2015 Best MBAs: Audrey Horn

Audrey Horn

University of Michigan, Ross School of Business

What is the biggest compliment you can earn in business school? Audrey Horn probably received it when Heather Byrne, the managing director of Ross’ MBA Program, touted that Horn “used her strengths to help others and to have an impact on the community.” High praise indeed for a servant-leader who served as the president of Michigan Business Women, was a student ambassador, and the vice president of corporate relations for the school’s Healthcare and Life Sciences Club.

Age: 28

Hometown: Tenafly, NJ

Undergraduate School: Washington and Lee University

Undergraduate Degree: BA in English

Where did you work before enrolling in business school? Avalere Health, Manager (Health Policy Consulting)

Where did you intern during the summer of 2014? Genentech, San Francisco

Where will you be working after graduation? Medtronic, International Relations, Washington, DC

“I knew I wanted to go to business school when…” as a consultant, I found myself sitting in more and more meetings with senior executives and realizing that they were approaching problems through a specific business lens. I wanted to speak their language and gain credibility.”

“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…working as a consultant in the health care space and regretting that I never took a risk to try something new.”

What are your long-term professional goals? To make a lasting, positive impact on the health care industry.

Favorite Courses: Healthcare in Emerging Markets, Leadership in Changing Times

Which academic or professional achievements are you most proud of? I was very proud of my performance during my summer internship at Genentech. I started with a very ambiguous strategy project and delivered practical recommendations to my team. At Ross, my club leadership roles have been incredibly rewarding. As VP of Corporate Relations, I raised the funds needed to put on our annual conference, and as Co-President of MBW I helped launched new initiatives and executed events that enhanced the women’s community.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents. My mom and dad instilled me with a hunger to learn and a desire to achieve. They have also demonstrated how to live your values.

Why did you choose this business school? The women’s community sold me on Ross. I attended Michigan Business Women’s annual Women in Leadership Conference as a prospective and I was so impressed by the programming, speakers, and students. It was clear that women come to Ross to lead, and that the school fosters such development of its female students.

What did you enjoy most about business school? Getting to know such a diverse and talented group of people. Prior to Ross, I was surrounded by people who shared similar interests and worked in a similar industry. My business school classmates – who represented different countries, cultures, and industries – were a breath of fresh air!

What is your most memorable moment from business school? Standing on stage and sharing my Ross story with hundreds of prospective students at this year’s accepted student’s weekend. I remembered being in their shoes and doubting whether I belonged among such a distinguished group of people. It was amazing to be on the other side and sharing my success and my passion with the incoming class.

Fun fact about yourself: I am half Czech and eat ice cream every day.

Favorite book: East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Favorite movie: Anything with Audrey Hepburn

Favorite musical performer: Guster

Favorite television show: Mad Men

Favorite vacation spot: Tel Aviv, Israel

What are your hobbies? Reading, running, and crossword puzzles

What made Audrey such an invaluable addition to the class of 2015?

“Audrey truly embodies the Ross spirit. She is smart, thoughtful, and committed to making an impact on the community. Her insights into herself and fortitude enabled her to take risks that had great rewards. Fear never held her back, and she stepped out of her comfort zone to accomplish great things including being on stage at Ross’ annual Follies show, leading Michigan Business Women, and raising sponsorship funds for the Healthcare and Life Sciences club. Our hope as educators is that students will be transformed through the Ross experience, and this is definitely the case for Audrey.”

– Heather Byrne, Managing Director, MBA Program