Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Jacqueline Herrick, Notre Dame (Mendoza)

Jacqueline (Jackie) Herrick          

Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame

“An artist at heart, with a passion for finding the beauty in anything.”

Hometown: Herndon, Virginia

Fun Fact About Yourself: I competed in Tae Kwon Do for five years and boxed in NYC for two years.

Undergraduate School and Major: James Madison University, Hospitality Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Murray Hill Place, Manager

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? When I think of Notre Dame, I think of community. Just like anything in life, you can’t do an MBA on your own. I have felt even more support in the Mendoza program than I could have imagined, especially from my learning team and other colleagues who are always extending a helping hand. I’ve learned how much building community depends not only on you, but the intentionality of all who are a part of it. Notre Dame takes this seriously, and their commitment to community is palpable in how the program is designed. My impression of “community” has been redefined by my experience in Mendoza, and it is top of mind in the kind of culture that I want to contribute to in future organizations.

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? The strength of the Finance department stood out to me. I was looking for a high-caliber program that would equip me particularly with the financial acumen I need to be successful as a leader, and it encouraged me to see so many top experts in the faculty.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? The Notre Dame Real Estate Club has been by far my favorite club. Not only has the leadership team prioritized experiential learning with the support of our faculty advisor, but they are also extremely passionate about the field and fun to work with. I was fortunate to join the team for the National Real Estate Competition at UT Austin, where we received an Honorable Mention and placed in the top eight among some of the best business schools in the country. I learned so much from this experience and it complimented my coursework in many ways.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: At 23 years old, with one year of full-time experience, I became a General Manager where I gained the experience of what was like running a small business. I am most proud of supporting the tremendous growth of individuals within my organization. While it is harder to quantify at times, I believe people development is one of the most valuable contributions a leader can make.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? While I came into the MBA with a non-traditional background, I was successful in securing a corporate finance internship before the start of Fall break. This proved that it is possible to pivot into a new industry with hard work, dedication, and a strong network. It is rewarding to find an organization that values my unique perspectives and believes in the impact I can make.

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? Growing the good in business starts with growing the good in yourself. Mendoza has helped me not only reflect on the kind of leader I seek to become, but also to grow in those qualities: concern for people, strength to guide with competence, and a love for the truth. Ultimately, my mission is to humanize the way we do business, and I see a lot of hope for this here at Mendoza.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? The neon green stadium and energy of the Ohio State football game was unforgettable. I had my fair share of touchdown push-ups, lifted up above the crowds, and experienced school spirit at its peak. Even though the last one-minute battle of the game was lost, I was still proud to be a Fighting Irish.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2025