After spending four years in the Financial Services Industry, Antonio Brodie (Darden, ‘22) decided to broaden his career horizons by pursuing an MBA. With the help of UCLA’s Riordan MBA Prep Program and his own, Brodie successfully navigated the MBA admissions process, and recently started at the University of Virginia (Darden.) In this interview, Brodie shares his process for deciding to apply to business school, some of the challenges along the way, and why he believes now is a great opportunity for prospective MBA applicants to pursue an MBA.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to pursue an MBA?
Prior to business school, I worked in financial services across various functions for 4 years. I began my career in a Private Wealth Management leadership program at Charles Schwab, rotating through a series of client-oriented roles to prepare for a career as a financial advisor. My second year at the firm, I worked on the operational side of Private Wealth management focusing on increasing efficiency for client onboarding and implementation projects to better manage high-net-worth clients holistically.
In 2018, I transitioned to Goldman Sachs to build my technical skills as an Associate in Regulatory Compliance. For the last two years, I communicated directly with financial regulators such as FINRA and the FDIC, to ensure adherence to laws and regulations relevant to the firm’s business processes, identifying any inefficiencies and information gaps for regulatory reporting.
After 4 years in financial services, I finally decided to pursue an MBA. Becoming a business leader for my community inspired me! I wanted to expand on my problem-solving abilities, develop advanced management understanding and sharpen my leadership skills to make a career shift. The Darden MBA was the logical and perfect next step for me to accomplish my professional and personal aspirations.
MBASchooled: What was the hardest part of the MBA application process, and how did you work through it?
Believe it or not, the hardest part of the MBA application process was deciding between the GRE and GMAT, then actually pursuing one to dedicate all of my time and resources to. Studying and taking the exam was a three year process for me because I battled with the idea of “failing,” so it was a mental hurdle I had to overcome. I started with the GMAT and spent years off and on, enrolling in expensive GMAT courses plus online coaching, but was never satisfied with any of my scores. It wasn’t until I enrolled into UCLA Riordan’s MBA Prep program where I discovered the GRE alternative.
Hearing directly from the admission board who prompted me to “just take a GRE practice test” was a game-changer for me. Seeing how my practice test result stacked up with my GMAT scores, without prep, is how I got my confidence to overcome my test anxiety and really see it through.
MBASchooled: Why did you choose Darden?
Why Darden? That’s a great question! I chose Darden School of Business because of three main reasons: (i) the infinite support from students and staff (ii) the case study method and (iii) their mission to support diversity and inclusion.
MBASchooled: Most applicants understand why culture is important, and to look for it, but what specifically stood out to you about Darden?
I really wanted a culture that was collaborative, supportive and comfortable with different perspectives. One ‘culture test’ that I did throughout my admissions process was to reach out to various individuals from the MBA programs I was interested in and see how many would actually respond and share their experience with me.
This was a test that certainly differentiated MBA programs for me, especially since I viewed the opportunity to learn and build a network of like-minded individuals as the greatest benefit of business school. Every Darden student that I reached out to not only responded, but shared every resource and admissions tip they could offer with me. That spoke volumes to the quality of students Darden attracts and the collaborative culture of the program.
MBASchooled: Due to COVID-19, MBA applicants know they need to engage virtually with schools to learn about them but what should they be looking to learn or looking to get out of those opportunities?
Engaging with schools virtually to learn about their respective programs, students show look for (i) any innovative measures the MBA programs are planning to employ moving forward, (ii) how the new virtual environment impacts recruiting schedules and (iii) what social initiatives will be available to engage with students (current and prospective) inside and outside the classroom.
MBASchooled: You are just about to start your MBA experience. What did you do leading up to starting school this summer? How did you prepare?
My situation was unique in the sense of preparing for business school. Academically, I wanted to relax my mind, not overwhelming myself with learning new accounting concepts or finance calculations. Socially, my newborn son was 2 months old at that moment, so I wanted to spend as much time with him as I could prior to leaving for Darden. Knowing the 2,000+ mile separation was going to be a tremendous sacrifice, I needed to immerse myself in his love leading all the way to my departure date. So besides a few networking calls with potential employers and students, I gave all of my time and energy to my son, Trey.
MBASchooled: Certainly COVID-19 is impacting all of us. How would you encourage prospective MBA applicants to evaluate this as they think about deciding to go to business school?
I truly believe attending business school during COVID-19 is a tremendous opportunity. Despite the uncertainty in the markets, prospective MBAs have the opportunity to be a part of the changing landscape of business. New jobs, new roles that aren’t existent today will be made possible for the new tomorrow… all because of MBAs that take the leap to business school and that idea alone is exciting to think about! So I encourage all of those who are considering business school to ask themselves, “Do I want to lead in today’s reality or tomorrow’s future?”
MBASchooled: What advice do you have, for students who are considering applying or applying to MBA programs right now?
My advice for students who are considering applying or currently applying to MBA programs is to believe in themselves and take the necessary leap to set your future self and family up for success.
The MBA journey is amazing and filled with so many opportunities. As one who walked in their shoes not so long ago, I understand that an MBA may not seem practical based on the current economic and social climate, but I promise the aspiring students that it will be the most gratifying experience of their life. I would also add… don’t let self-doubt, the feeling inadequate y or any other personal hurdle they may be experiencing deter them from this beautiful, 2-year journey of professional and personal growth.