Dillon Bliss, UGA Terry MBA Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Military Academy at West Point and Systems Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Served 6 Years as a United States Army Armor Officer
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My decision to pursue an MBA is a strategic next step in my transition from the military to the corporate world. As an Army Officer, I developed a strong foundation in leadership by managing complex operations and leading diverse teams under pressure. However, I believe that to be an effective leader in business, I need to augment those skills with a deeper understanding of areas like finance and strategy. An MBA is the ideal way for me to gain this critical business knowledge and build a professional network that will help me successfully pivot my career.
Why did you choose Terry College of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My decision to apply to Terry College of Business was based on two primary factors: its commitment to fostering a close-knit community and its outstanding value.
First, I was strongly drawn to Terry’s relatively small class sizes. I believe that a more intimate learning environment will allow me to build meaningful relationships with both my peers and the faculty. This will not only create a more collaborative and supportive academic experience but also provide unique opportunities for mentorship and networking that are essential for my career transition.
Secondly, Terry’s reputation for providing exceptional value was a critical factor. I want to earn a top-tier MBA, but I also want to make a financially responsible decision. Discovering that Terry is globally ranked #1 for value for money solidified my choice, as it demonstrates that I can receive a high-quality education and achieve my career goals without taking on a significant amount of debt
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
The Class of 2027 is an incredible and exceptionally diverse group, with an abundance of experiences and backgrounds that provide a rich variety of perspectives. It’s clear that this diversity is a core strength of the program. I am especially drawn to the closeness and selflessness of the class. There’s a genuine community-wide commitment to shared success, where individuals are eager to help one another rather than withhold information for personal gain.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I bought a cow when I was 10 as an investment.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA goal is to secure a leadership position in a corporate environment. I am specifically interested in Leadership Development Programs within the technology or defense sectors, where I can apply my skills in strategy, operations, and finance. My aim is to transition my leadership experience into a business context and contribute to a company’s success at a strategic level.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely prioritize applying early to take advantage of opportunities like the spring preview days. This event provided a valuable chance to not only learn more about the program’s unique culture but also to connect with future classmates and get a genuine sense of the community. Additionally, I would highly recommend taking advantage of the optional video submission. Although it felt intimidating at first, completing the video was a great way to showcase my personality and communication style beyond the written application. It’s an excellent opportunity that I believe only enhances an applicant’s overall profile.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have been more proactive about networking with current students and submitting my application earlier. I believe I missed out on a valuable opportunity by not reaching out for informational coffee chats. The insights from current students would have provided a more nuanced understanding of the program’s culture and curriculum as well as the development of my network. Additionally, I would have aimed to submit my application during Round 1. I’m glad that I completed it by round 2, it would have been nice to know if I got in earlier especially since my application was ready.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I don’t think there is anything I would have skipped. I would take advantage of every opportunity to make your application stronger.
What is your initial impression of the Georgia Terry students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Terry College of Business community is that it is defined by a highly collaborative and selfless culture. The students are genuinely invested in each other’s success, which is a significant factor in my decision to attend. While competition for jobs and internships is inevitable, everyone I have interacted with has been open to sharing information and resources for the collective benefit of the class. This supportive environment is also extended by the alumni network. It’s incredibly impressive and valuable that Terry alumni are so willing to connect with and mentor current students, further strengthening the program’s sense of community.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am committed to being an active member of the community, which is why I have joined several key student organizations. As a military veteran, the MBA Veterans Club was a natural choice, allowing me to connect with fellow service members and leverage our shared experiences for leadership development. I also joined the Consulting Club to build the foundational skills and network necessary for my career pivot. Finally, I was particularly excited to join the AI Club, which is in its inaugural year. This organization offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in building AI Agents for real-world applications, which I find incredibly valuable for the future of business.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgia Terry that has surprised you?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about Terry College of Business is the exceptional depth of its relationships with various companies. The school’s strong reputation and dedicated alumni network provide current students with a significant advantage in the job market, placing them in a desirable pool of candidates simply by having Terry on their resume. This speaks volumes about the admissions team’s diligence in selecting candidates who will uphold the school’s high standards long after graduation. It’s clear that the program is not just focused on academic learning but also on the long-term professional success and representation of its students.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
There is so much to be excited about during the first year at Terry. I am particularly enthusiastic about fully immersing myself in the entire MBA experience, from the rigorous coursework to the extensive networking and social events. I’m especially looking forward to expanding my business knowledge and applying it in a practical setting, whether that’s through a case competition, a club project, or a meaningful internship. The opportunity to learn from my diverse and accomplished peers, while building a strong foundation for my future career, is what excites me the most.
