2015 MBA To Watch: Patricia Weiss

Patricia Weiss

Patricia Weiss

 

Michigan State University, Broad College of Business

Patricia Weiss bleeds Spartan green. An animal science major as an undergrad in East Lansing, Weiss transitioned over to consulting as an MBA. At the Broad College of Business, she served as president and CEO of Spartan Consulting, where Broad students provide expertise to businesses in a wide range of areas such as strategy, marketing, information technology, finance, supply chains, and human resources. In addition, she published her first academic paper – as a student no less – in the Journal of Water and Health. After interning at Chrysler, she will work as a senior consultant for Ernst & Young after graduation.

Age: 24

Hometown: Graz, Austria

Undergraduate School: Michigan State University

Undergraduate Degree: Animal Science, Pre-Vet Med

Where did you work before enrolling in business school? The Water Quality and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory

Where did you intern during the summer of 2014? Chrysler, Auburn Hills

Where will you be working after graduation? Ernst & Young, Senior Consultant

“I knew I wanted to go to business school when…I realized the impact that I could have on public health and the influence I could have in organizations.”

“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…in vet school up to my eyeballs in debt and unhappy.”

What are your long-term professional goals? Either become partner at a consulting firm or running my own niche consulting firm in the healthcare/life science industries.

Favorite Courses: Negotiations, Business Ethics, Supply Chain Simulation

Which academic or professional achievements are you most proud of? I am proud of being the primary author and publishing research I conducted in the rainforest in Nicaragua on water quality. I am also proud of leading an all MBA-run consulting firm alongside completing my MBA. Also, during the Dale Carnegie course, I received the human relations award.

Who would you most want to thank for your success (and why)? My parents—they helped funnel all of my energy into positive constructive activities such as school and studying. Without their love and support, I never would have made it this far. My dad advocated that I join an MBA program. Without him, his support, and many nights discussing this option, I may not have chosen this path in life.

Why did you choose this business school? The culture and I love being a Spartan. The community within the Broad MBA program is priceless. It is a unique environment where we can all hang out outside of the program and still be colleagues and conduct ourselves in a professional manner in school.

What did you enjoy most about business school? [It was] the camaraderie and relationships that were formed. Without great teammates with a good sense of humor, it would have been a long two years! I also enjoyed the fact that we could be friends outside of the program but during class we would challenge each other.

What is your most memorable moment from business school? The entire study abroad experience is full of memorable moments. If I had to choose one moment it would be karaoke on the bus! It was a ton of fun watching everyone sing and dance.

Fun fact about yourself: I am from Austria—fluent in German and ok with Spanish. I have a Godson in Nicaragua.

Favorite movie: Dinner for Shmucks

Favorite musical performer: Nora Jones

Favorite television show: How I Met Your Mother

What are your hobbies? Rock climbing, cycling, soccer, gym, hiking, playing with my dog, hanging out with friends.

What made Patricia such an invaluable addition to the class of 2015?

There are so many reasons that Patricia is invaluable:

  • She was the first author of a published paper in the Journal of Water and Health, 2015 during her time at the Broad College.
  • Responsive to many requests and inquiries pro bono from local start-up business entrepreneurs to provide guidance and reference to them.
  • Is currently completing a research paper under the Eli Broad Chaired University Professor of Business who is also the Co-Director Center for Business and Social Analytics.
  • A fantastic MBA success story- From a B.S. in Animal Science-Pre-Vet Honors College, to A Master of Public Health-Microbial Risk Assessment, and Fellowship Award, to a President position with the Broad MBA Spartan Consulting Inc. (a student run, fee-based consulting firm), followed by an internship at Chrysler and a permanent employment offer as a Senior Consultant at EY, Chicago; Patricia’s growth in business and management career is meteoric. Her personal growth is also parallel to her MBA business-skill development in training and leadership at Broad.

– Cheri DeClercq, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for MBA Programs, Acting Director of Marketing & Communications

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH FROM THE CLASS OF 2015