David Pham

Texas A&M University, Mays Business School

“A spontaneous and adventurous soul driven by a passion to impact the world profoundly.”

Hometown: Arlington, TX

Fun Fact About Yourself: I competed at the Division 1 level for bowling.

Undergraduate School and Major: Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Lockheed Martin, Design & Product Engineer

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of the Mays MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I was attracted to the Texas A&M Full-Time MBA program because of how Mays Business School and the alumni embody the university’s Core Values, particularly Selfless Service. Texas A&M University’s purpose is bigger than just the university. The school is committed to working and helping others to have a positive impact, without expectation of recognition or reward. The engagement with the community service projects and collaboration with organizations dedicated to social impact are integral to the Mays MBA experience.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Texas A&M Mays? My favorite course has been Business Analytics, also known as the “Shetty Express” at Mays Business School. Coming from an engineering background, this course has played a pivotal role in providing a comprehensive understanding of qualitive research methods and their application in business contexts. The rigorous curriculum, combined with Dr. Shetty’s dynamic teaching style, has helped bridge the gap between my technical background and broadened my perspective.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that Mays was the right graduate program for you? Why? I realized that Mays Business School was the graduate program I wanted to enroll in during an MBA Welcome Weekend, which included insightful sessions, engaging activities, and opportunities to interact with the faculty and staff. I was very fond of the faculty’s dedication and devotion to course material and every student’s success. It was evident that the professors are deeply invested in their student’s development, going above and beyond to help foster an educational and personal growth environment.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The highlight of my career thus far has been traveling to different Title 1 schools and connecting with young students. I’ve had the opportunity to introduce the youth to S.T.E.M. concepts through hands-on interactive science experiments. Their enthusiasm for engineering ignites my passion and reinforces my belief of the importance of making a positive impact and giving back to our communities.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? My unique quality would have to be my vibrant energy for uplifting those around me. The MBA curriculum can be incredibly rigorous, and the intense focus on academics can sometimes be draining. That’s where my energy and positivity come in. I aim to be a source of encouragement and resilience, helping my classmates stay motivated and balanced even during the most demanding times. By creating a supportive atmosphere, I believe we can navigate the challenges together, making our MBA journey not only successful but also enjoyable and enriching.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? I define a successful MBA experience by the strength and quality of the network I built. Forming meaningful relationships with my classmates, professors, alumni, and professionals who can offer guidance, support, and mentorship long after my academic career at Texas A&M Mays Business School.