Name: Amanda Stibel
Age: 26
Hometown: Marblehead, MA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Barnard College, Columbia University, Political Science – International Relations
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Yahoo – 4 years, tech industry
Why business school? Why now?
I started at Yahoo in a marketing rotation program where I was able to learn a ton about digital marketing, strategy, and research. I worked closely with members of other organizations within Yahoo including some incredible entrepreneurs who inspired me to think about starting my own company. I learned from them that I would need skills to complement my marketing experience and felt that business school, especially at a school like Sloan that puts such an emphasis on entrepreneurship, would be the best way for me to build this skillset.
Why Sloan? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I really felt a unique sense of community when I visited Sloan. There is a huge emphasis on supporting your classmates and working together to achieve your goals that I really connected to. Combined with Sloan’s emphasis on tech and entrepreneurship it felt like the place that would help me get to where I wanted to be in the best and most organic way.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
Working at Yahoo gave me a unique perspective of a powerful company that was struggling to successfully grow and innovate in comparison to its competitors. I endured a number of jarring experiences including multiple rounds of massive layoffs, constant leadership and strategy changes, and Verizon’s acquisition of Yahoo and subsequent merger with AOL. I also worked firsthand on a number of really exciting initiatives like when Yahoo Sports live streamed the 2017 Super Bowl and the launch of our Daily Fantasy product. I think the combination of these positive and negative experiences and at such a large scale has given me a unique perspective on leadership within changing organizations that I can bring to the classroom.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m a recently certified open water scuba diver! I spent two weeks in Indonesia this summer diving and finally spotted a shark and tons of sea turtles.
Post-MBA career interests?
While working at Yahoo, I loved the fast-paced and innovative nature of the tech industry. After school I want to work at a smaller tech company where I can assume more responsibility across a wider variety of teams and functions including product and business development. Eventually I want to start my own business.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit the schools I applied to. It was time consuming and at times expensive, but it really helped me get a feel for each school. Some schools moved to the top of my list or were removed from my list after visiting. I think it can also help applicants stand out and show admissions that they are serious about the school.
One thing you would change or do differently?
I would try to get a few applications in for round 1. I ended up applying to 7 schools in round 2 so that I could ensure I had options and it was really hard to put together 7 strong applications at once.
Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT! Unfortunately no way around it :). My advice is to set a strict study schedule and stick to it, but also give yourself breaks and live your life. I would study and take practice tests all day on Saturday and Sunday but would make sure I rewarded myself by getting dinner or going out with friends, too.
What is your initial impression of Sloan’s students/culture/community?
When I first visited Sloan I was struck by the collaborative and team-based atmosphere that is palpable at the school. Everyone I speak to talks about how classmates helped them achieve something new or challenging and how they spend their free time helping peers in return.
One thing you have learned about Sloan that has surprised you?
I keep talking about it but it really is the supportive, collaborative culture. It was a huge reason of why Sloan was at the top of my list, but I assumed that some level of the culture was amplified to impress prospective students. After arriving at school I continue to be awed by the willingness of second years and professors to take time out of their schedules to help us with everything from job interview prep to finding the printers! One professor even took time out of his sabatical year to come and lead an orientation session just because he is so passionate about the school and wanted to meet all the first years!
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Everyone says the first year of business school can be hectic between required classes, recruiting, making new friends, professional networking, and acclimating to a new environment. I’m anxious about striking the right balance between all 5.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to get involved in student organizations that are about my hobbies and pastimes. So much of working at a regular job means you have to focus most of your energy on your job or activities to help you excel at your job and only have a little bit of time left over for personal passions. I’m excited to get to participate in student run events like the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference and clubs like Rock Climbing club.
