, attributes these successes to the robust job market and students’ preparedness and engagement with McCombs Career Management and Corporate Relations (CMCR) resources.

The Texas McCombs career management team’s approach to helping students prepare for their job search includes a strategic career planning course, coaching appointments with school career consultants and industry experts, and career workshops, among other events and experiential learning opportunities.

The strategic career planning course, delivered in year one of the MBA experience, aids students in building a strong career foundation. The course progresses students through the Career Management Framework, helping MBAs evaluate their priorities, assess the job market, develop a personalized plan, and ultimately launch into their overarching career strategy.

Of the 241 students who matriculated in the Texas McCombs Class of 2022, 95 percent received a full-time offer within 3 months post-graduation and 93 percent reported accepting the employment offer, the latter consistent with the previous graduating class.

Graph on employment trends

As previously mentioned, the recent graduating class saw an impressive increase in average base salary to $144,564, up 11 percent from 2021. The class also experienced a 10 percent jump in signing bonuses, averaging $31,178.

Average Salaries and Signing Bonuses Chart

Consulting, financial services, and technology industries continue to attract Texas McCombs graduates, in fact, interest and job acceptances in these professional industries grew 10 percent since 2019. Although technology was the top hiring industry (32 percent) among the graduating class, consulting achieved the highest increase in job acceptances (30 percent), a 7 percent increase from the previous year. The financial services (18 percent) and real estate (5 percent) industries followed.

Similar to the previous year, Texas McCombs MBAs continue to remain interested in the consulting function, especially as the market demand for professional services increased. Given the CMCR team’s emphasis on educating students about various career path options, students were also well positioned to secure impactful roles throughout technology.  More specifically, 32 percent accepted employment in technology, securing roles in marketing, sales, operations, finance, and general management. Worth noting, 74 percent of the Class of 2022’s offers were obtained through school-facilitated career resources.

Industry Trends Chart

Overall, there are several players to recognize, who helped prepare our graduating class with the right tools and experiences, allowing them to quickly distinguish themselves. Our connected 100,000 Texas McCombs alumni across the globe whose mentoring and contributions shape their communities. Our recruiters and corporate partners who consistently return to campus to recruit our talent prepared for a lifetime of impact. Lastly, our word-class faculty and talented career consultants for providing a strong support system and customized career development to the Class of 2022.

Click here for an overview of the Texas McCombs Class of 2022 Salary Statistics.

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.

Hook ‘em!

Letter of Recommendation

How To Submit A Successful MBA Recommendation

December 1, 2022 / / Comments Off on How To Submit A Successful MBA Recommendation

The Texas McCombs Working Professional and Executive MBA applications require one professional letter of recommendation from a person who has supervised your work and/or has directly assessed your work performance during your career.  

A recommendation letter is the only component of your application where you rely on someone else to provide information, so it is important that you carefully decide who you will ask to be your recommender. The Admissions Committee uses this recommendation to assess your work capabilities, such as your motivation, contribution, strengths, areas of growth, etc. 

What is in the Recommendation Letter? 

First of all, this is NOT the traditional letter of recommendation you typically think of where someone writes a letter on your behalf to vouch for your professional performance. Texas McCombs uses the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation. Your recommender will receive a link to assess specific competencies/traits and answer three short-response questions. 

Keep in mind that while there are other programs using this form, some schools will ask a different series of questions.  If you’re applying to more than one MBA, you may be asking your recommender to separately fill out different forms. Make sure they do not copy and paste their responses. 

Who should write your MBA Recommendation? 

Circumstances differ for every applicant and deciding who you should ask might vary.  Below are some scenarios to help guide you in choosing the best recommender for your MBA application. 

Your Supervisor
Your current direct supervisor is traditionally the best choice. This is likely the person in your network that knows your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else and can speak to your professional capabilities. 

However, in some instances, your current supervisor may not be a viable option for you.  Perhaps you aren’t able to communicate to your employer that you’re applying to business school or you do not work with your direct boss that closely. It could also be that you attained a new role recently and your current supervisor has not had a chance to work with you very long. Or, you’re an entrepreneur and don’t have a supervisor.  

All of these are valid reasons to look for other recommendation sources. If you choose to request a different recommender than your current supervisor, please explain your choice in the Optional Essay. 

Your Former Supervisor
If you cannot ask your current direct supervisor to write your recommendation, maybe you can ask a previous supervisor? Depending on how recently you worked with them, the “old boss” may be the best choice, especially if you had a strong professional relationship with that person. This is the most common alternative option. 

