Nick Lomas, Florida Warrington MBA Class of 2028
Age: 28
Hometown: Naples, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Florida; Food & Resource Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I spent three years as a Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of St. Augustine. I functioned in nonprofit management.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I served in the church for over three years, and it was the most fulfilling period of my life. However, I realized that I had outgrown my role, and I saw a lack of exit opportunities and upward growth. I enjoyed the business aspect of ministry (program design, strategy, staff management, etc.), and decided I could pursue my MBA to transition into consulting, which is where my skillset best lies.
Why did you choose Florida Warrington? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I remained in Gainesville after completing undergrad and was fortunate to have a top-end business school in my backyard. I was accepted into a few other great programs. Aside from being a UF alum, our program offered other strong factors – small cohorts, a massive MBA alumni network spanning multiple industries, and a great career services department.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
My biggest hobby is camping. I have a group of around eight friends that met in undergrad at UF, and we camp nearly monthly. My biggest campout so far was spending a week in the Redwoods this past summer. We’re now planning a week in Banff in 2027.
Post-MBA career interests:
Strategy/management consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I made a point to meet with admissions teams at schools I was applying to multiple times. I had an initial list of top choice schools and narrowed from there. UF MBA’s admissions team (especially Xaiver) remained present and connected during my entire application process.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Studying for the GMAT is the bane of many applicants, me included. I studied very inconsistently and wish I’d taken the GMAT before I started the “meat” of the application process. Balancing essays, info sessions, and studying while also working my fulltime job became quite stressful at the peak.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
When beginning to discern MBA programs, there were immediate factors in play – geography, career services, ranking, tuition, and consulting pipeline. I spent a surprising amount of time recruiting with schools that I ultimately knew I wouldn’t attend, whether due to lack of scholarship offerings or distance from family. Being honest about my priorities from the beginning would have narrowed my search much more quickly.
What is your initial impression of the Florida Warrington students/culture/community?
Our program has an incredible culture – our first-year cohort spends a lot of time together, whether studying, getting lunch, or hanging out between classes. There’s a great “we’re in this together” sense of community. The second-year cohort, staff, and faculty are fantastic resources, always willing to help with whatever we need. The general sense within the program is a pursuit of collaborative excellence.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m active in our MBAA (MBA Association) but am being prudent about other student organization involvement while I’m readjusting to student life. In the future, I’m very interested in intramural sports and case competitions.
What is one thing you have learned about Florida Warrington that has surprised you?
The second-year cohort has been incredibly helpful! Our MBA Association leadership is constantly reviewing resumes, providing resources for recruiting, giving study advice for certain classes, etc. They are always willing to support us with anything we need.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m very excited about recruiting! Obviously, academics and recruiting are the duality of any MBA program, but UF MBA’s career services department does a great job setting students up for success and connecting us with alumni. Gator Nation is strong – you never meet a stranger in any industry.
