Francis De Groote, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Class of 2021
Age: 34
Hometown: Oudenaarde, Belgium
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bachelor and Master of Commercial Engineering, University of Leuven, Belgium
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry)
For the past ten years, I worked in internationally oriented family-owned businesses as a non-family executive, reporting directly to the owners. I gained expertise in a range of industries such as the food industry, commodity trade, and the chemical sector. I worked in leadership roles in various areas including supply chain, operations, and sales and marketing. I worked on business projects on six continents.
Why business school? Why now?
Pre-MBA, I was progressing successfully in the corporate world. However, I mainly worked on operational challenges and spent little of my time on strategic problems. An MBA will provide me with the toolkit to transition into a strategy role and will give me the opportunity to develop a strategic mindset, soft skills, and an extensive network.
Why UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA curriculum will bridge the gap between my current skills and my ambitions. The consulting concentration and unique STAR program will allow me to build strategic expertise and will sharpen my communication, leadership, and team problem-solving skills.
During my campus visit to UNC Kenan-Flagler, I also learned that the collaborative “Carolina Way” is the right environment to realize my potential. One of the student ambassadors took time to sit down for a coffee although she had a deadline to meet. Chapel Hill as a college town appealed to me because it has a strong community feel and a welcoming atmosphere.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I was selected to be part of the Dean’s Fellows Program, an honor reserved for select fellowship recipients. This will allow me to contribute to the school’s community and the MBA program, and create a lasting impact by working on consulting projects to improve the school in cooperation with second-year MBA students and staff.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I like most animals, but I’m afraid of cats and chickens.
Post-MBA career interests?
Post-MBA it is my goal to leverage my diverse management expertise and transition into strategy consulting or into a C-level role at a medium-size business.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
More than a year before I applied, I started preparing for business school. I conducted thorough research on schools and thoughtfully tackled each step in the admissions process.
I also flew to the U.S. for a campus visit while I was working for a Belgian company as an expat in India. The campus visit was more than worth it and I would absolutely do it again!
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Looking back at the application process, I realize that I learned so much from it and that it is a great way to get to know yourself better. If I would do it again, I would try to enjoy it more and try to be aware of the fact that the application process is a great way to reflect and rethink your career and your future.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I took the GMAT in a very busy period of my life, right after I moved to another continent to start a new phase in my career. Support from my friends and family helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s students/culture/community?
It is an amazing, tight-knit community of highly qualified and passionate students and staff. UNC Kenan-Flagler’s five core values (excellence, leadership, integrity, community, teamwork) shine through in all aspects of the MBA: during orientation, in class, and during social and cultural events.
One thing you have learned about UNC Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
The accessibility of the school’s professors and staff. In Europe the relationship between teaching staff and students can be distant. The opposite is true in the U.S., especially at UNC Kenan-Flagler!
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most aware, rather than anxious, of the fact that I will need to find the right balance between career recruitment, social activities, club leadership, networking, and academics.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to get to know my classmates, expand my network and make friends for life!
