Olivia Espinoza

Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management

“I am a creative problem-solver with a passion for people.”

Hometown: Bakersfield, CA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a classically trained pianist.

Undergraduate School and Major: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Deloitte Consulting, LLP

What has been your favorite part of Nashville so far? Why? I can’t decide. It has been nothing but good things too many to choose from.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Owen allowed me the flexibility to truly make my MBA experience exactly what I want it to be. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their own education and empowered to learn in such a way that serves their own unique goals. The Owen culture really contributes to a “competitive, not cutthroat” community.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Vanderbilt Owen? I’ve enjoyed my marketing courses the most. I love the discussions we have around consumer psychology and the creative solutions that capitalize on consumer behaviors.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I was leading a digital transformation project that endured a fair amount of setbacks. It was incredibly rewarding when the website went live!

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? This is a very small win, but one of my papers was shared with the rest of my class as an example of good work. Minor, but validating!

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? I recommend For the Love of Work podcast – it provides insightful discussion on how to make the workplace better for everyone.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA program? I think it is very important to know why you want to go to business school and what you are aiming to get out of it. Be able to articulate your goals and what you will do to achieve them.

DON’T MISS: MEET VANDERBILT OWEN’S MBA CLASS OF 2024