Meet The UT-Austin’s McCombs Class of 2017

Melanie Hendrick

University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business

Hometown: North Kingstown, RI

Undergraduate School and Major (Include Graduate School if Relevant): American University, International Studies

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Booz Allen Hamilton, Program Analyst, Consultant, Senior Consultant, Associate

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE?  Write down the reasons for your errors on practice problems. Categorize these reasons to identify error patterns and correct them before they count.

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? Be thorough up front. While you may not need a spreadsheet of weighted criteria, you will need a process to ensure that you are applying for the right reasons and not overlooking potentially good fits. A last minute decision to submit an additional application can create big headaches during a busy time.

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? Be prepared and be open. Know your target programs intimately and use that knowledge in your essays and interview. Prepare your recommenders to write strong letters by arming them with user-friendly information. Open yourself up to resume and essay feedback from family, friends, and colleagues. When appropriate, open yourself up to admissions offices, too. Making a positive impression at recruiting events or through thoughtful email exchanges can set you apart from the crowd before you even apply.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I applied to McCombs because of its strong alumni network, tech-centric location, and “front loaded” program structure. Completing my core classes first semester will benefit me as a career switcher by exposing me a variety of fields early in my program. Above all, McCombs just felt right.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? I want to become skilled in at least 10 things that frighten me professionally. Designing supply chains, developing financial models, and perfecting the case interview are topping that list today. Fortunately for me, the collegial atmosphere at McCombs makes it easy to take on new challenges without an intense fear of failing.