Tayler Torry, Rochester Simon MBA Class of 2020
Age: 30
Hometown: Missouri City, Texas
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Texas A&M University, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years, 7 in the non-profit sector
Why business school? Why now?
I needed to feel challenged again, and I didn’t like how comfortable I’d gotten in my role at the time. While I was very grateful to my colleagues for teaching me some of the amazing strategies and frameworks they learned in business school, I wanted to gain my own understanding of the concepts I was applying to my role. I hadn’t been that eager for a new experience in a while, so I wanted to put all of my energy towards my next step. Business school was the obvious choice — it requires that I consider how to become a better team member and a more effective individual contributor.
Why Simon? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Simon found me. I initially thought I would stay closer to home for my MBA, but my first conversation with Simon was extremely inviting. I decided to visit Rochester in November, and aside from the biting cold, it felt like somewhere I could call home.
Having a sense of community was very important to me, and I feel that from not just my class, but from our second-years too. Our staff and faculty have ushered us into our first year of business school with a wealth of support! I knew I could handle the rigor of any program as long as they value a collaborative and inclusive environment, and Simon has done that for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I come from an education non-profit where we talked about diversity, equity, and inclusion and how we could incorporate these concepts into our personal and professional lives. I’ve brought that frame of mind with me to business school, and I want help my classmates explore what it means to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout their time here at Simon and in their life after business school.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love heights and I’m a bit of a thrill-seeker. I’m a huge fan of flying and I’ve even been skydiving. I just recently started bouldering, and quite honestly, I laugh every time I fall. The EdgeWalk at the CN Tower in Toronto is the next thing I want to conquer.
Post-MBA career interests?
I’m concentrating on marketing because I’m interested in how businesses interact with their consumers and how those interactions influence business decisions. I want to make sure I’m continuing an impact-focused career, and the most important factor I’m considering is how easily I can see my work making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I enjoyed all three of my visits to Simon. They were all incredibly fun, and the mix of attending both social and school-related events was indicative of the pace I’ve been keeping at Simon so far.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would talk to more current students about how they approached their essay writing. I was fortunate to develop great writing skills prior to coming to Simon, but I could have saved myself from a few long nights if I would have inquired about their methods.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the GRE if I could — I have so much anxiety around tests. If I hadn’t had taken an in-person prep course, I wouldn’t have been as structured and disciplined about my study schedule. Luckily, my manager at work was very accommodating and allowed me to take some time off to prepare for test day.
What is your initial impression of Simon’s students/culture/community?
I couldn’t believe how nice and helpful everyone was. I’m typically shy in new settings, but I had some amazing conversations with alumni and current students that were very eye-opening. The culture was inviting and everyone was really enthusiastic when talking about their classmates and their experience in the program. There were more students from the South than I expected, so I figured Simon must be on to something if they could entice a few Texans to move to Rochester for two years.
One thing you have learned about Simon that has surprised you?
Our student body is incredibly active in extracurriculars. I had a hard time narrowing down the clubs I wanted to join because of the various events planned for this year. The student leaders put in a lot of time and effort to make sure we get the most out of our time here at Simon.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Keeping my stamina throughout the semester. I feel like I’m off to a great start, but I want to find a good balance between school, extracurriculars, and enjoying my time here.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited to get to know my classmates. We’re all coming to Simon with our unique stories and experiences, so I’m eager to learn from and bond with them.
