Alejandra Carlos,
MBA '13

Hometown: Monterrey, Mexico
Pre-MBA Job: Senior Analyst 
Undergrad Institution: University of Texas at Austin
Undergrad Major: Management Information Systems
MBA Concentration: High Tech Marketing
Favorite Class: Analysis of Markets
Favorite Professor: Ty Henderson

Building Memorable Experiences
"McCombs has the perfect mix of community, hands-on opportunities and great professors all under the hallmark attitude of collaboration. Everyone really goes out of their way to make the experience memorable. I had Dean Gilligan as my core Macroeconomics teacher. I have run into him at random times around school and he always takes the time to ask about my experience in the MBA program, making sure I’m getting what I want out of the MBA. His perspective is truly global, and as international student I was able to receive great career advice from none other than Dean Gilligan!"

Willie Okpoyo,
MBA '13

Hometown: Port-Harcourt, Nigeria/Houston, Texas 
Pre-MBA Job: Field Engineer
Undergrad Institution: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Undergrad Major: Electrical Engineering 
MBA Concentration: Energy Finance
Favorite Class: Valuation
Favorite Professor: Britt Freund

Collaborative and Diverse 
"The MBA program has been demanding – it gave the phrase 'time-management' a whole new meaning for me.  That being said, a vast resource base of professors, classmates and academic staff were made available to me.  I had a Professor who came in on Labor Day to help me prepare for an interview – the collaborative nature of McCombs is one of the main reasons why I decided to come here.  Another aspect of the program that has broadened my global perspective is the diverse student body.  In a typical class discussion, at least 4 continents are represented and this view of the world has helped me mature as a professional."

Graham Smith,
MBA '13

Hometown: Dalton, MA
Pre-MBA Job: Chef 
Undergrad Institution: University of Colorado - Boulder
Undergrad Major: Economics
MBA Concentration: Operations
Favorite Class: Operations Management
Favorite Professor: Britt Freund

From the Kitchen to the Classroom
"McCombs has exceeded even my most outlandish expectations of an MBA program. Although I am looking to change careers, there were many aspects of my job that I loved and that I was fearful I would have to give up in business school. I loved the never-ending surprises I was forced to confront each day and the frenetic pace of a kitchen. I also loved the fun, family-like atmosphere among my coworkers and the pleasure I got from spending my days with them. I expected business school to be a bit less exciting and the people to be a bit more reserved and, happily, neither of these presumptions have been even slightly truthful. I am constantly amazed at how great all my classmates are and how much energy there is in my classes. The best thing about the program is that I get to attend classes with intelligent people who are happy to be students, learn from top notch professors who are happy to be teaching, and interact with wonderful administrators who are happy to help us in any way they can. McCombs is a wonderful place to be."

Angela Adams,
MBA '13

Hometown: Bothell, WA
Pre-MBA Job: Production Manager, Allure Magazine
Undergrad Institution: California State University, Channel Islands
Undergrad Major: Art, Graphic Design
Favorite Class: Customer Insights or Media Psychology
Favorite Professor: Stephen Walls

A Dual Perspective
"I selected McCombs specifically for the dual-degree MA/MBA program. Both the business school and communications school are well known in both curriculum and faculty, and Austin is a fantastic place to spend three years. The dual degree program has been a really great way to delve deeper into areas that I might not otherwise have time for. I have already taken some great electives and participated in projects that have provided valuable experience, which is especially important as I head into my summer internship search. I also appreciate the mix of people I have met – I have made great friends and built a professional network both in the business school and the advertising school. The thing that’s most surprising to me is how fast three years goes – there are times when it feels like I have been in school forever, but other times I’m amazed at the fact that I am already halfway done!"

Carlos Hill,
MBA '13

Hometown: Denver, CO
Pre-MBA Job: Civil Designer
Undergrad Institution: Cornell University
Undergrad Major: Environmental Engineering
MBA Concentration: Energy Finance
Favorite Class: Operations
Favorite Professor: Britt Freund

Growth, Leadership and Stimulating Conversations
"My experience at McCombs has been challenging and rewarding. The MBA environment here provides me with plenty of opportunities to interact with top professors, intelligent classmates, and prestigious businesses. The classroom stimulates my mind on numerous levels, for I'm learning about the different ways to view the world of business. From Finance to Statistics to Operations, I'm gaining new perspectives on the various departments within a competitive business. Furthermore, I do not only read subject material for courses but also apply the knowledge to real world situations. Utilizing these new skills in group assignments, MBA+ projects, or student organizations has given me the opportunity to further develop my leadership skills. Many of my classmates are doing the same thing based on their impressive backgrounds, personalities, and graduate focuses. Networking with fellow MBAs is enjoyable because I can easily dive into an intellectual conversation. Bouncing ideas, opinions, strategies, etc. off each other usually creates synergies that make us both more competitive in the real world."

