Jordan Cantwell, UCLA Anderson MBA Class of 2020
Age: 26
Hometown: Cincinnati
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Purdue University, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 years, engineering sales/business development in energy and industrial automation
Why business school? Why now?
I want to refine and supplement my current skillset in business school so that I can make a greater impact through my work. I’ve gained a variety of skills through my work experience, from very technical and quantitative engineering aspects to more qualitative and interpersonal sales techniques. I’m interested to learn how I can apply these skills, and the new ones that I acquire, to help companies set and carry out strategies.
Why Anderson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Culture, career services, and location. When I started interacting with students and the faculty, I saw how central the pillar of “Share Success” is to the Anderson culture. I knew that I wanted to find a community that was more collaborative than competitive and the emphasis on collaboration is very apparent at Anderson.
The Parker Career Management Center is consistently rated amongst the top career centers for MBA programs. Since I am looking to change industry and function during business school, having them available to guide me through the process is a huge plus.
Anderson’s location in a major city with a diverse economy was a factor for me as well. Being in Los Angeles gives Anderson students access to large multi-national firms, the start-up scene in Silicon Beach and everything in between. Throw in the amazing weather, food and culture that Southern California has to offer and it’s a been a great place to live and study.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
The school year is just kicking off, so hopefully my greatest contributions are still to come. However, I was recently elected as my section’s Director of Alumni and Graduate Relations and I want to continue my involvement in the student government and clubs.
Thus far though, I think my greatest contribution has been as a friend and a connector. I’m pretty comfortable interacting with most everyone and I’ve done my best to get to know my classmates, introduce people that haven’t met yet and generally try to be an enjoyable person to be around.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I caught all 151 (including Mew) Pokémon in the original red version. The day after I accomplished the feat, my friend dropped my Gameboy on the playground and completely wiped the game.
Post-MBA career interests?
Management consulting or internal strategy.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Get the GMAT out of the way as early as possible. Once I made the decision that I wanted to pursue an MBA, I started preparing for the GMAT. It was definitely a process, so I’m glad I started early.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Start writing essays earlier. Writing is not a natural strength of mine, so it takes me some time to get the creative juices flowing.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The anxiety. You’re going to stress yourself out about every detail of your application and then stress about it again after you submit it. I was fortunate enough to have friends and family that supported me through the process and reassured me if I was feeling self-conscious. If you can, try not to do that to yourself… You’ve already made it this far and accomplished a lot. Just be your authentic self and you’ll find the program that is the best fit for you.
What is your initial impression of Anderson’s students/culture/community?
As advertised. Anderson promotes itself as a collaborative and inclusive environment, and my experience has been exactly as I expected. Everyone strives to make Anderson the best community that it can be while making a positive impact in the world.
One thing you have learned about Anderson that has surprised you?
I was aware that first year MBA students start before the rest of the academic programs. But, it has been a pleasant surprise to have the campus almost entirely to ourselves for the first six weeks. It helped to make this big transition back into academics as peaceful as possible.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time management. Balancing academics, clubs/activities, recruiting, and social life should pose an interesting challenge.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know as many people in my section and class as possible and learning about their experiences. Also, our school-wide trip to Whistler this winter!
