Share any information that you think is important in the evaluation of your application, including any concerns you think the Admissions Committee may have regarding your application. (500 word maximum) 

“No, it cannot be done.” These were the words of my first advisor, the Director of Advising for the Northern Arizona University School of Communication.  These comments were in direct response to my inquiry about double majoring.  These five words motivated me to find a way.

The following four years of undergraduate study and continuing into the start of my professional life illustrates three characteristics about me.  First, a determination, no matter what my goal is, I work as hard as I can achieve it.  Next, a natural curiosity, I always seek out opportunities to learn more.  Lastly, ability, I would not have been able to attempt my goals without the ability to make it happen. 

I started my undergraduate career as an Electronic Media major with a business minor.  I had an affinity for my business classes.  They were challenging, but also the most rewarding.  I was still learning a significant amount from my communication major and wanted to complete what I had started, but I also wanted to increase my business knowledge. I decided to explore the possibility of a dual major.  Even though my first advisor did not believe it could be done, I was determined.

This determination carries over to my professional life.  In my first year at The Vanguard Group, I was determined to accelerate my career into a new position.  Although 2008 was a very turbulent time in financial services, I explored other areas and shortly into 2009, I accepted a position in Fixed Income as one of their youngest traders.

I have a natural curiosity about finance, I follow the financial markets and knew as a student I wanted to work in the industry.  I try at every opportunity to learn more, both as undergraduate, through organizational involvement and leadership, and within my professional life. For example, just recently became Bloomberg certified.

It took a significant amount of time to devise a plan to attempt my goal of a dual major.  Each class needed to have certain prerequisites completed.  Each class was also only offered at certain times during certain semesters.  I also had side goals for my undergraduate career including studying abroad, completing an internship, and being involved in various organizations.  Without the ability to complete the necessary requirements, I could not attempt my goals.

During the turbulent times of 2008, I became part of a group of select few Brokerage Associates who fielded Fixed Income calls with only a few hours of training.  Without the ability to acquire the knowledge required, I would not have been able to answer clients’ questions and concerns.

I will bring these three qualities and apply them to my MBA pursuits at the Simon GSB.  An update on my undergraduate goal: my first advisor was correct, I did not complete a double major. Instead, I graduated with two separate undergraduate degrees. This, of course, was while holding various jobs, being involved in various campus organizations, taking an average of six classes per semester, and completing a study abroad program.