By Matt Green, MBA '17
Prior to business school I was a mechanical engineer. I quickly learned that, in order to advance my career, I needed to better understand business and finance, so I decided to get an MBA. At first I considered going back to school part-time, but not for long. Getting an MBA was not a matter of “checking the box” for me. I wanted to completely rebrand myself. I didn’t want to be an engineer with an understanding of business. I wanted to do something completely different. That, I realized, required a full-time commitment from me in a full-time MBA program.I visited several schools before and after I visited Georgia, but really from the second I stepped on campus in Athens, it felt like home. There was a great mix of students—lots of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and interests. Georgia is not a program where everyone wants to do the same thing, like go into consulting or brand management. The faculty, admissions staff, and career management office were all more impressive than the other programs I visited. The entire UGA staff showed me how Georgia would support my goals and open up opportunities.
If you want the big school experience without getting lost as a person, then UGA is a great choice for a full-time MBA program. It had everything I was looking for: a program focused on creating career opportunities, a close-knit, high-energy student body that took part in the greater university community, big school sports, great weather, all in the best college town in the country, just an hour from Atlanta.
The most noteworthy experience during my time in Athens was the willingness of Georgia alumni – extremely successful alumni – to give me their time. Almost every alum I reached out to for advice, career search assistance, or simply just help on a project, offered support. In many instances it was more than a phone call and would result in grabbing a coffee or lunch. Obtaining an MBA is more than just learning: it’s about making connections with other driven people and UGA is able to offer that. I’m convinced that the University of Georgia’s alumni base is as impressive as any.
My greatest accomplishment during my time in Athens was taking part in case competitions. I was able to be a part of three successful case competition teams. In the CFA Global Investment Research Challenge, we were crowned the Americas regional champion and competed in the global finals, we were able to take first in Atlanta’s NAIOP real estate competition, and I was also a part of Georgia’s 2017 SEC MBA Case Competition champion team, which beat the University of Florida in Gainesville. At UGA you’re provided those kinds of opportunities and the resources you need in order to be successful.
Case competitions are much more than a resume-builder. Nothing will prepare you better for your career during your MBA studies. I frequently have to make business case presentations on a big strategic problem and recommend a strategy backed up by research, technology, and business know-how. Participating in case competitions definitely helped me prepare for my current role and has allowed me to accelerate my career.
My advice to anyone applying to MBA programs: know what your goals are and commit to a school that is going to provide you with the best chance of achieving those goals. The University of Georgia has more than exceeded my expectations as a student and an alumnus. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a great MBA program. #GODAWGS
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