2017 MBAs To Watch: Andrew Fallon, Michigan State (Broad)

Andrew Fallon

Michigan State University, Broad College of Business

“I’m a family man, who is passionate about business and has an intellectual curiosity.”

Hometown: Dover, NH

Fun fact about yourself: I’ve broken 7 bones, some multiple times and most while playing sports.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor of Science in Economics

Where did you work before enrolling in business school? Nature’s Bounty, S&OP Program Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2016? A.T. Kearney, Chicago, IL

Where will you be working after graduation? A.T. Kearney, Chicago, IL

  • Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School
  • President of Broad Consulting Club
  • Founder of Broad MBA Entrepreneurship Association
  • Volunteer Habitat for Humanity
  • Eli Broad College of Business-Tuition Fellowship
  • MBA 817 Peer Coach

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Starting a student organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and integrating with other resources throughout the University. This organization will provide students with great opportunities and builds on the innovative culture of the program.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career?  Leading a Supply Chain Transformation program that included process redesigns, cross-functional change management, and technology implementation. I worked with a great team, had great exposure, and developed valuable relationships.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? If I had to choose one, it would be Dr. Hollenbeck. One of our first professors, Dr. Hollenbeck set the tone early and established leadership and teamwork as the foundation for us to build on throughout the program.

What was your favorite MBA Course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it? Value Chain Analytics was my favorite MBA course. Solving business problems creatively through applications of diverse concepts. Every business can benefit from the techniques learned.

Why did you choose this business school? I wanted a holistic view of business and the opportunity to increase the depth of my Supply Chain Management knowledge. Broad was the perfect place to accomplish both.

What did you enjoy most about business school in general? The friendships you develop and the network you build.

What was the most surprising thing about business school for you?How great an experience stepping away from working and immersing myself into my studies turned out to be. Learning experiences achieved throughout business school are invaluable.

What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into your school’s MBA program?  The strength of this program is the candidates themselves and the collaborative culture. Focus on your leadership experience to stand out.

What is the biggest myth about your school? That MSU is just a Supply Chain school. Even as a Supply Chain professional, I see there is much more that contributes to the MBA experience at Broad. There are amazing professors in every field of study, and I’m graduating here a better business-minded professional because of the entire program.

What was your biggest regret in business school? Not going on Study Abroad. Hearing the stories about the travel and the networking was difficult. I know I missed out on an amazing experience.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Kevin Hill. He’s smart, poise, and driven. Surrounding myself with people like him have helped my professional development.

I knew I wanted to go to business school when…I began interacting with our consultant partners. Consulting seemed like a great career choice, given the exposure to various functions of business across multiple industry verticals. Business school was the right path to get there.”

If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…a program manager and would always regret that decision.”

If you were a dean for a day, what one thing would you change about the MBA experience? Mandatory consultative work for a local business or non-profit.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? Start a company dedicated to helping small businesses operate as efficiently and competitively as possible in their respective markets.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My wife, completely. She’s been very supportive and I always value her advice.

In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you? Most likely to succeed, and help others do the same.

Favorite book: To Kill a Mocking Bird

Favorite movie or television show: House of Cards

Favorite vacation spot: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Hobbies? Reading and spending time with my son.

What made Andrew such an invaluable addition to the class of 2017?

“Andrew is the living embodiment of the consulting professional. In a very short time, he has expanded our student consulting training initiatives over 200%. Although he would never say so publicly, he is directly responsible for some of his colleagues securing choice consulting job offers, due largely to his coaching and training. He has been a case competition finalist more than once. At present, he is working with the MBA program office to develop a case competition primer and training materials for the benefit of all MBA students.  To take on this task so close to graduation speaks to his character and willingness to help others. Truly a wonderful team player.

As a leader, Andrew shines even brighter. Through force of will and an exceptional plan, he has created the first-ever MBA entrepreneurship club, which has already become one of the best organized student clubs in the entire program. His leadership in the Broad Consulting Club, our second-largest group, has seen that group develop student-led training programs in case interviewing, mock project management, and other excellent offerings. Andrew balances his exceptional academic and professional skill set with great interpersonal skills, making him a pleasure to work with. The MBA program is very proud of nominating Andrew to the Top 100, and is very excited for his future!”

Wayne Hutchison

Director, MBA – Academic and Program Services

 

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: THE STORIES OF 100 EXTRAORDINARY GRADUATES FROM THE CLASS OF 2017