Meet Vanderbilt’s Owen MBA Class of 2017

Ellison Glenn

Ellison Glenn

Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Undergraduate School and Major: The Citadel, B.S. in Psychology

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works – On-Premise Account Manager

Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated – Management Trainee

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? One of the most helpful tips that I received while preparing to take the GMAT was to develop an understanding for how the GMAT works as an adaptive test. There are great strategies available online and in GMAT prep workbooks that will guide you in best practices. My confidence improved as I learned how to approach certain questions and how to most efficiently manage time during the exam. On average, I tried to spend at least 3 hours a day preparing for the GMAT.

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 value in a MBA program and select programs that match those principles. As I determined what size class, teaching style, and culture that I preferred, Owen quickly rose to the top of the list. Instead of purely focusing on “big names” and high rankings, seek schools that match your personal preferences well. I think it is important to invest in a program that will complement your personality and challenge your weaknesses as you pursue your goals.

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?  Reflect on your career and practice selling your story. Where have you been and where are you going? It is important to not only present your track record of success, but also to establish how the MBA program ties directly into your career, strengthens you as a business person, and propels your career forward.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? The culture at Vanderbilt was the most appealing aspect. I respect the desire to create a collaborative learning environment. The location and reputation were also significant factors.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? I want to strengthen my weaknesses and grow, daily. I would love to help people around me reach their full potential as well.