By Lacie Blankenship
On January 28 and February 5, prospective students virtually participated in Discover Vanderbilt Business, a 2-part glimpse into the Vanderbilt MBA program.
The first segment, Women of Owen, is part of the diversity and inclusion component of Discover Vanderbilt Business. Attendees networked with women from the Vanderbilt Business faculty, alumnae, and the Owen Women’s Business Association (WBA).
With a jam-packed agenda, the programming lasted 3 hours and gave attendees the chance to learn more about the MBA program, participate in a mock class, and hear from current students and alumnae about life as a woman in the Vanderbilt MBA program and in post-MBA careers.
Attendees were welcomed by Mckenzie Mulligan, Assistant Director of Recruiting and Admissions, and Liza Moskowitz (MBA’22), WBA President. The keynote address, Alumnae of Owen: Stories of Resilience, was moderated by Amanda Fend (MBA’09), Director of MBA Recruiting, and featured Jamie Ikerd (MBA’15), Shandra Scott (MBA’14), and Mourya Ravuri (MBA’17).
Rachel Scott (MBA’22) led a session with faculty members Gabrielle Lopiano, Brianna Escoe, and Jamie Leddin. Kimberly Pace taught the mock class, and Sue Oldham (MBA’93), Associate Dean of MBA Operations, gave the closing remarks.
“The WBA and the Owen community are working simultaneously to grow female representation at Vanderbilt and value the outstanding women who are already here,” says Moskowitz. “I hope that prospective students walked away from Discover Vanderbilt Business with an understanding that the WBA is incredibly active and is constantly striving to strengthen the community of women at Owen.”
The second part, Life at Owen, had an equally engaging schedule and gave a sneak peek into what potential students can expect of the Vanderbilt MBA student experience through networking opportunities, another mock class, and a session led by the Career Management Center (CMC).
Life at Owen attendees were welcomed by Oldham and Fend before Professor Erik Olson spoke on what to expect out of MBA classes. Alex Borowski (MBA’18), CMC Coach Associate Director, and Courtney Fain, Associate Director of MBA Coaching and Advising, and CMC Coach Associate Director, explained the CMC, their roles, and the services they offer to Owen students.
First-year students Rinji Kassem (MBA’23), Sharmila Bhide (MBA’23), Kyle Erdman (MBA’23, GPED’23), Ashley Detherage (BA’17, MBA’23), Ba’Carri Johnson (MBA’23) spoke on their experience with the internship search process and the final session of the day was a candid conversation about student life at Owen and life in Nashville. Dean Eric Johnson concluded Life at Owen with answers to pre-submitted questions and closing remarks.
“Both segments of Discover Vanderbilt Business (Women of Owen and Life at Owen) are a great opportunity for prospective students to learn about the program and connect with our community,” says Mulligan.
There are multiple opportunities for prospective students to participate in virtual visits and learn more about Vanderbilt. To learn more, click here.
