Robyn Thome, ASU Carey MBA Class of 2027
Age: 39
Hometown: Barrington, Illinois
Undergraduate Institution and Major: U.S. Air Force Academy, Foreign Area Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I served in the Air Force on Active Duty for 6 years, followed by 3 years in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, and most recently 8 years with the Federal Government at General Services Administration. My roles ranged from Human Resources, Executive Officer, Operations, Fleet Management, and Program Management.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending so many years within the military and government sectors, I wanted to learn more about business and private industry as well as improve my skills. I had considered getting an MBA for several years so I finally decided it was time to take the plunge!
Why did you choose ASU Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The motto at W.P. Carey is “Business is Personal” and I have witnessed this since day one. Every relationship or event is designed with intention and it’s almost like they know you better than you know yourself. Additionally, the program consistently ranks as a top program for supply chain and sustainability.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
Each person in our cohort provides a unique and valuable perspective. I have more years of work experience across a wide range of fields than many in the cohort, which helps me provide a different perspective in many discussions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I got my scuba diving certification before my driver’s license. I was 14 years old and it was a part of a school field trip. We traveled from Costa Rica (where I went to high school) to Colombia for one week to dive, hike, zipline, and hang out at the beach!
Post-MBA career interests:
I am looking for a leadership development or strategy position. I am open to several industries, primarily healthcare, supply chain, and home services, but I am in the process of exploring options to find the right fit!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Keep in touch with the Program Operations Team! They were so helpful in navigating the process and answering any questions that came up as I made my decision.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Start the process earlier. My decision to apply happened pretty quickly, and fortunately the timing worked out. If I had to do it over again though, I would have loved to have taken more time.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The application process was pretty simple and straightforward for me. I don’t know that it would have been possible to skip any of the aspects of the process because it was relatively streamlined and efficient.
What is your initial impression of the ASU Carey students/culture/community?
Everyone I have met so far has been wonderful. The students and faculty are all hand selected and it shows. They really live up to Business is Personal.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined the MBA Fitness Club as a way to network through shared interests, and of course, improve my fitness!
What is one thing you have learned about ASU Carey that has surprised you?
What a tight knit community it is. Being such a large university, I kind of expected to be just a number. That has been the furthest from my experience so far!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
To continue to grow the connections I have started to build in the first few weeks! Our smaller cohort has the benefit of really getting to know each other, which will help us build strong relationships over the year.