Your Indirect Supervisor
Asking an indirect supervisor can be another option, especially if you’ve worked with this person closely on long-term projects or significant assignments.  This is a nice alternative to a supervisor that you may not work with closely. 

Your Client or Vendor
This recommendation source is typically useful for entrepreneurs or for applicants who work for a family business. If you work for a family business, it is preferred that you ask an individual outside of your family to write your letter of recommendation. 

Mentor or Other Options
Mentors can be from inside or outside of your workplace who have a clear understanding of your professional value. Also, there are many individuals who may fall in the category of “other recommenders.” For example, a former professor, a colleague, or a coach. However, be sure that the person you select has worked with you on measurable tasks and understands your professional experiences to ensure they will provide a recommendation with depth. This is the least preferred option by the admissions committee. 

Other Tips: 

  • Don’t focus only on title – the CEO of a large company may sound like an impressive recommendation, but unless they work with you closely, the recommendation letter will likely fall short of delivering the information that the Admissions Committee is looking for. 
  • Steer clear of asking a direct report (someone who reports up to you) to submit a letter of recommendation. 
  • When it comes to other options, use your best judgment. An undergraduate professor may not be the best person to address some of the questions posed on the recommendation form and the Admissions Committee is looking mainly at your post-undergraduate work experience.   

You’ve chosen a recommender. What’s next? 

First, before asking your recommender to take this on, keep in mind that they are likely a busy individual – be sure to give them plenty of notice prior to the application deadline. 

Secondly, give them a heads-up about your request. You don’t want to blindly email someone and ask them to write something for you without having a conversation. It may be a good idea to revisit certain projects you worked with them on. Most importantly, explain to your recommender why you’re pursuing an MBA. Giving them some context behind your ask will go a long way and will likely result in a stronger letter. 

Finally, make sure you give them all the information on the recommendation before you ask, especially the timeline for when you will be submitting your application. Let them know they will be receiving a link to fill out the recommendation, and that they do NOT need to write a supplemental letter. 

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more about Texas McCombs.  Please sign up for MBA news and follow us on Instagram at @UTexasMBA to stay updated.

Hook ’em!

picture of a person smiling on computer. Text reads "Video assessment & mba interview - executive MBA"

Completing the Executive MBA Video Assessment and Interview

November 3, 2022 / / Comments Off on Completing the Executive MBA Video Assessment and Interview

Getting to Know our Candidates: Executive MBA Video Assessment and Interview

Shortly after you submit your MBA application and your application fee is paid or waived, you will receive two “action requested” emails – one pertains to your Video Assessment, and the other to your Interview.

All Executive MBA applicants are required to complete both the Video Assessment and the MBA Interview in order to complete the application process.

The Video Assessment and Interview are two opportunities to share your story and tell us why you chose McCombs in your own voice. 

Video Assessment

This application requirement helps the Admissions Committee better understand who you are in your own voice and allows us to assess your communication skills. All applicants have seven days to complete the assessment upon receiving access to the video submission platform. The Video Assessment has four question prompts and will take between 20 – 30 minutes to complete. Applicants will be allowed to practice before submitting their Video Assessment and will have between two and three minutes to answer each prompt, depending on the question.

Within the Video Assessment we are evaluating the following competencies for every Texas McCombs Executive MBA student:

Leadership
We are looking for well-rounded individuals who have a wealth of knowledge and life experience in informal or formal leadership positions. Consider how you’ve added your own unique perspective and skill set when engaged in the pursuit of leading others.

Collaboration
We’re looking for applicants who excel at collaboration with their active listening skills and empathy. They easily see others’ perspectives and are slow to judge, creating an inclusive space to solve problems as a team. They value team wins over their own.

Coachability
We’re looking for applicants who are coachable, demonstrated by their growth mindset, acceptance of constructive criticism, and dedication to continuous self-improvement. They’re adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges and remain positive. They’re curious, exhibited by their willingness to learn from others.

