Jameson Foran, Notre Dame Mendoza MBA Class of 2027
Age: 30
Hometown: Lakewood, OH (Cleveland area)
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Miami University (OH) – Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Textron Systems – Defense/Manufacturing – 3 years – Operations Financial Analyst; Circana – Market Research – 4 years – Senior Analytics Manager
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I felt stuck in my career. I knew I wanted to continue solving tough problems, working with teams, and learning something new, but was missing the client engagement and impact portion of the work. Consulting was the next logical step for me and the best way to make that pivot was through business school.
Why did you choose Notre Dame Mendoza? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Notre Dame because of their differentiating focus on “Growing the Good in Business.” Other schools either didn’t mention making a positive impact on the world through business or only paid lip service. Notre Dame makes it clear that this commitment flows through and drives all their classes, programs, and people.
I also was generously gifted a scholarship and stipend that offset the financial hurdle of attending business school.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I think my background in data science/analytics allows me to add an analytical lens to class discussions, group projects, and MBA clubs.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to explore new neighborhoods, cities, and countries. The way I did this when I lived in Chicago was by walking. During the summer of 2024 I walked every street in Lincoln Park, over 100 miles total.
Post-MBA career interests:
Strategy/Management Consulting
Retail/Consumer Packaged Goods
Hospitality/Tourism
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be honest and true – it was one of the things Notre Dame noticed and helped set me apart from other candidates.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would come into the application process with a better idea of what industry or role I wanted to use the MBA to pivot into. At the time I applied, I only knew I wanted a change and thought of the MBA as the time to figure that out. MBA recruiting starts early so it’s helpful to come into the MBA with a game plan.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
GMAT prep – definitely not fun, but I came up with a daily/weekly schedule to help me prioritize and check off milestones.
What is your initial impression of the Notre Dame Mendoza students/culture/community?
I noticed right away that the students at Notre Dame were extremely well rounded, kind, and talented individuals. At many other top schools, the recruiting process can be super cutthroat but at Notre Dame it was very collaborative. People were sharing interview experiences and tips, as well as coffee chat contacts.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am a part of the MBA Consulting Club and am looking to join the Student Government in some capacity this semester.
What is one thing you have learned about Notre Dame Mendoza that has surprised you?
It’s tightknit – everybody knows everybody and that leads to a very close cohort.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited for this semester to get into my major (Strategy) classes that I can apply in my internship this summer!
