2021 CentreCourt MBA Alumni: Lexie Cegelski, University of Florida

Lexie Cegelski

MBA Program: University of Florida MBA

Class: 2016

Current Location: St. Louis, MO

Current Company and Title: Senior Procurement Director, Anheuser-Busch

Why did you choose to earn your MBA at this business school? The ROI was unmatched. Not only does UF offers a very low cost full time MBA, but the boutique career services program spends so much 1:1 time with each student to prepare them for any MBA career across a variety of industries. This is only possible with the smaller class sizes that turn your cohort into your family. Overall, UF sets students up for success to get the maximum value out of their career after the program without a need to spend much up front.

Pretend you are an ambassador giving a tour at your business school. Name one place you would show a candidate and why was it so important to you?  Being a part of the UF MBA community is not only the business school hall, but also a part of the entire University of Florida community. I’d walk someone straight into to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and show them how your small class size at UF MBA has the backing of a massive university with top tier status across several degree fields and 90,000+ people cheering on their football team live on Saturdays in the fall. You don’t have to sacrifice a large alumni pool for small, boutique class sizes – the Gator Nation is truly everywhere.

What was your favorite class and what lesson do you use from it in your role? Now that I’m a Procurement professional, I frequently remember our negotiations class. Role playing in class and learning negotiation tactics was a great foundation for my current career choice.

What was your best memory during your MBA program? My favorite memories during UF MBA were participating in case competitions externally. Working with a group of my peers with diverse skills sets to take home titles (and $$) on behalf of UF prepared me the most for my career at Anheuser-Busch, and truly teaches you the value of team work more than any group project did in a structured class.

What is one thing about the MBA program that you wish you had known when you applied? I had no idea that my MBA class would turn into my family. In comparison to bigger programs, I realized it was rare to know everyone in the full-time program by name. Because the class sizes were small, no matter someone’s differences in career goals and hobbies, we quickly got to know each other. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world

What has been your biggest professional achievement? I have the privilege to work in sustainability projects daily that help Anheuser-Busch change the world, with an amazing team. My proudest achievement recently is transitioning my small team to a successful virtual environment during COVID, where despite the odds and changing market conditions, we were able to achieve 100% of our goals set in January of 2020. If they don’t succeed, I can’t succeed!

What advice would you give to a prospective student to help them earn a spot in your business school? Be yourself, be motivated. Stretch yourself out of your comfort zone on a project if you feel like your resume needs some work. Start thinking about where you want to be after your MBA – and be transparent about what you know you want and what you don’t know you want. It isn’t just about what a business school can do for you, but it’s also about what you’re going to bring to that school, and how you’re going to go after your dreams.

To reserve your free spot in P&Q’s CentreCourt MBA Festival from February 23-24, click here.

DON’T MISS: Meet The 2021 CentreCourt Distinguished MBA Alumni

 

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