William Pitt, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of South Carolina, Double major in Finance and Real Estate
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Five and a half years in banking
Why business school? Why now?
I was at a point in my career where I had established a solid foundation in finance and l positioned for leadership roles on the debt side. However, I knew I wanted to move away from the debt side of banking and into a role that allowed me to be more strategic. Business school gave me the opportunity to make this change.
Why Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose to attend Kenan-Flagler because of the school’s vibrant community, distinguished professors and experiential learning opportunities. During the application process I had the opportunity to meet with alumni, current students and professors. From first-year students to tenured professors and alumni who graduated 20 plus years ago, everyone I met had the same passion and love for UNC.
Their gratitude for the opportunities Kenan-Flagler had provided was inspiring and their passion was contagious. The school’s experiential learning opportunities also impacted my decision. The opportunity to be involved in Kenan-Flagler’s three student-managed funds as well as the other numerous research projects made UNC the school for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think my most valuable/differentiate contribution to the class is my passion for learning and my strong analytical and financial background. What’s great about our class is our diverse professional experiences – I have been able to use my strong analytical and financial skills to help my classmates who have different professional experiences.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I was actually one of the first In-Vitro babies to be born in North Carolina – so my existence started across the street from the business school at the UNC hospital.
Post-MBA career interests?
I would like to stay in finance but in a more strategic role.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit the school and meet as many of the students and faculty as possible.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
While I’m confident UNC was the right school for me, I would have looked at more schools on the west coast and in the Midwest. I was fairly focused on the east coast.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have loved to skip the GMAT but in the end what helped me get through it was remembering to relax. The adaptive nature of the test can get to you but if you relax and trust your judgment you will be fine.
What is your initial impression of Kenan-Flagler’s students/culture/community?
It’s incredible. I had the opportunity to attend the summer Analytical Skills Workshop and this made a huge difference for me. The workshop gave me the opportunity to network with professors, get adjusted to being back in the classroom, and, most importantly, allowed me to form friendships with my classmates.
One thing you have learned about Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
Being from North Carolina, I was well aware of Kenan-Flagler’s stellar reputation in the state and the country. However, it never ceases to amaze me how much of a global reach it has. The school has some of the best faculty and students from around the world. In addition, its students and faculty routinely participate in various global initiatives.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The first year of business school is a transformational time period. Finding the right balance between the various extracurricular activities, job prospects, class and building a network is something that can be overwhelming.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Securing an internship and taking advantage of the experiential opportunities.
Clear Admit Resources
As you work on your Kenan-Flagler MBA essays and application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s UNC / Kenan-Flagler offerings:
- UNC / Kenan-Flagler Business School on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to Kenan-Flagler
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Kenan-Flagler
