Brittney Blackmon, Cornell Johnson MBA Class of 2020
Age: 30
Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Howard University, marketing
Pre-MBA Work Experience: I’ve spent my career working in field sales and marketing. For the first two years I worked with ExxonMobil, as a territory marketing manager. I then spent seven years in wine and spirits sales and marketing, with experiences with New York’s largest distributor, Empire Merchants; supplier Proximo Spirits (Jose Cuervo), and most recently with Moet Hennessy’s Strategic Group.
Why business school? Why now? All of the brand managers, directors, and CMOs I aspire to be like have an MBA. I no longer wanted to continue my career path in sales and wanted to make the transition into brand management. I also realized that I aspire to be a chief marketing officer. I knew that getting a top MBA would enable me to make this dream a reality.
Why Johnson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I chose Cornell because I wanted to attend an Ivy League. I knew that a strong school brand on my resume would set me apart and be recognized globally. I had been working in New York City for eight years and was ready for a change of scenery without being too far away. Additionally, Cornell has great classes outside of the business school and organizations related to my interest in wines. Finally, Cornell is part of the consortium, which is a network I wanted to be part of, in addition to the strong New York City network.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020? My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2020 is my unique background and passion for wine and spirits and marketing. This will allow me to facilitate programming, education, and networking on campus, while utilizing my connections and knowledge.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? In 2016 I starred in a reality TV series, “The Graduates NYC,” about six HBCU (Historically Black College and University) grads living and working in the city, which was executive produced by Al Roker on Magic Johnson’s network Aspire TV.
Post-MBA career interests? Consumer-packaged-goods (CPG) brand management
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? I would visit schools and connect with friends who are current students and alumni. My MBA friend network really supported me by reviewing my essays, prepping me for interviews, and offering letters of support, which I believe made all the difference. I would also take the GRE over the GMAT. As someone who took both, I think the GRE was the most straightforward.
–One thing you would change or do differently? Start early! Decide you want an MBA as soon as possible, make ample time to take the GMAT or GRE, write essays, and visit schools. This is not something you want to be hasty about. Consider an MBA prep program such as Management Leaders for Tomorrow to acquire the coaching and tools to succeed.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? I would skip expensive GRE and GMAT prep classes and use Magoosh, along with a tutor. My score didn’t improved from the big expensive prep classes, but with Magoosh it did. I also have heard great things about tutors and wish I had worked with one.
What is your initial impression of Johnson’s students/culture/community? Cornell’s culture is so friendly and collaborative. Everyone from classmates, second years, staff, and alumni are all so willing to get to know you and help.
One thing you have learned about Johnson that has surprised you? Cornell’s Marketing Executive Coaching Program is one thing I did not know about before joining the class, but it is everything I am seeking as I aspire to become a chief marketing officer. I know that coaching and mentorship will be key for me to get to the C-suite, and this program will allow me to get that from Cornell alumni who have reached that level.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? I am most anxious about quant-focused core classes—finance and accounting. I am not the best at quant, nor am I enthusiastic about taking classes I did not like in undergrad, but I know it will make me a stronger brand manager. I’m also anxious about snow and definitely afraid of blizzards.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? I am most excited about exploring Cornell’s campus, Ithaca, and upstate New York. This area is so unique and has a lot to offer.
