Meet the MBA Class of 2026: Daniel Hancock, Cornell University (Johnson) by: Jeff Schmitt on December 05, 2024 | 120 Views December 5, 2024 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Daniel Hancock Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business “I am a selfless, motivated, team-oriented leader who finds purpose through my faith in Christ.” Hometown: Frisco, Texas Fun Fact About Yourself: My wife and I lived in North Pole, Alaska, for two years while I was serving in the military. Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy, economics Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S. Army, logistics officer Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Cornell’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Every school seemed to have various concentrations that help guide your business school experience. However, the immersion programs Johnson offers provide a unique exposure and a strong support system with a well-rounded faculty and diverse student population. I also found out during my interview that the consulting immersion program had only recently been established, which got me excited to be a part of something new and help establish a strong foundation for future MBA students interested in consulting. What excites you the most about living in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region? My wife and I were stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, for three years and loved it. We are excited to get back to a small, tight-knit community with beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. What course, club or activity excites you the most at Cornell? This might be an easy button answer as a transitioning army officer, but I am most excited about getting involved in the Association of Veterans. Making the move from the military to the business world is difficult, so having that support system established with other veterans in the Johnson community will make the transition much easier and more enjoyable for myself and my family. Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Johnson was the right program for you? Why? Honestly, it was probably the interview. I was extremely candid in my interview. I explained my reasoning as to “Why MBA?” and what my intended path was, but I noted that I really was unsure given I had no business background and was not confident it would be the best path for me. Rather than write me off as someone who had little sense of direction, my interviewer proceeded to give me alternative career options to research and connected me with military veterans who were second-year students in the program. I had not even been accepted yet, and the students at Johnson were still willing to devote their time to me and give advice. This highlighted the culture and selflessness I was looking for in a program. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Successfully leading soldiers in the Army and having a positive impact on their professional and personal lives. I have been entrusted with several opportunities to lead soldiers at different echelons. Getting to work alongside them with a common goal has been the highlight of my career as a leader in the Army. Empowering those I lead to succeed and seeing their success directly enable the unit’s success made my career in the Army so fulfilling. Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Building lifelong friendships, growing as a leader in business, and developing more confidence in my abilities as I fully transition from the military into the business world. What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Cornell’s MBA program? Don’t ever count yourself out. Put your best foot forward and give it your all in your application — you never know what can happen. Cornell certainly takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications and making decisions. I am a prime example of that. Also, make sure Johnson is right for you and your endeavors. Talk to current students and alumni, research the program, and visit the campus if you can. DON’T MISS: MEET CORNELL JOHNSON’S MBA CLASS OF 2026