Colleen Butts,
MBA '13

Hometown: Kingwood, TX
Pre-MBA Job: Auditor in Public Accounting 
Undergrad Institution: Arizona State University
Undergrad Major: Finance and Accounting
MBA Concentration: Brand and Product Management
Favorite Class: Analysis of Markets
Favorite Professor: Clemens Sialm

Trading Accounting for Marketing
"As a career switcher, I have been so impressed with all the resources that McCombs has provided to find a marketing internship. From the moment I walked through the door, I have had continuous coaching from my Career and Peer Advisors, along with the opportunity to network with companies through Brief and Meets and Marketing Treks to other cities. I already have marketing interviews lined up with some of my favorite companies!"

Jeff Lee,
MBA '13

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Pre-MBA Job: Navy Submarine Officer
Undergrad Institution: United States Naval Academy
Undergrad Major: Oceanography
MBA Concentration: Operations and Supply Chain Management
Favorite Class: Analysis of Markets
Favorite Professor: Ty Henderson

Veteran Community at McCombs
"Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be difficult, and it certainly helps that I came to a school that truly appreciates the leadership skills and perspectives that military veterans possess. There is a strong veterans community at McCombs, and it is helpful to be able to share the MBA experience with other veterans who are also adapting to life outside of the military.

During my MBA school search, I spent a lot of time visiting campuses, researching programs, and talking to alumni and current students. My first interaction with McCombs was through students on the McCombs Admissions Committee and the Armed Forces Alumni Association. They were extremely friendly and helpful, and my interactions with them really helped me appreciate McCombs' close-knit, collaborative culture."

Julie Bruce,
MBA '13

Hometown: Radnor, PA
Pre-MBA Job: Consultant at Deloitte Consulting 
Undergrad Institution: Penn State University
Undergrad Major: Finance
MBA Concentration: Marketing
Favorite Class: Operations
Favorite Professor: Ross Jennings

Culture and Coursework
"I chose McCombs because of all the people I met on my visits and the challenging curriculum. Fit was the most important aspect to me and I could really picture myself here.  Although it was very demanding, I enjoyed being able to take 8 core classes in the first semester (4 each quarter). This will really help us when it comes time to interview in the Spring."

Elizabeth Johnson,
MBA '13

Hometown: Tualatin, OR
Pre-MBA Job: Video Game Sound Editor at Technicolor Creative Services
Undergrad Institution: University of Southern California
Undergrad Major: Film and Television Production
MBA Concentration: Marketing Analytics and Consulting
Favorite Class: Analysis of Markets
Favorite Professor: Ty Henderson

Facing The Non-Business Background Challenge
"Coming into business school from a non-business background is definitely a challenge. Some of my classmates were doing more traditional business roles before coming to school and the professors expect a lot. However, my study group and fellow students as well as office hours with professors all helped me to get what I needed out of each class. There were definitely courses that were challenging for me and the program has pushed me farther than I thought I could go. But by the end of the first quarter I was feeling empowered by all I could do that I hadn’t been able to do before coming back to school. The people at McCombs want to help you succeed and a lot of resources are available to you. I was pleasantly surprised by my classmates’ willingness to spend whatever time was necessary to help me when I was stuck on a difficult concept. I was also surprised by how I could help my classmates when I understood something they needed assistance with. Even if you are from a non-traditional background, don’t underestimate your value to the program and to your fellow students. The variety of backgrounds and experiences at McCombs is one thing that makes the program a great place to be. Everyone here has done something amazing—sometimes it just takes getting outside your industry and your comfort zone to realize your strengths."

Ashley Bristol,
MBA '12

Hometown: Potomac Falls, VA
Undergrad Institution: Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!)
Undergrad Major: Marketing Management
Pre-MBA Job: Investor Relations, Allied Capital
Internship and Post-MBA Job: Brand Management, Dr Pepper Snapple Group
MBA Concentration: Marketing (Brand Management)
Favorite Class: Brand Management with Dr. Broniarczyk
Favorite Professor: John Doggett

Marketing at McCombs
"Texas first came on my radar because of its reputation as a strong marketing program. I was somewhat apprehensive about moving so far away from home (Virginia), but after visiting McCombs for the October 2009 Women's Forum I was so completely impressed by the caliber of people here and just knew this was THE place for me.

