Stella Seeger, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025
Stella Seeger, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025Age: 27
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Florida, Public Health and Psychology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Project Manager at Southern HIV & Alcohol Research Consortium (SHARC), healthcare/nonprofit, 5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The MBA was in the back of my mind for a few years before I went through the application process. I was at the stage in my career where I had reached a ceiling in upward mobility, and I was eager to explore other careers, but I lacked the business acumen to do so. I had lived in the same city for ten years, and I was ready to be somewhere new geographically. I have a lifelong love of learning and felt a push to go back to school, but I wanted to pursue a subject that would help me find a career path – and the MBA checked all the above boxes.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
What set McCombs apart for me was the camaraderie of the student body, the exciting business and recreational activities in Austin, and the well-established network that McCombs has with a wide range of companies, both nationally and globally. I was living in a college town, and I wanted to be in a bigger city, but not somewhere so large that it would take a few hours to get anywhere. Some schools have a deep focus on certain industries, like consulting, and as a career explorer, I wanted to be somewhere that had a more balanced range of career opportunities.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Texas McCombs School of Business Class of 2025?
I have a unique background researching marijuana use among people living with HIV. I studied a highly stigmatized disease that disproportionally affects marginalized populations, and it has provided me with a unique perspective on the interaction between poverty, substance use, and access to healthcare. There aren’t many substance use epidemiologists here, and I love sharing my story with anyone who will listen!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love games of all kinds, from video to tabletop. My favorite is called Nier: Replicant. It made me rethink what it means to be human, and how we treat those we perceive as different from us.
Post-MBA career interests:
I would like to work in the technology sector in operations or product management. If I can find the right fit, I would love to work for a video game company.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Even though it was grueling at times, in hindsight, the GMAT was the most rewarding part of the process. I had been out of school for a few years, and it felt good to be working towards something. The sentence correction helped me become a better writer and the quantitative section was a great refresher for math. It also helped me realize my strengths and weaknesses.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have worked more on developing my own voice instead of worrying about sounding eloquent or professional. When I started writing like how I communicate verbally, everything flowed naturally, and my essays were much more memorable and authentic to my character.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I applied for schools where I ultimately didn’t see myself, because I was focused more on whether the school would want me rather than me being a good fit for the school. At the end of the day, it gave me practice with interviewing and gave perspective that McCombs is exactly where I’m meant to be.
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs students/culture/community?
I almost didn’t apply to McCombs because I was intimidated by the ranking and student body. Lots of business schools preach a tight-knit community, but McCombs students walk the walk. I was impressed by the way I was treated as a prospective student, and how that has continued in my first year.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
Coming from a non-business background, I was worried that I would feel out of place, both socially and professionally. I’ve been pleasantly surprised how quickly I’ve met people with similar values and goals as me.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The quantitative coursework. I come from a non-business background, so the finance and economics materials are new for me. The support from my classmates has made me feel more than prepared to excel in my courses.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Within the MBA program, I am most excited about applying my skillset to a new career. Outside of the MBA, I’m excited about the live music scene in Austin.