Problem Solving/Enterprising Spirit
The ideal applicant has the ability to think on their feet, remaining composed and clearly articulating their thought processes when faced with ambiguous, complex problems. They see the broader picture when problem-solving, showing creativity and resourcefulness in identifying viable approaches before reaching an informed decision

Tips for Completing Your Video Assessment

  1. Practice: You will have the ability to practice responding to test questions for as long as you wish. Practicing helps you become more comfortable with the technology when answering the real prompts.
  2. Test Technology: Virtual Assessments are conducted through the Kira platform. It will require a desktop or laptop computer (no iPhones/iPads) 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 are plugged in! Most browsers are compatible (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera) but the platform will not work well on Safari.
  3. Pace Yourself: Videos have a time limit. Keeping responses concise, yet clear, is important. However, make sure you are answering the question in full. Those practice questions will be a great way to gauge what three minutes actually feels like when responding to a question. And don’t feel compelled to use the entire time limit if your response can be achieved in less time.
  4. Be Professional, but Loosen Up: If you still find yourself nervous, practice your answers in front of a mirror or with a partner/friend and ask them how you did. Did you answer the question? Did you rush through it? Take a moment to outline your answer in your mind first, and then address it calmly and confidently.  Don’t get too comfortable, though. While we’re an easy-going group, maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism is always a good idea. This includes professional language and attire.

MBA Interview

The Interview provides an opportunity for you and a member of the Admissions Committee to have a one-to-one conversation about you and your MBA candidacy. It’s a chance for us to get a deeper understanding of your readiness for the demands of this rigorous program, as well as how you will contribute to and engage with the Executive MBA cohort.

Similar to the Video Assessment, we’re assessing your verbal communication skills and your professional presence. Interviews are mostly conducted via Zoom, with periodic opportunities for in-person interviews during campus visit events. The interview lasts 30 minutes total, including time for your specific questions.

Tips for Completing Your MBA Interview

  1. Be On Time: Arriving on time is “Interviewing 101,” yet it still manages to trip up even the most prepared of candidates. Please follow all the instructions in your confirmation email about how to connect with your interviewer via Zoom. If you’re interviewing on campus, scope out the location of the MBA Program Office in advance.
  2. Test Technology (virtual interviews only): Virtual interviews are being conducted through Zoom. If you don’t have one already, create a Zoom account. You’ll want to find a good space to conduct your interview, ideally with good lighting, stable internet, and access to a plug. We recommend connecting directly to your internet for the most reliable internet connection.
  3. Pace Yourself: Come prepared with examples for behavioral-type interview questions. And just like we recommend for the Video Assessment, keep your responses concise, yet clear. Make sure your examples answer the question in full.
  4. Be Professional but Loosen Up: Given McCombs’ and Austin’s collegial and laid-back culture, our interviews are relatively informal.  If you find yourself nervous, practice your answers in front of a mirror or with a friend or colleague and ask them how you did. Did you answer the question? Did you rush through it? Take a moment to outline your answer in your mind first, and then address it calmly and confidently.
  5. Know What We’re Looking For: We listen for confidence, clear and concise communication of career goals, concrete examples of teamwork and leadership, in-depth knowledge of our MBA program, and overall genuine enthusiasm.
  6. Come with questions: You’ll have about 10 minutes for questions with your interviewer, so please come prepared with 2 or 3 questions.

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events. Check out our Application Process page for more information on application components. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Good luck and Hook ’em!

Interviewing for a Working Professional MBA Program

November 1, 2022 / / Comments Off on Interviewing for a Working Professional MBA Program

After you submit your MBA application, the next step in the application process is your admissions interview.  For the 2022-23 admissions cycle, all applicants for the MBA at Dallas and MBA Houston programs will be interviewed. All interviews will be conducted virtually. 

Working Professional MBA Interviews

For our Working Professional MBA programs–Evening MBA, MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth, and MBA at Houston–interviews will be conducted by a member of the Admissions Committee.

You will receive an interview invitation that will allow you to select an interview time slot that works with your schedule. Be sure to schedule it as early as you can.

Interview invitations typically come within two weeks of your application submission. Be sure to check your email (and your spam folder) regularly after you submit your application, so you can secure your preferred time slot.

An Un-Biased Approach  

Going into each interview, our interviewers have limited access to anything about you or your application, except for your resume. (It’s always a good idea to have a copy of your resume on-hand during the conversation.)

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

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

Top Tips

The interview is your official opportunity to share your story, provide examples, and tell us why you chose McCombs like no one else can. Some applicants anticipate an interview and feel nervous, which is natural. If you are nervous, here is some key advice:

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

Take advantage of this opportunity. It can be just the thing the Admissions Committee needs to understand your application’s elements and gives us the chance to get to know you better!

If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more about Texas McCombs.  Please sign up for MBA news and follow us on Instagram at @UTexasMBA to stay updated.

Hook ’em!

« Older posts Newer posts »

The Latest RSS Items

  • No items found in feed URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/StefaniasBlog?format=xml. You requested 5 items.

    • powered by RSS Just Better 1.4 plugin

    © 2025 Texas McCombs MBA Insider

    Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑

    Skip to toolbar