As a marketer, there are endless opportunities to develop yourself professionally here. Whether you're new to marketing or have prior marketing experience, classes like Analysis of Markets with Ty Henderson and Strategic Marketing with Kate Mackie help you to thoroughly prepare in the first year for a competitive internship. I got my dream internship in brand management at Dr Pepper Snapple this summer and felt like McCombs fully prepared me to excel. Besides classes you can get involved in the Graduate Marketing Network, Marketing Fellows, or even pave your own path a bit. For example, this past fall semester I did an independent study with two classmates to work on a marketing strategy for a local vodka company. It was originally an MBA+ project from the prior spring and our group wanted to take it a bit further. We felt like marketing consultants as opposed to students, it was really a tremendous learning experience. I have been impressed with just how much marketing opportunities there are here!"

Blakeley McCracken,
MBA '12

Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergrad Institution: Texas A&M
Undergrad Major: Electrical Engineering
Pre-MBA Job: Flight Controller for the International Space Station, at NASA Mission Control
MBA Concentration: CleanTech/ Entrepreneurship
Clubs: Venture Fellows, Entrepreneur Society, CleanTech Group, Graduate Consulting Club
Internship: Deloitte Consulting, Strategy and Operations group
Favorite Class: Sustainability in Business Practicum
Favorite Professor: Rob McCulloch

From Mission Control to the Boardroom
"During the first class session of John Doggett’s Sustainability in Business Practicum, he called me up to the front of the room to discuss the case we’d been assigned for that day’s class. I’d studied the case, and was very prepared, but it was a very intense test of recalling what I’d learned and defending my opinions and recommendations. Those sessions reminded me of having to justify my recommendations in Mission Control, when life or death situations were at hand. Discussing the case in Doggett’s class has helped me prepare to hold my ground in front of a CEO or a Board of Directors."

Want more?  Read about Blakely's experience with the UT Energy Forum (February 2011).

Sabrina DeVeylder,
MBA '12

Hometown: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Undergrad Institution: Universite Paul Sabatier
Undergrad Major: Information Systems
Pre-MBA Job: Proposal Manager
MBA Concentration: General Management / Human Capital Strategy
Clubs: Human Capital Strategy Group, LAHMBA, GWIB
Internship: Summer Intern at 3M
Favorite Class: Macroeconomics
Favorite Professor: Clemens Sialm

An International Perspective
"As an international student the internship research is a little bit more challenging. I used extensively Career Management to help me with mock interviews, and cover letters. I also asked for advices to our MBA+ Communication Coaches, especially with my resume and cover letter. Also, my Peer Advisor helped me, advised me and assessed me considerably to better understand the process.

I have gained knowledge in finance, accounting, managerial skills, as well as communication skills, presentation skills… In a few words, I feel that I am a lot better prepared to succeed in the corporate world."

Carlos Dinkins,
MBA '12

Hometown: Peachtree City, Georgia
Undergrad Institution: Florida State University
Undergrad Major: Psychology & Military Strategy
Pre-MBA Job: Army Intelligence Officer / Consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton
Internship: Sales Leadership Development Program, PepsiCo
Post-MBA Job: Category Manager, PepsiCo
MBA Concentration: Marketing & Brand Management
Clubs/Activities: President of The Armed Forces Alumni Association, Liaison for The Consortium, BGBA, GMN 
Favorite Class: Analysis of Markets
Favorite Professor: Stephen Magee

Carlos' "Big Three"
"Before coming to business school, I had the honor of serving my country as an Officer in the United States Army. The Army equipped me with multiple tools to build a strong leadership foundation and after my second combat deployment to Iraq I knew it was time for me personally to transfer those leadership skills for an opportunity to flourish in the business world. I also understood to thrive as a leader of business I would need to gain the necessary quantitative and qualitative skills obtainable through an MBA. I chose McComb’s because it excelled in meeting my “Big Three” criteria.

1. I wanted to attend a school that has a competitive and prestigious MBA reputation and McCombs, ranking as high as 11th of Forbes, certainly met that expectation.
2. I wanted a school that, in the spirit of the military, promoted a collaborative learning environment. Working together to accomplish a common goal has been ingrained in me since I was a young Officer and the McCombs’s community celebrates and cultivates that collaborative spirit.
3. I wanted to attend a school that gave back to the military community and The University of Texas at Austin, through the 9-11 GI Bill, provides the greatest financial benefits in the country for soldiers interested in higher learning."

