The Journey from Travel Entrepreneur to MBA Student

Before business school, Brittany Floyd (Simon, ‘22) worked in the travel industry and had a desire to pursue an MBA. However, as a result of COVID-19, Floyd decided to accelerate her plans for applying to business school, and was accepted into the University of Rochester’s Simon MBA program. This fall, Floyd has spent her time building relationships with classmates, taking classes, and completing her internship recruiting process. In this interview, Floyd shared her journey to applying to business school, and her advice to MBA applicants.

MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to pursue an MBA?

Prior to business school I was a travel entrepreneur, flight attendant for American Airlines, and an author. I got my Bachelors in International Affairs from Eastern Michigan University and while I was there I studied abroad for a year at the University of Derby, United Kingdom. Even though my degree is in IR, I took a number of business and international economics courses, which lead me to pursue my MBA. I actually started the process of gathering information to potentially start in 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the travel and tourism industry, so it felt like the perfect time to upskill and explore my passion for marketing, innovation, and global business. 

 

MBASchooled: What was the hardest part of the MBA application process, and how did you work through it?

The application itself was what I pretty much expected, the hardest part of the process was that I applied during the extended application period this year because of COVID-19, a year ahead of schedule. I applied April 1st, and by mid May I was taking summer classes and recruiting. So much of the early part of this year moved incredibly slow, but since May I’ve been constantly learning new skills, connecting with fellow MBAs, and tapping into industry connections. I’m on Zoom from 8am until 10pm some nights! 

 

MBASchooled: Why did you choose Simon?

Simon stood out to me for a few reasons: Marketing is increasingly becoming more analytical and data-driven, so I needed to choose a school that had a strong reputation for analytics – it also helps that Simon is the first MBA program in the U.S. to have a STEM Designation for its entire program. 

Additionally, I’m a person who thrives in collaborative environments, and from the very first interaction with administration, as well as current and former students, I knew that I was going to a school that didn’t just talk about being competitive but not cut-throat, but they actually live by it. 

 

MBASchooled: Most applicants understand why culture is important, and to look for it, but what specifically stood out to you about Simon? How have those expectations been met so far?

There were two things I gathered about the culture at Simon, one was about the incredibly supportive and collaborative environment, but the other was the pay-it-forward model they use. 2nd years students and alumni are extremely accessible, resourceful, and willing to help you navigate every part of the MBA journey and beyond. Our alumni are small but mighty!

 

MBASchooled: You just started, but what has been your MBA experience been like so far? What have you enjoyed the most?

It’s been a journey from day one, but I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else at this very moment. I’ve always looked at adversity as a learning opportunity, so this period of time has already pushed me beyond limits that I didn’t know I could surpass, and has shown me that so much is possible if you have the right mix of passion and work ethic. 

Most of what I learned so far is to not underestimate myself. I’ve also enjoyed connecting with my classmates, as well as Forte and Consortium fellows. It’s the beginning, but we all have such diverse experience, that I am excited for the growth that we will all share together. 

 

MBASchooled: What advice do you have, for potential MBA applicants who might apply to business school this fall?

Going into this process, it’s important to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations for pursuing your MBA. If you can put that story together, you have completed half of the battle. I also encourage women, especially black and latino women, to believe that it’s possible. 

We are still very rare in top MBA programs, top companies, and especially in the executive roles and C-Suite positions. It’s time to see more women leading. Whatever it takes, just go for it.