Jasmine Terry (UNC Kenan-Flagler, ‘21) worked as an IT Business & Systems Analysts before deciding to combine her technical and business skills to pursue an MBA. As a native North Carolianian, Jasmine found the global reputation, supportive culture and data analytics curriculum at UNC Kenan-Flagler to be a great fit for her background. In this interview, Jasmine spoke about her journey to UNC Kenan-Flagler, and her advice to prospective MBA applicants.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to apply to business school?
Before business school I worked in financial services, as an IT Business Analyst and as a Systems Analyst. My roles were a healthy mix of applying both technical skills and business acumen. I chose to apply to business school to further my knowledge of how corporations are using data and data analytics to improve business operations.
MBASchooled: What were the most important criteria to you when selecting MBA Programs to apply for?
For me location and having technical/data classes were key for me. Being born and raised in North Carolina, I wanted to be in the southeast. It is such a convenient part of the country to be in and there is easy access to both the northeast and other southern cities. A program that had data-driven coursework was important to me so that I would be exposed to both business and analytics classes. Ultimately, I chose Kenan-Flagler due to the school’s global reputation and the diverse curriculum that includes technical and data courses.
MBASchooled: Talk about the experience so far. What are some of your favorite parts of the MBA experience?
My favorite part of the MBA experience being able to learn so much about multiple industries. There is always some sort of webinar, conference, speaker series that students are able to attend, giving us multiple opportunities to learn more about different industries.
MBASchooled: Oftentimes, the word “culture” gets thrown around when talking about MBA programs. Can you characterize the culture at UNC Kenan-Flagler, and share an example of an experience that you think personifies this?
Kenan-Flagler is extremely supportive! An example I have is my classmate Rawan, who is a great interviewer, spent weeks working with me helping me to prepare for interviews and giving me tips on how to strengthen my STAR stories. I improved so much thanks to her help!
MBASchooled: You hold a number of leadership roles on campus at UNC Kenan-Flagler. Can you talk about one of them, and how it has positively influenced your MBA experience?
As the EVP for CWIB(Carolina Women in Business), I am in charge of programming surrounding diverse initiatives. Since being in this role, we have had recognition and programming for pride month, black history month, hispanic heritage month, and we have some more plans to expand in the coming months. This year there are three diversity liaisons reporting to me continuing to move the needle forward. Being able to drive change surrounding DEI has had a great impact on my KFBS experience!
MBASchooled: It’s a bit more challenging for prospective MBA students to get to know MBA programs this year as a result of COVID-19. When MBA applicants are engaging with schools, what should they be looking to learn?
I think it is important to learn about the student led organizations at those schools, specifically career clubs. These are the organizations that will ultimately connect you with companies and can help you prepare for interviews with those companies. They also can offer trainings/workshops to help you gain more skill specific to whatever industry you are interested in going into.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have, for students who are considering applying or applying to MBA programs right now?
Do your research! Make sure you know about the curriculums of different schools. Some schools have expertise in real estate, tech, marketing, etc. Make sure you are looking at programs that will best help you reach your professional goals.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have for candidates who are interested in UNC Kenan-Flagler?
In addition to doing your research on the program, make sure to reach out to current students and/or alumni. We are more than happy to schedule some time to discuss our experiences and expectations for the program.
More on UNC-Kenan-Flagler