Meet Boston College’s MBA Class of 2017

Kandace Francois 

Boston College, Carroll Graduate School of Management 

Hometown: Minocqua, Wisconsin

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Southern California, Economics and Statistics

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Consultant, Resolution Economics LLC

Analyst, Resolution Economics LLC

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Preparing takes much longer than expected. Be sure to carve out enough time to adequately prep for the exam. I found that taking full-length practice tests to be the most helpful in preparing me for the test, as the exam is not only about knowing the material, but also strategically knowing how to attack the exam.

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?  When applying to MBA programs, I first considered what factors I was looking for, including community, location, class size, and specializations. I also thought about what I wanted to achieve in these two short years. After doing an extensive amount of research, I narrowed my list of programs down to five schools. A solid application takes a long time to complete, so be sure to apply only to the schools where you can actually see yourself.

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?  Take the time to reflect on what makes you different and what you can contribute to the program. The essays are a chance to let your true personality shine. The admissions committee has already seen your resume, so use the essays as a way to let the committee learn something new about you and who you are as an individual outside of work and school.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I was initially drawn to BC’s MBA program due to its Business Analytics specialization.  Having majored in economics and statistics, I was looking for a program where I could build upon my knowledge of “big data” decision analysis and predictive modeling, while simultaneously learning essential marketing and management skills. After visiting BC, I realized the program’s small class sizes, where professors know you by name, would help me grow both personally and professionally.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? Upon entering the program, I was unclear of what my “dream job” is or in what work environment I would flourish.  While at BC, I am excited to challenge myself and to step outside my comfort zone, in an effort to discover my desired career path.  Therefore, I hope to walk off the graduation stage with a greater sense of self.