Meet the Vanderbilt Owen MBA Class of 2018

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Deidre Mitchell

Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I believe there is no force in the world more powerful than a women determined to rise.  (My twist on a quote from W.E.B Dubois)

Hometown: Bronx, New York

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have done the New York City Olympic Distance Triathlon twice.

Undergraduate School and Major: State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany) -Psychology

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: I have worked my way up the ladder in the retail industry and have gained functional experience in three different areas, including finance, sales, and marketing.

Finance Manager, Advertising Business Office, Saks Fifth Avenue

Finance Manager, Retail Development Group, Macy’s Inc.

Group Sales Manager, Macy’s Inc.

Marketing Coordinator, Macy’s Inc.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment is having the courage to leave a thriving career to invest in my future. The easier choice would have been to continue on my career path, but I choose to embark on a new journey. The decision to leave a big city and attend a full-time MBA program was daunting at first. However, I am confident that the personal growth and development I will attain by investing in an MBA at Vanderbilt be well worth the risks.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants?  Be proactive about studying for the GMAT, and consider applying to MBA prep programs, such as Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). I applied and was accepted to MLT’s MBA Prep Program, as well as Forté MBALaunch. These programs matched me with coaches who advised and guided me through the admissions process, and the programs also allowed me to meet and develop a network of amazing MBA candidates who will be lifelong friends. An additional piece of advice is to find a friend or colleague who has gone through the business school process and can offer firsthand advice.

Although the GMAT is an essential component of your business school application, it is only one data point. Recommendations, essays, and fit are also essential to being admitted into business school. Therefore, I recommend taking equal amounts of time to perfect each part of the application.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I came to visit Vanderbilt, and its collaborative, supportive environment was a good fit. I knew it was a place where I could be curious, learn, sometimes fail, and then get up and learn again.

Through my past management experiences, I know how important it is to successfully motivate and develop your employees. Therefore, the Human Organizational and Performance program drew me to Vanderbilt, because I wanted to learn more about the connection between business performance and employee behavior, in addition to core business functions.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My short-term career goal is to transition into consulting or investment banking. My long-term goal and ultimate dream is to become an entrepreneur. Running my business, building it from the ground up, and riding the ups and downs of the roller coaster of entrepreneurship excites me. I plan to launch businesses that will provide a long-term legacy and financial stability for future generations of my family.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? She knew what she wanted and always went for it, but never forgot to help others along the way.     

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