Emily Precht, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Class of 2020
Age: 24
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Wofford College; BS: Physics and Mathematics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): For the past two years, I worked with Teach for America as a seventh grade math teacher in rural South Carolina.
Why business school? Why now?
During my time with Teach for America, I was able to recognize a lot of opportunities for businesses to close gaps, particularly in underserved communities. My educational background is largely analytical and I was able to advance my soft skills through teaching, but I need an MBA in order to develop the business acumen, industry knowledge, and network necessary to transition into the corporate world.
Why Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I researched several schools and visited a few, but what blew me away about Kenan-Flagler was the palpable collaborative culture I felt entering the McColl Building just as a visitor. Another cool thing about UNC Kenan-Flagler is that incoming MBA students have the option to take courses over the summer, allowing people without business backgrounds to develop certain necessary skills before classes start in the fall.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
Working with pre-teens for the past few years has made me adaptable, energetic, and incredibly optimistic. Because of the very collaborative culture here, I find myself frequently applying the lessons and methods that I learned as a teacher to be an effective communicator when working in groups both large and small.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I once met DMX at the airport and he performed “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” for us.
Post-MBA career interests?
I plan to go into operations management and strategy. I particularly want to focus on social impact within that sphere.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
After my admissions interview, I was able to take a little extra time to tour the campus and chat with current students over lunch in Café McColl. This was crucial to my decision to attend Kenan-Flagler. I would advise all prospective students to spend a few extra hours on campus, ask questions of the students (out of earshot of the admissions office), and try to picture yourself there. If it feels like home, you might be in the right place.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
As a teacher, it was difficult to take time off from work in order to spend a lot of time visiting business schools. I wish I had chosen to attend a class in each of the schools I visited, because I would have had a better idea of where I would be spending most of my time for the next two years. I doubt that this would have changed my decision in the least—more likely, it would have solidified my decision to attend Kenan-Flagler—but it couldn’t have hurt!
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the time period between submitting my application and receiving an acceptance letter, if possible. I consider myself to be a fairly patient person, but the waiting period is still pretty difficult, to say the least. I was able to keep myself grounded by continuing to focus on the important things that were under my control. I also had exceptionally supportive coworkers who were invested in my development and cheered me on along the way.
What is your initial impression of Kenan-Flagler’s students/culture/community?
People come to Kenan-Flagler with backgrounds and work experiences that are already impressive, and yet everyone I’ve met is down-to-earth and genuinely wants to share their knowledge and help their classmates grow.
One thing you have learned about Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
I have been very impressed by the credentials and quality of the faculty. I knew coming in that the professors were top-notch, but I have been surprised by how much they truly care about our development and success.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
There are SO many new, exciting opportunities in business school outside of the classroom. It’s been challenging to say no to certain activities that I really want to do, but I recognize that I must, because there are only 24 hours in a day (and I still have to get my work done!).
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
This is truly a unique opportunity to spend two years learning new things and challenging myself to grow academically, professionally, and personally.
