Meet Foster’s Class of 2017 MBAs

Vanessa Kritzer-UniversityOfWashington-PoetsAndQuants-Classof2017

Vanessa Kritzer

 

University of Washington, Michael G. Foster School of Business 

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Undergraduate School and Major (Include Graduate School if Relevant): Vassar College, Double Major: Latin American and Latino and Latina Studies and Political Science

Currently also pursuing a concurrent Master of Public Administration at the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Washington

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Current Jobs: Regent, University of Washington (Appointed by Governor Inslee to serve as the sole student member on the University of Washington’s Board of Regents.)

Board Member, Latin America Working Group

Previous Jobs:

Director of Digital Strategy, League of Conservation Voters

Communications Director/Senior Program Associate, Latin America Working Group

Canvass Director, Grassroots Campaigns, Inc.

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Think about test preparation in terms of return on investment. Find out if your target schools give scholarships for high test scores and determine if taking a class can help you get to that score threshold. If so, invest a little money on prep courses to save a lot more money on tuition. If you only need to strengthen your skills in one area, pay for individual tutoring sessions instead of taking a full class. You can spend about the same amount of money and get more individualized attention on the places you need the most help.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? Decide what you want from your educational experience. Look up each school’s research centers and faculty to see if their specialties align with your interests. Sit in on classes and talk with student ambassadors, who will be your best resource to learn about the school’s culture. Don’t just look at the rankings of schools, but think about all the factors that will help you attain your goals after graduation. One of the most important factors for me was the strength of a university’s connection with local businesses and the types of jobs that alumni were getting in that community. Since I am interested in leadership, I also considered the number of opportunities to get involved on campus.

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf?  Before you begin the process, ask yourself why you want this degree right now, what you will do with it, and what makes you a unique candidate. Come up with a clear narrative that inspires you and commit to it. You do not have to stick with this plan forever, but you do need to be focused to create a compelling application. Once you have this narrative, it will be so much easier to write essays, interview, and tell your recommenders what skills they should highlight.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I wanted to attend a university that would allow me to build the network and skills to become a leader in creating public-private partnerships in my home state. The Foster School was at the top of my list because it offers a rigorous academic program, has such strong connections with the booming Seattle business community, and has a student body that cares deeply about social impact. It also offered me the option to complete a dual MBA/MPA with the prestigious Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? I want to cultivate the knowledge and relationships to take my career to the next level and make an impact in my community. I would like to apply my coursework in leadership and business strategy to help strengthen the University of Washington during my term on the Board of Regents. I also hope to get involved in the groundbreaking programs at Foster’s Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship and Center for Leadership and Strategic Thinking.

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