Emma Stevens-Smith, MIT Sloan MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bates College, B.S., double major in biochemistry and art & visual culture
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 6 years. Strategy Consulting – Diversity & Inclusion; Marketing, Product & Brand Management
I was the cultural trend lead at The Female Quotient, a company dedicated to advancing equality in the workplace. I worked with brands to develop products, marketing and messaging that would represent women accurately and authentically. I also helped organizations implement diversity and inclusion initiatives to empower their female employees and build a better workplace.
Prior to The Female Quotient, I worked as the director of strategy and trends at Trendera, a trend-forecasting agency. I studied cultural trends to help brands create strategies that would keep them relevant with today’s and tomorrow’s consumers.
Why business school? Why now? My professional experience taught me I would need to further my leadership skills if I wanted to excel in building and managing a lasting organization. I thought business school would provide a transformational opportunity helping me better understand what it takes to run a company. And, of course, I wanted to build a network that would inspire me in the future.
Why Sloan? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I chose Sloan because of the school’s emphasis on innovation, as well as it’s celebration of diversity. Sloan is filled with people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities, and everyone is encouraged to share ideas. I wanted to be surrounded by people who would introduce me to new ways of addressing situations and problems.
I was also drawn to Sloan’s mission and the school’s belief that businesses and leaders can have an impact that extends beyond individual interests and contributes to greater society. Everyone I have met at Sloan—students, professors, and administrators—all want to make a difference in the world.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020? Besides my epic dance moves, I am comfortable with the uncomfortable. My career has exposed me to diverse cultures and taught me to be a translator across them, finding commonalities and forming connections.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? My parents put me on skis before I could walk.
Post-MBA career interests? After school, I am interested in pursuing a career in venture capital. I hope to leverage my background to provide early-stage funding to female entrepreneurs and female-focused businesses.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Opt for on-campus interviews. Each school has a distinct community and personality, which becomes apparent by spending only a few hours on campus. It is important to remember that just as schools are looking for candidates that reflect their values, applicants want to find a program that addresses their interests and goals, while offering personal and professional growth.
–One thing you would change or do differently? Avoid comparison. I spent too much time focusing on what others did to get into business school, when I should have been developing my personal story. Your unique experiences will make you stand out to the admissions team.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? Unsurprisingly, the GMAT. Studying for the exam and working full time became all-consuming. To create a balance, I eventually made a schedule that included time for my personal interests.
What is your initial impression of Sloan’s students/culture/community? I just completed orientation at Sloan and I am amazed at the collection of humble, supportive, enthusiastic, and innovative people I met this week. There are Black Hawk pilots, professional soccer players, surgeons, and many more. We are bonded by our intellectual curiosity and eager to encourage one another to achieve our goals.
One thing you have learned about Sloan that has surprised you? The Sloan community extends far beyond the 800 students in the management program. MIT works hard to integrate Sloan into its larger community of unique individuals, classes, and programs that further increase the diversity of thought and resources available to students.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? After only a week, I have learned the infamous business school conundrum is true: There are too many opportunities and too little time. I need to set priorities and remember to reserve time for schoolwork and getting to know my classmates.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? In college, I was pre-med and at work, I had a non-traditional focus. I have yet to take an economics course, and I can’t read a balance sheet. In my first year, I am excited to focus on fundamental business practices that I will use throughout my career.
