Colleen Tremont, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Class of 2020
Age: 33
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Wake Forest University; Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Pre-MBA Work Experience:
I spent the past 11 years in New York City, navigating a career in media. Most recently, I was an Account Director at Condé Nast, responsible for driving revenue for lifestyle titles including Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest and Bon Appétit.
Prior to that, I worked for six years in the Food & Beverage practice at a mid-sized public relations agency, then transitioned into an Integrated Marketing role with the digital media brand TastingTable.com.
Why business school? Why now? As a communications major at Wake Forest, my undergraduate curriculum didn’t include many business courses, and at each point in my post-grad career, I always craved a better understanding of the financial and business challenges my clients faced.
Pursuing an MBA will not only increase my financial literacy—in both professional and personal endeavors—but also arm me with a skillset transferable to a number of industries and professions. Only after years of work did the time feel right for me to explore this path, and I chose a full-time program so I can focus all of my efforts on learning and taking advantage of the resources available at Kenan-Flagler.
Why Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Rank and geography were the two most important factors in narrowing my initial list of prospective MBA programs—I wanted to attend a Top 20 program in the Southeast. Knowing my intent to pursue real estate as a career changer, The Wood Center of Real Estate Studies made Kenan-Flagler stand out among the rest. Here, I’ll enjoy a tailored real estate curriculum led by highly-acclaimed professors while also being encouraged to take other elective courses to round out my education.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
Having a bit more work experience than the average MBA has been valuable, allowing me to draw upon a number of past projects to contribute to class discussion and share perspective on team building. More importantly, through action, I hope my positive attitude, enthusiasm to get to know fellow classmates and intent to enjoy this MBA journey adds value to the Class of 2020.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
On a whim years ago, I entered nine haikus into The New York Times 2014 Haiku Challenge. One of these haikus is among the award-winning entries and is now published in the hardcover book “New York City Haiku From Readers of The New York Times.”
Post-MBA career interests?
Real Estate. I’ve always been inspired by the way a restaurant, hotel, residential building, greenspace, etc. can shape a community and the warm experiences had by locals and travelers alike. I’m excited to combine all of my past expertise—that is, connecting brands to consumers in memorable ways—with the financial/valuation skillset I’ll acquire through my education and internship experience, driving my career in a direction to make a positive imprint on the world.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One think you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Make the effort to talk to admissions staff, faculty at the Wood Center for Real Estate Studies, as well as current MBA students. Doing this gave me so much additional perspective beyond published material found in book or online, and ultimately, helped guide the decision that Kenan-Flagler was the right fit for me.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have applied during Round 2 instead of Round 3. Each application component takes a bit longer than you’d expect—from GMAT/GRE prep to collecting letters of recommendation to writing essays, etc.—and knowing my admission status a bit sooner would have helped alleviate some stress and allow for better planning.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I took the GMAT multiple times—naturally, a stressful process that I would have preferred to only go through once—though I knew the continued effort put into studying would be well worth the reward: getting a better score to strengthen my application.
What is your initial impression of Kenan-Flagler’s students/culture/community?
Welcoming! I knew I would make new friends at Kenan-Flagler, but I didn’t think those friendships would develop as quickly or easily as they have. Carolina is a community full of people that are driven, bright, carry themselves with integrity, treat others with respect, and last but not least, like to have a good time—it’s no wonder I’ve acclimated quickly and feel right at home.
One thing you have learned about Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
Rather than the majority of MBA students having a finance background—a false stereotype I previously held of business schools— Kenan-Flagler and our Class of 2020 is an incredibly diverse group. My classmates and I come from a broad range of pre-MBA backgrounds—thus, have different skill sets and perspectives—which makes not only for more interesting conversation, but also high levels of collaboration and teamwork.
Think your most anxious about in your first year?
These two years will go by in the blink of an eye, and there’s realistically not enough time to take advantage of all of the academic, club, extracurricular, networking and social opportunities available, and that’s just to name a few. I’m most aware, rather than anxious, of the fact that I simply won’t be able to fit everything in that I’d like to during my MBA.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to be a full-time student again— to learn and challenge myself among a group of people trying to do the exact same thing. It’s been a fun and inspiring journey so far, and I expect that feeling will only continue to grow.
