Meet Notre Dame Mendoza’s MBA Class of 2019

Hayden Davis

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I think data analysis is more exciting than you probably do.

Hometown: Stevensville, Michigan

Fun Fact About Yourself: I might be the only person researching both Migos and machine learning at the same time.

Undergraduate School and Major: Hope College – BA Computer Science, Economics, and Management

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Co-founder of Nomadtech, LLC

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment was successfully starting my own software consultancy right out of undergrad. While traditional career advice says to get some experience before trying to start a business, I felt there would be no better experience than one where you have to figure out everything yourself. My time in the software consulting world taught me things such as how to sell services with no brand name behind me and that is something I believe will serve me through the rest of my career.

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants? My advice is to take every opportunity to show who you are during the admissions process. Whether it be through your essays or interview, opening up about what really motivates you and what in your past made you who you are is the best way to differentiate yourself from your peers. Also, only submit your essays when you’ve read them and are impressed with your own story.  If you didn’t convince yourself you’re ready for business school, you won’t convince the admissions team.

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? For me, the focus on ethical decision making is something that compelled me to apply and then accept a spot at Mendoza. All schools of this caliber have great networks and resources to get you started on the career path you wish to go down, but few focus on teaching the ethics that you’ll need ten years down the road. One thing I know coming from a software development background is that the real world is not a one or a zero, and I think learning about how to make decisions in the grey area in between is what will distinguish a person in their field.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school? First, I want to learn as much as I can about all the obscure business and finance topics I didn’t get a chance to in undergrad. Second, I want to land a product management or M&A internship with a technology company to get my career going in the right direction. Third, I want to start something on campus and leave Notre Dame better than I found it.

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