Meet Arizona State’s MBA Class of 2018

Reghenae Simmons

Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: A visionary diplomat with fearless passion for altruism.

Hometown: Germantown, TN

Fun Fact About Yourself: With more than 15 years of experience in film production, I have a passion for creatively showcasing ideas through visual media. I have received two certificates in film production from Clayton State University and a film degree from George State University.

Undergraduate School and Major: Tennessee State University, Aeronautical and Industrial Engineering

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

• Lockheed Martin
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
• Tennessee Air National Guard
  • Senior Logistics Supervisor

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As an intern with NASA, I worked on a team to test different materials by determining the maximum stress they could withstand. I had to identify the best materials to be used by the U.S. Department of Defense in the manufacturing of combat zone vehicles and other equipment. I am especially proud of being selected for this experience since I didn’t attend one of the required colleges. I applied anyway, sent in my essays, and was chosen for the internship.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? The admission process is not only about GPAs and test scores. It is a holistic-approach taken to find people who are the best fit for the program. Be yourself during the application process. Don’t allow one or two factors to discourage you from applying for any program. Use the recommendations to display different aspects of your personality. I suggest that they are from those who have worked closely with you. Some suggestions include a direct manager or someone from an organization where you volunteer.

My advice for the admissions interview is to realize that you were chosen out of a large pool. That means the program is interested in you and now you must confirm their perception of who you are as a person. Relax and be yourself. Do not see the experience as a competition with everyone else who is interviewing. There were 12 people in my interviewing pool and 9 of us are currently in the program. Enjoy the experience and determine if the school is the right fit for you. Ask as many questions as you need during the interview to have a better perspective of the culture. An MBA program is a major investment. Make sure you’re ready for the commitment that’s involved to succeed.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? W. P. Carey has a culture that strives to create a sense of inclusiveness for students from all walks of life. Through regular cultural celebrations and opportunities to give back to the Phoenix community, W. P. Carey encourages the creation of strong bonds among its students. The flexibility of the program as well as the cultural fit convinced me that this was the right program for me.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? I have a diverse background ranging from film to engineering and now an MBA program. My dream job would allow me to bring a more strategic business approach to the independent film industry aimed at creatively expressing the right messages to the right audiences. This opportunity would allow me to infuse business analytics and creative expression to increase the profitability of independent film production and distribution. A position allowing me to utilize my varied interests would be my ideal job.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I want to be known as someone with a sense of humor who brought elements of entertainment to the study of business. I want to be remembered as a person who knew how to infuse fun into the learning process.

DON’T MISS: THE ENTIRE MEET THE CLASS OF 2018 SERIES