Shannon Griesser, Fuqua MBA Class of 2019
Age: 26
Hometown: West Chester, PA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Boston College, double major in mathematics and theology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 3 years in consulting, 1 year in social enterprise
Why business school? Why now? I had two main motivations that led me to business school. First, my professional experience consisted of projects and responsibilities where I had to teach myself on the job. While I enjoyed the challenge and growth I had through those experiences, I knew that business school would provide a foundational set of hard skills that would allow me to add more value in future professional settings. Additionally, I was ready to pivot into a role where I could make an impact on a larger scale, and an MBA would help me make that transition.
Why Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I knew that wherever I attended, I would be giving 150 percent of myself to the experience. So I wanted a school where I wouldn’t be a number—where people cared and supported my development as a leader. In addition to the strength of Fuqua’s social impact curriculum, opportunities, and resources, what stood out most to me about Fuqua was the intentionality of the student body. That “Team Fuqua” brand is not just a marketing slogan—it’s lived every day in the academic, social, and professional experience. For example, we have unwritten rules of the classroom called “Fuqua Norms”—no laptops or phones, no eating, if you are late you sit along the back wall, no leaving the classroom until the break. The norms keep everyone present and engaged in class, which creates a better learning environment for everyone.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? Building authentic relationships is one of the things I value most in life. So I think my engagement with my peers—being someone who inspires, motivates, and cares about others—is something special I contribute to the class. It brings me joy to bring other people joy, so I like to do things like bake cookies for my section when we have a quiz or a particularly tough day. I try to bring positive energy even when life can get overwhelming.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? When I was younger I was a competitive miniature golfer. My record is eight holes-in-one during a single round.
Post-MBA career interests? I’m passionate about finding ways for the private sector to drive social and environmental change. While I’m still exploring what that path will look like, for the short term I hope to be working in corporate sustainability. I’ll be interning this summer at AB InBev in a sustainability and procurement role, so I’m excited to see where that path will lead me!
Advice to current prospective applicants:
— One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Give myself plenty of time. While it can be a long and arduous process, it’s worth it to give the MBA program search the time it deserves. This allowed me to talk to a ton of current students at different programs, visit all the schools I wanted to apply to, and make a confident and informed decision in the end. It’s a huge decision to invest time and money into an MBA, so I’m glad I took my time to truly find the right fit. And talking to current students, especially first years, is the best way to figure out that fit.
— One thing you would change or do differently? Worry less about the perception of a program or other people’s opinions of your choice. There were times when I was making my decision when I would get worried about what people would think if I went to one school versus another. At the end of the day, YOU will be the one at that school for two years, so you should care less about rankings or people’s opinions and stay focused on the best fit for you.
— Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? Trimming down the list to a handful of schools was really difficult. There are so many incredible programs out there, and in the beginning that was overwhelming. It helped to talk to as many people as I could who are in those programs to get the “real” experience of the school, past all the marketing and catch phrases on a school website.
Greatest highlight so far at Fuqua? It sounds cliché, but honestly the people have been incredible. I feel like I’m constantly learning from and being challenged by my classmates and peers. While I knew I’d meet some amazing people in business school, I didn’t expect the depth of friendship and connection to come so quickly. These are people who I can have real conversations with, be vulnerable with, and have a ton of fun with. I’m especially grateful for my first-year team. We’ve got a diverse mix of cultures, experiences, and goals—after working through a lot of ups and downs, they feel like my second family.
One thing about Fuqua that you didn’t expect before arriving? How student-driven the Fuqua experience is. There is a strong “pay if forward” culture of second years helping first years to navigate this transformational journey. People here are so driven to make an impact and improve Fuqua for the future students who will come through. It’s inspiring and energizing to be a part of.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? Business school was not made for introverts. While I’ve loved getting involved and meeting so many people, I found myself getting anxious or overwhelmed when I don’t take enough time for myself to recharge. That’s definitely a goal of mine during this next term.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? I’m a cabinet member in the Association for Women in Business for the Male Allies Program—a group of men who want to understand the challenges that women face in business and who are committed to empowering their female classmates. It’s been incredible to see the interest and engagement of my male classmates who care about having these hard conversations and who will advocate for gender equity as future leaders in business. The program has gained a lot of positive momentum this year and I’m looking forward to helping it grow throughout my time here.