Read more about Carlos' experiences in the MBA Program in the following blog posts:

• Carlos Shares His MBA+ Project Experience (October 2010)
• Carlos on Changing the World! (August 2011)
• Carlos Follows Up One Year Later (Nov 2011)
  

Katherine Frolow,
MBA '12

Hometown: Herndon, VA
Pre-MBA Job: Gerson Lehrman Group
Undergrad Institution: The University of Texas at Austin
Undergrad Major: International Business
Internship and Post-MBA Job: Private Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs
MBA Concentration: Finance
Favorite Class: Investment Theory
Favorite Professor: Sandy Leeds

On the MBA Investment Fund
“The UT MBA Investment Fund is a rare opportunity to apply the investment strategies and fundamental analysis we learn in the classroom to a real-world experience. There are unique challenges involved with being a fund manager, such as balancing our responsibilities as money managers with our graduate program obligations, but the rewards are invaluable. “

Tejas Gohokar,
MBA '12

Hometown: Mumbai, India
Undergrad Institution: University of Mumbai
Undergrad Major: Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
Pre-MBA Job: Production & Subcontract Executive, Marico Limited
Internship: Dell Inc.
Post MBA Job: Sr. Marketing Operations Advisor, Dell Inc. 
MBA Concentration: Brand & Product Management, High Technology Marketing
Favorite Class: Strategic Marketing
Favorite Professor: Kate Mackie

Home at McCombs
"I have always felt at home at McCombs. The school values the perspectives and cultural diversity that international students bring to the program and gives us plenty of opportunities to express ourselves. A great example is the annual International Night, which draws thousands of people to try cuisines from around the globe and witness dance performances by McCombs MBAs.

Come to McCombs if you care about genuine camaraderie. You will learn about competing and caring at the same time. Many schools offer reputed MBA programs, few can offer a cordial atmosphere among brilliant peers."

Kristina Hoock,
MBA '12

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Pre-MBA Job: Technology Consultant at IBM
Post-MBA Job: HR Leadership Program at GE Healthcare
Undergrad Institution: University of Arizona
Undergrad Major: Management Information Systems
MBA Concentration: Global Business Management
Favorite Class: Managing & Marketing in the Global Arena
Favorite Professor: Tom Shively

"I was interested in getting involved with the MAC because I really wanted to be a resource to prospective students – the MBA application process can be an overwhelming time, and I had just gone through it, so I felt like I could help others benefit from my experiences. Being involved in MAC has allowed me to interact with some very impressive candidates and learn about their reasons for getting their MBA at McCombs. Everyone has a different, interesting story. 

McCombs is a fantastic MBA program in all that it offers, and we have intelligent, driven, good-humored, generous people who work to win together. If any of that sounds good to you, come join us!"

Neeraj Gupta,
MBA '12

Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Pre-MBA Job: Sr Manager, Software Development at Comcast Cable
Undergrad Institution: University of Virginia
Undergrad Major: Computer Science
MBA Concentration: High-Tech Marketing
Favorite Class: Managing and Marketing in the Global Arena with Professor Doggett
Favorite Professor: Tom Shively

"I joined MAC because I loved being part of the community and I wanted to share what I knew and felt with others. I also wanted to be part of the admissions process because, like classes before us, we stake our personal and professional reputation on future members of the Texas MBA program. Joining the MAC was the logical choice given this investment.
Having been part of the organization for almost two years now, the experience has met all the expectations I had when I joined, and then some. It's been a fantastic way to get to know fellow classmates--a group that continues to amaze me with their volunteer efforts. My favorite aspect of MAC is that service is an entirely intrinsic endeavor; it won't help your resume, your network, or anything else you might need in the future. The only benefits are those you'll draw from the experience itself and that's a refreshing feeling among all the ways to get involved."

Solu Nwanze,
MBA '12

Hometown: Abuja, Nigeria
Pre-MBA Job: Software Engineer
Undergrad Institution: University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
Undergrad Major: Computer Engineering
Favorite MBA Class: Business Analytics and Decision Modeling

"My interest in the Admissions Committee grew out of my interactions with MAC members and Admissions Officers. They demonstrated a level of passion and dedication that attracted me to the group. This experience has taught me to appreciate the uniqueness in people. I recognize that there is harmony in bringing together the differences in people to form a whole – that is what you see in the McCombs MBA class!"