Meet Warrington’s MBA Class of 2017

Jason Stuber

University of Florida, Warrington College of Business

Hometown: Goose Creek, South Carolina

Undergraduate School and Major:

Clemson University, B.S., Political Science

University of Georgia School of Law, J.D.

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Royal – Will Law Firms, Associate Attorney

Troutman Sanders eMerge, Discovery Staff Attorney

Where will you be interning this summer? KPMG

What led you to choose the University of Florida for your full-time MBA?

There were a number of reasons that led me to choose the University of Florida. After my experiences with law school and practicing law, I was looking for a smaller program where I would not just be another student, a place where career services was of the utmost importance, and a plethora of opportunities could be seized at a reasonable price. University of Florida met those requirements in spades. From day one, I have had a direct line to our career counselors and the help I have received in finding my internship has been nothing short of amazing. Furthermore, the size of the cohorts and program in general lends itself to a congenial atmosphere where students are actively engaged in helping each other succeed.  To top it all off, the scholarship offer was fantastic, ensuring that the opportunity cost of my MBA is markedly lower than other institutions.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the program so far?

Aside from receiving my internship offer, I would say my biggest accomplishment thus far has been the confidence I have achieved in networking and telling my story. Coming from a non-traditional background, I was not always certain how my skills translated to the positions I was seeking.  Through a combination of coursework, career services, and networking events here at UF, I have developed my story around my strengths and my interview and networking skills have improved dramatically.

What advice do you have for applicants in applying to a school, taking the GMAT, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf?

With regards to applying to schools, decide what your priorities are before you apply. Once you have ranked your priorities, do your research to determine if a school meets them: visit the school, talk to students, and sit down with career services.  You do not want to spend two years of your life in a place you don’t like, with people you don’t get along with, hurdling toward a career you don’t want.

As far as taking the GMAT, learn the tricks to save time! I love math. While studying for the GMAT, I found myself taking the long way around more often than not and my practice test scores suffered as a result. I devoted some time to learning the “shortcuts” and my math score drastically improved.

For your essays and interviews, be honest and tell your story. If you’re not honest, you may find yourself in a school that doesn’t actually fit your priorities. Tell the story of who you are; how your experiences have led you down this path; and where you intend to go. If you nail down that story, you’ll have a much better chance of finding the school that fits.  The same concept goes with finding recommenders: find those who have played a part in your story’s development and understand your reasons for getting your MBA. It helps if they have also earned an MBA; they will be able to tell how your skills translate.

What advice do you for students to help them thrive their first year of business school?

Make the most of your time while you’re in business school; it goes by very quickly. Get involved at your school: join clubs, partake in social events, and network. But don’t forget to take time for yourself now and then, too.  There is always something going on while in business school and burnout is a real thing. Strike a balance.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate?

Coming from a legal background, I am looking forward to solidifying my transition from legal strategy to business strategy.  I want to maximize my time spent here at UF, learning everything I can and making valuable connections with my peers.