Mike Taylor, Fuqua MBA Class of 2020
Age: 29
Hometown: Findlay, OH
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Notre Dame, chemical engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 7 years in healthcare IT for Epic
Why business school? Why now? I was ready to move from analytics software implementation at Epic to broader strategic healthcare consulting and felt an MBA would give me the industry background, business skills, and network necessary to transition.
Why Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? Fuqua’s Health Sector Management certificate program was a key selling point for me—the program begins with HSM Bootcamp, an intense but rewarding weeklong course that gave a helpful overview of all subsectors of healthcare.
I was drawn to Fuqua’s tight-knit, supportive, and humble culture, and as I learned more about the program through talks with current students and faculty, I sensed that the program was truly a good fit. Since I had lived in the Midwest nearly my entire life, I was also excited to immerse myself in a new part of the country (especially a state with mild winters).
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020? I’m organized and very detail-orientated, whether it’s packing for a camping trip, learning about photography, or managing a project. So I try to put those talents to use, even if it’s as simple as hanging artwork for a classmate in their apartment. I figure everyone has their own unique gifts, and sharing mine is one way to contribute to the inclusive, helpful community that attracted me to Fuqua in the first place.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I know all the words (52 lines) of the Blackalocious song Alphabet Aerobics.
Post-MBA career interests? Strategic consulting role helping health systems control costs and improve healthcare outcomes.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Talk to current and former students! Fuqua has a very supportive culture, and during the application season I set up 30-minute phone calls with several current students who all gave me a useful perspective of what life as a Fuqua student would be like. And definitely attend Blue Devil Weekend if you’re accepted—it’s a great way to learn even more about the program and start forming friendships for the fall.
–One thing you would change or do differently? I would have sought out help in the application process earlier. Applying to MBA programs can be an isolating process, especially when you don’t feel comfortable disclosing to your employer that you’re applying. Once you start to build a network of people who are going through the same journey, though, the whole process doesn’t feel as heavy.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? Studying for the GMAT, although it’s challenging for pretty much everyone. To prepare for the test I made a weekly study schedule, sacrificed social time, and reminded myself that this demanding routine was both necessary for my desired career path and only temporary.
What is your initial impression of Fuqua’s students/culture/community? It’s been incredibly positive. My new classmates are easygoing, incredibly talented, and academically supportive. The class has students from all across the United States as well as the world so it’s been interesting meeting people from different cultural and geographic backgrounds. I like that about Fuqua.
One thing you have learned about Fuqua that has surprised you? Fuqua holds an event almost every Friday called “Fuqua Friday” that includes the entire Fuqua community and is a chance to have great food, relax, and meet new people. And most events, whether officially sponsored via Fuqua or unofficially through classmates, are partner-friendly, which again speaks to Fuqua’s spirit of inclusivity.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? Navigating the internship recruiting process, since even after starting an MBA program, I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to do with my life. The best advice I’ve been given here: Talk with lots of people who are pursuing a path similar to the one you want to follow, and learn about their stories.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? Getting to know this amazing group of new classmates! Fuqua has several social events—river floats, weekend trips to Myrtle Beach, cookouts—and I’m excited to cultivate new friendships as I enter the next chapter of my professional journey
