Meet Ohio State Fisher’s MBA Class Of 2021

Fredric Morgan

Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business

“Energetic, passionate, thought-driven leader with the distinctive ability to connect with people.”

Hometown: Dayton, OH

Fun Fact About Yourself: In 2017, I auditioned for the reality TV show, Big Brother.

Undergraduate School and Major: The Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Danone North America, Capital Expenditures Procurement Manager

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment thus far is investing in myself and making the move to business school!  Making the choice to leave to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue something new was a huge breakthrough for me!  Stepping away from the only career that I have ever known was huge for me – the biggest decision I have ever had to make – and the biggest accomplishment in my career so far!

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Collaborative. Everyone is willing to help out and support each other when needed. For example, there are classmates who are willing to lead study reviews during the CORE semester to help other students who might not be as familiar or comfortable with certain materials. This is one way that Fisher MBA students collaborate.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA, and why was it so important to you? The culture was a big component. The connection I made with the admissions team from the very beginning made me feel like Fisher was the place for me. The level of personal touch I received from the admissions team throughout the entire process was like no other school. My classmates that I met before the start of the semester was a key reason why I have been able to make such great friends!

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I look forward to continuing my role as the Reaching Out MBA Fellow. Getting to interact with other MBA students apart of the LGBTQ+ community is a one-of-a-kind experience. This is the first time I have been able to truly combine my professional and personal life in this unique way.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? “Tell me about the biggest challenge in your career this far.” Admitting that I needed to make a change professionally was one of the biggest challenges that I have ever faced. It was extremely hard leaving my previous position and making the change to come to grad school. I felt stagnant in my career, and it took me exploring the grad school opportunity to realize the improvements I could make on my own!

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I decided to pursue an MBA because I wanted to make a career change. I still want to find a way to become passionate again about the work that I was doing, as well as find a way to drive the business and continue to lead. Getting my MBA has allowed me to tap into the creative mindset that I’ve been looking for. I am leading projects in and outside the classroom that leave me feeling energized and motivated.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? University of Chicago – Booth

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I asked myself the same set of questions. Did I see myself in this particular environment for two years with these people? The Red-Carpet event that Ohio State host every year for admitted students solidified this sentiment for me. I felt at home with the people that I met. The people and the culture for me are two big components that helped me determine my place in the end.

What was your defining moment, and how did it shape who you are? Accepting the Reaching Out MBA Fellowship allowed me to finally combine the professional and personal in a very unique way, which has allowed me to reach other goals in my life that I have been trying to meet for a long time. I get to step into this new chapter of my life with the support of an organization that does so much for the LGBTQ+ community. This organization made me see that I could be my authentic self in every part of my life. This was a defining moment for me.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Professionally, I see myself leading a team and setting a vision that helps shape, transform, or drive a business. Personally, I see myself having or working towards having a partner and a family!  I want to have it all!

Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.