Tanique Philogene

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

“A leader working in the service of others – through hard work, positivity, and empowerment.”

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

Fun Fact About Yourself: I consider myself a wine enthusiast and an aspiring connoisseur and have collected over 500 corks in my quest!

Undergraduate School and Major: Loyola University of Maryland; Finance major and Information Systems minor

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Morgan Stanley; Client Services Operations Associate

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? Many know Notre Dame for its football talent, fans, and traditions. While that is a large aspect of its well-known reputation, there is so much more to it. Notre Dame is made up of a dedicated and devoted community – even outside of football. Before starting in the Fall, I had heard a myriad of stories regarding the amazing alumni network, the passionate professors, the committed academic staff, and the camaraderie amongst cohorts. Since being here, I can honestly say that all of it has held true.

In the wake of the COVID pandemic, I have been blessed with the opportunity to be in person for classes and school events: something that can surely no longer be taken for granted across the globe. Interacting with my peers, professors, and Mendoza staff has only illuminated the truth behind the words shared before starting this program. Notre Dame alumni are more than happy to speak about their experiences and give advice to current students. Mendoza staff has gone above and beyond to create a wonderful program for the professors to teach (to quote Professor Mike Meyer) “as if every day is the best day of their lives.” I am beyond ecstatic to have joined such a passionate community.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? There is a stigma attached to the business industry – one that is tied to ruthlessness, a singular desire to make money, and general greed. As a person who consistently works against this stereotype, it was more than refreshing to find a business school with a motto such a Mendoza’s “Grow the Good in Business.” That mission was the main draw to attend Notre Dame. I wanted to join the crusade to create a new understanding of what many think of as the “business world.” I believe that there is so much good that can be accomplished via the many businesses that populate the globe. I believe it is possible to employ our creative potential in such a way that brings value to both shareholders and the global communities we serve. At Mendoza, it is made clear in each and every class that our goal is to become the catalyst for good in our respective industries through integrity, kindness, honesty, and hard work. The accompanying phrase – Tender, Strong, and True – is also ingrained into our curriculum. These words act as a guide for how each student should live and work while attending and after graduating from Notre Dame.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? One of the first clubs I joined when starting at Notre Dame was the Mendoza Professional Services (MPS) Club. The organization works with small businesses around the South Bend area to provide a variety of advisory and consulting services. I’ve loved my time in club so far. Not only have I gained hands-on experience with real businesses and solving business problems, but it has also allowed me to build a connection with the greater Notre Dame and South Bend community. It is so easy for us as students to remain in our own comfortable bubble, but I imagined a better alternative. My attraction to MPS was the opportunity to use my skills to serve the greater community around me – outside of my own bubble and outside of campus.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career was leading efficiency improvement projects during my time at Morgan Stanley. While working as an Operations Client Services Associate, I had the opportunity to manage a few different projects with the ultimate goal of increasing productivity as well as positivity across the client services teams.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? I was recently elected as one of my class’ first-year representatives to serve on our MBA Association – a feat I consider an accomplishment simply because I am more than excited to serve my fellow classmates. So far, as a representative, I have taken the time to listen to my cohort and take in their comments, concerns, and questions in order to create a better program for my class and future Mendoza students. I am looking forward to accomplishing that goal throughout the rest of this school year and beyond.

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? My passion is to bring innovation, efficiency and effectiveness to business models and practices that are burdened by outdated or outmoded notions or infrastructure.  I would like to one day be in a position where I can apply my analytical and planning skills to create positive and beneficial changes to businesses and perhaps the world. Mendoza’s mission to “Grow the good in business” is a catalyst for initiating constructive change to how business is done. I believe that my mission is tied to that understanding. Change is the only constant in life. While that may inspire fear in some, I, for one, believe if one embraces that truth, then one can proactively position oneself to harness different perspectives, knowledge, and skills and direct the kind of change that can truly make a positive difference for both businesses and the world.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Mendoza MBA program? My advice to future applicants is simple: consider what you have done to try and improve not only yourself but also the world around you. Mendoza is looking for bright people who wish to make a positive impact on the world. I advise you to highlight how you have evolved, or made an impact in your career. Remember that an act as simple as mentoring a colleague, leading a project, or serving your community can have a great impact.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2023