Haleigh Stark, Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27
Hometown: Flower Mound, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Northwestern University, Learning and Organizational Change
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Consultant, Talent Management at CarMax for 6 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school?
I decided to go to business school because I wanted to move from a tactical HR role to a strategic HR role. After spending six years working in an execution-based role, I wanted to use that experience to develop higher level HR strategy and widen my impact. To ensure I was well prepared for this role change, I wanted to increase my business acumen and challenge myself to learn more about the world outside of HR. Business school is a great place to learn a variety of sides of business quickly. I decided to go to business school now because I had reached a natural pause in my career where I was searching for “what’s next?” I felt well equipped to take on this challenge and step out of my comfort zone.
Why did you choose HBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The case method drew me to HBS. I enjoy learning through discussion and tangible examples rather than lectures. I also loved how highly HBS values community building. From the section experience to the separate business school campus, the whole school is built to develop close connections. Since I was leaving my friends and family, I wanted to go somewhere I could find a home away from home. Another factor was a strong alumni network. I was given numerous opportunities to connect with HBS alumni and students, including Q&A webinars hosted by the Latin American Student Organization, an alumni pairing arranged by HBS before my interview, and multiple mock interview sessions with another alum. HBS alumni and students were always willing to go the extra mile.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2027 is my passion for human resources. HR is a rare background in business school, so I enjoy bringing the HR perspective to the conversation. When I read cases, I often use a human capital lens. I believe it is important to keep in mind that beyond great business strategy and outcomes are the people who make it happen every day. I strive to bring together business outcomes and human centered strategy to ensure we are looking at a holistic picture.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was president of my high school’s rollerblading club.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I am excited to continue my career in HR! I am hoping to move into a HR strategy role focused on change management and innovation. I am passionate about helping employees through large scale changes.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely hire a consultant again (shoutout Sherry Holland at Stacy Blackman!). It was invaluable to have someone who could answer all my questions, no matter how trivial, read my essays from an objective perspective, and keep me on track through the chaotic timeline of applications. It also meant a lot to have her cheering me on as someone who understood how difficult the process can be.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had made the decision to apply to business school earlier, so I could study for the GRE separately from working on my business school applications. Then I could have focused more on each part. Working a full-time job, studying for the GRE, and writing my applications was a lot to take on at once. It was exhausting to juggle so many important and time-consuming priorities.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Speaking of the GRE, I would have loved to skip it. I got through testing by using a structured study program, Manhattan Prep. Beyond constantly practicing vocab and relearning geometry, I spent time working on good test taking skills. The test structure was unlike any I had taken before, so it was important that I was well prepared beyond just the content. I reminded myself to breathe and just focus on being present during the test.
What is your initial impression of the HBS students/culture/community?
Everyone I have met at HBS has a unique story to share and is excited to build community. My section has over 15 different countries represented. I get to meet people I would’ve never met without HBS. Being surrounded by so many ambitious people has been really inspiring and made me dream bigger. People speak openly about their goals even if they seem outrageous and are always met with encouragement.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am in the Education Club because I love learning more about the future of education. I worked in corporate education, and my mom was a public school teacher, so the industry is close to my heart. I grew up in her high school reading with the librarians and learning how to sew with the home ec teacher. I am also in the Latin American Student Association, LASO, which is a really impactful and fun way to celebrate my culture while I am away from home. I am an application buddy for LASO, so I get the opportunity to connect with prospective students while they write their applications.
What is one thing you have learned about HBS that has surprised you?
Students can bring guests to class! It is really meaningful when my sectionmates bring their parents, partners, and friends to class to see the case method in action. I can’t wait for my parents to come visit in the spring! Case protagonists also visit class often to share case updates and answer questions. It is a unique experience to discuss what someone should have done differently in a case while they sit in class with you.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am really excited to participate in FIELD, a class program where students work on real business problems then travel to another country to present their solutions at the end of the school year. It is a great experience to learn about a new industry and new culture. It is also a really fun way to end our first year of school. I can’t wait to find out which country and team I am assigned to!
