Mack Darrow, Chicago Booth MBA Class of 2019
Age: 26
Hometown: Barrington, Illinois
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Princeton University, politics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I worked for 2.5 years for PIMCO and one year for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Why business school? Why now? I decided to attend business school in order to better develop the analytical tools that will help me advance in my career. My work experience was pivotal in helping me discern what strengths I had and what roles interested me. I saw business school as an important step in understanding the frameworks and operating environments that have allowed businesses to thrive in order to best apply my strengths over the course of my career.
Why Chicago Booth? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? Throughout the application process, I was continually impressed by the authenticity of Booth students and staff. I felt invested in as an individual when I first visited campus and in every interaction that I had with alumni thereafter. The personal connection was very important to me when I was deciding the best location for my family going forward.
The academic rigor of Booth was incredibly appealing, as well. I loved being surrounded by intellectually curious peers and professors at Princeton, and I was looking for a graduate school environment that matched or surpassed that experience. Every early indicator at Booth suggests I achieved this goal. The classroom environment promotes great discussions, and the students are passionate about helping one another grow and succeed.
The final factor I prioritized was career services. I anticipate switching careers, and it is important to me to have the resources and support to explore new opportunities. Not only does Booth have an incredible career services department, but the second-year students are committed to sharing their wisdom, as well. The collaborative spirit has been amazing.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in two pro bono consulting projects in the last four years aimed at improving public health in developing countries. I greatly enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds to solve complex problems, and I’m optimistic that I can be a unifying presence in the Class of 2019.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I love Irish dark comedy films, but I thought it was important to portray myself as more optimistic on the application.
Post-MBA career interests? I plan to pursue a role with a consulting firm, but I am also interested in roles in the sports world and would love to be an athletic director later in my career.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? It was important for me to visit each school that I was interested in. Don’t narrow your choices based on herd mentality. Know thyself and the environment that will allow you to thrive.
–One thing you would change or do differently? I would have given myself more time to study for the GMAT. It would have been beneficial to have a longer timeline.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? I would have read fewer statistical fact sheets about each school. It was far easier to determine fit based on my visits, and it is far more important to trust yourself and what makes you unique as a candidate than it is to compare yourself to some conceptual mean.
Greatest highlight so far at Chicago Booth? The LEAD curriculum was fantastic. From the faculty to the second-year facilitators, each individual was committed to encouraging the Class of 2019, and the experience was incredibly energizing.
One thing about Chicago Booth that you didn’t expect before arriving? I never anticipated standing in the cafeteria line next to someone who just won a Nobel Prize. Not a bad start to life at Booth.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? The Cubs won the World Series last year. Is there anything left to feel anxious about?
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? I’m excited to be surrounded by so many talented and selfless individuals who care for one another and want to sharpen one another.
