After starting her career in sales in the utility industry, Sara Bartczak (Smith, ‘22) decided to pursue an MBA to pivot to a new industry. During this interview, Sara spoke about how she decided to attend Smith, what her experience has been like so far, and what she’s enjoyed about Maryland’s MBA program.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to apply to business school?
Prior to business school, I was working in the utility industry in chemical sales. It was a good role for my undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, but I wanted to pivot into a new industry. Attending a full time MBA program appeared to be the best fit considering timing, age, responsibilities, and ability to pivot post program.
MBASchooled: What were the most important criteria to you when selecting MBA Programs to apply for?
The top three criteria was cost of attendance, geographical location, and job placements. UMD fit all three, being close to a large city was important to me as well.
MBASchooled: Based on your own specific career aspirations, what programs, resources or experiences at Maryland were most important to you?
Initially it was the office of career services that brought immense value. Although they continue to make great progress for students, the willingness of the Smith alumni to connect is the most important resource. Being in the proximity to Washington DC, there is a large alumni base of those currently working in the public sector. This has been helpful to explore that avenue or working postgraduate.
MBASchooled: Think back to the MBA application process. What’s something you know now, that you wish you knew then?
Something I wish I knew then is to be more relaxed during the admissions process. Although it can be a seemingly never ending admissions cycle, in the end you should remember to put forth your best effort but can not control every aspect of the process. Truly getting to know a few of the students and connecting with the Universities at graduate fairs are examples to make the process feel more personal. Another small helpful note would be to ask your letters of recommendation(s) well in advance to not place any pressure/stress about the process.
MBASchooled: Why did you choose to attend Smith?
Smith has a strong community. I realized this speaking with alumni across various programs. Additionally, Smith has a strong data driven approach to its curriculum. Coming from a STEM background and wanting to take more quantitative courses, this was a seamless fit academic wise.
MBASchooled: What’s something you’ve learned about Maryland this semester, that you didn’t know when you made your admissions decision last year?
The main thing I have learned from a year of this program is their ability to accommodate. This goes for various scenarios, but behind the scenes the Smith community has been there to support the students to the best of their ability. By the end of the spring semester, students and faculty were able to all catch up in person and celebrate a virtual year behind us. That being said, I am excited to see what the second year holds.
MBASchooled: Now that you’ve been at Maryland for a semester, what’s been your favorite experience, and why?
The favorite experience thus far has been diving into a semester-long case competition with some of my peers. Professors and staff throughout our program were eager to help, along with alumni after their long day of work. In the end, I learned more about myself working with a team, developing connections with amazing students in my cohort, and placing in the final round of the competition.
MBASchooled: Oftentimes, the word “culture” gets thrown around when talking about MBA programs. Can you characterize the culture at Maryland?, and share an example of an experience that you think personifies this?
The culture here at Maryland Smith I would characterize as progressive and supportive. As I briefly mentioned, the community across the program is willing to put time and effort into the current work being. The MBA Association board voted in each year is a strong team that truly tries to ensure students can gain access to the resources needed to excel.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have, for students who are considering applying or applying to MBA programs right now?
Get involved with that school! I am a current graduate assistant at the office of Admissions here at Smith, and it is not only beneficial to hear about the program at the events, but on the flip side it is refreshing to see an eager face ready to learn more! Take advantage of the copious amounts of virtual events to connect with the programs – and don’t be afraid to ask them questions similar to what the MBASchooled asks current students.