Garrison Weaver, SMU Cox MBA Class of 2020
Age: 27
Hometown: Newtown Square, PA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Richmond, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Concentration in Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions and Management
Why business school? Why now?
I made the decision to apply for business school because I noticed that many of the executives within the real estate industry hold post-graduate degrees such as a JD or MBA. I knew that in order to ascend within my chosen career, continuing my education was crucial to professional growth.
At the time, I was working for a small firm and knew that while I had an incredible amount of experience and responsibility, I had a limited professional network and wanted to attend an institution that would help expand that.
Why SMU Cox? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Over the past few years I had toyed with the idea of pursuing a master’s in real estate at either NYU or Columbia. However, after consulting with my mentors and others in the industry, I came to understand those programs focus nearly exclusively on New York City real estate. I did not intend on staying in New York forever, so I expanded my search to schools that had acclaimed real estate concentrations within the MBA program.
My prior career brought me to Dallas on several occasions and I knew that SMU’s program was extremely well regarded within Dallas real estate circles. After connecting with a classmate from Richmond in the program, I was introduced to Joseph Cahoon of the Folsom Institute for Real Estate at SMU.
He called me before I even applied, and we talked about my career and goals for my MBA and he walked me through all that Cox and Folsom had to offer. I was blown away by the depth and breadth of the offerings, both in and out of the classroom, and knew that the program would give me the tools to grow in innumerable ways.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2020 is my experience in a variety of different roles within the real estate industry. As a society, we are changing the way that we look at the ownership and uses of commercial real estate and for many businesses, the cost of occupancy is one of the largest expenses that one must consider.
I hope to lend my experience from both an investment and operations perspective to my classmates so that they can understand the factors that go into corporate location and efficient use of real assets.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
In addition to cycling and running marathons, in my spare time I’m also an avid snooker player.
Post-MBA career interests?
Commercial real estate acquisitions and development
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would highly encourage prospective MBA students to do two things that I found helpful in my application process.
The first is to travel to each school, if possible, to get a feel for the campus, the facilities and try to get a read on the campus culture. This is immensely important and requires setting aside the time to walk the campus and attend a class or two.
The second, and closely associated with the first suggestion, is to work your current network to get in touch with anyone who is currently enrolled in or has attended the program. Students are generally candid about their experiences and you can ask questions that you might not feel comfortable asking an admissions representative.
If you don’t have a connection at your target schools, do some research or contact admissions to get the contact information for the leaders of various clubs you might consider on campus, especially those that are industry focused. While many schools are great at advertising the resources available, student-run organizations will help you better understand the variety of events and programs on campus.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I think I might have started my applications and essays for specific schools a bit earlier. I focused my time on studying for the GMAT and feel that I did not have the depth in certain essays that I really wanted. I would not underestimate that the qualitative components of the application are equally, if not more, important than the quantitative aspects.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I am not sure that I would skip anything. There are times when your schedule gets really tough and you might have to sacrifice some social aspects of life while applying to high-caliber programs. But, as much as you are trying to express yourself to the various programs, this process is about personal growth as well.
Understanding your motivations about going back to school and taking a hard look at your life experiences to date allows applicants to begin their growth experience before stepping on campus, which then accelerates as you become closer to your class and gain knowledge from other students and your professors. Embrace the process of the application and focus on why you are choosing to go back to school.
What is your initial impression of SMU Cox’s students/culture/community?
SMU’s culture is extremely inclusive. The entire class is meshing very well both in and out of the classroom. Our core professors are pushing us to learn the material but are also going above and beyond to make themselves available to anyone who might feel as if they are not grasping the new concepts.
I am also impressed by the Career Management Center’s inclusion in the curriculum through dedicated classes to help you both find your ideal career path (for those switching industries) and to prepare you to speak with employers and prepare your resume and associated applications. It is designed to give you every tool that you will need to target and pursue employment opportunities as they present themselves.
One thing you have learned about SMU Cox that has surprised you?
I am thoroughly impressed by the alumni base that exists in and around Dallas, from both undergraduate and graduate students. SMU is the face of this town and the energy and enthusiasm about the Cox School of Business is felt from the Lunch and Learn programs with prospective employers, to the Business Leadership Center presentations, to the Boulevard on Saturdays. The alumni pride manifests itself in a willingness to help students grow and become the next generation of business leaders.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about how patient I will need to be in finding an internship for next summer. The real estate industry is a little different in that the availability of positions for MBA interns is not set until the beginning of the second semester.
Thus, I will have to continue to be diligent and network for opportunities through March or April of next year. This is opposed to my classmates seeking leadership development programs and investment banking internships, whose summer plans will be mostly complete at the start of second semester.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am looking forward to my Global Leadership Program (GLP) trip at the end of the second semester this year. Each year, the GLP takes every student on a trip to two cities in Asia, Europe, or South America.
I plan to travel this year to Bogota, Columbia and Panama City, Panama. I hope to use this opportunity to study the growth and planning in South American cities and try to find ways to incorporate them into revitalizing American cities. The best part about the trip is that it is fully included in your tuition!
