Meet The Rochester Simon MBA Class Of 2018

Gavin Galloway

Simon Business School, University of Rochester

Describe yourself in 15 words or less:  I am selfless by nature. I am happiest when I can do something good for others.

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Fun Fact About Yourself: In 2015, I globetrotted to five different countries within the year including Jamaica, France, Spain, Mexico and Colombia. 

Undergraduate School and Major: Temple University: B.A. in Strategic and Organizational Communications

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: The Conference Board: Manager, Council Development (2014-2016), Council Manager (2010-2014)

American Conference Institute: Delegate Sales Coordinator (2008-2010) 

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Getting my coworkers and clients from The Conference Board to support the annual holiday party and toy drive for C.O.O.L. Kids, a youth-based service organization I co-founded, with monetary and toy donations for underserved children in New York City. Their generosity each year has helped us bring joy to nearly 1,200 kids who may not have received gifts during the holiday season.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Start the process early! Give yourself enough time to take the GMAT/GRE more than once. The test will be one of your biggest hurdles in the process.

Gather a list of your target schools and begin reaching out to the admissions team, current students and alumni to learn more about each program. During those conversations, ask elaborate questions that will help you assess the school’s strengths as it relates to your needs.  From there, visit as many schools on your target list as possible. How you integrate (or don’t) within the culture will be a good indicator of what your experience might be.

Build a strong rapport with the admissions team. If the first time the admissions team at your target school hears your name is while reviewing your application, you haven’t done your due diligence. Try to have at least two people in the admissions selection process rooting for you.

Master your story. Everyone you encounter will want to know why you want to get your MBA.  The clearer you can articulate a compelling story and connect the dots for your friends and family, the easier it will be for you to write persuasive essays.

Don’t underestimate the importance of fit. You will be your best and add the most value at a program where you can be your authentic self. Rankings are important, but they don’t tell the whole story. Trust your gut. No program will be perfect, but there will be one that is perfect for you.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA?  I was looking for a small, diverse and collaborative program with an analytical approach in its teaching methodology and in an affordable area where I could be myself and take on various leadership positions. Simon checked all of those boxes. What really sold me on the program was personal touch and attention to detail that the admissions team displayed during my whole recruiting process. 

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream job is to lead strategy and business development for a music technology company that is innovative, meritocratic and prides itself on its societal impact. I would also love the opportunity to lead the company’s volunteer initiatives.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? Gavin was reliable, supportive, effective and fun. No matter the situation, we could reach out to him for advice or help and he would deliver.