Taylor A. Davis, Johnson MBA Class of 2021
Age: 26
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Howard University, International Business
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Financial Services, HR Consultant
Why business school? Why now?
I started a financial education business, Generational Wealth Education Initiative, Inc., about a year before I applied to business school. I specifically decided to pursue an MBA at this point in my career because I realized how passionate I am about finance and knew this would be the best way for me to pivot careers.
Why Johnson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I attended the Johnson Women in Business event in 2018 and saw firsthand how supportive the faculty and students were within the Johnson community. While the community was a factor in my decision, I ultimately chose Johnson for the opportunity to do a semester-long Investment Banking immersion in the spring of my first year. Academic rigor, support and resources, alumni network, and an inclusive community were my top factors in deciding where to attend and Johnson checked all of the boxes.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
My focus on intersectionality and encouraging my classmates to be aware of all of our layers and to incorporate each aspect of ourselves into what we do is what I believe to be my most valuable contributing factor in our class.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I was on a cruise that shipwrecked off the coast of Santorini! All of my friends and family made it off the boat, but we lost all of our stuff. Despite this experience, I still love to travel.
Post-MBA career interests?
Investment Banking
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend the recruiting events! Both the events in your town and on-campus, if you can. Meeting current students and shadowing classes are two of my best memories.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Honestly, I would take the GRE instead of the GMAT.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying! I had a great support system through the Forté program and we supported each out through late nights of studying, essay writing, and interview prep.
What is your initial impression of Johnson’s students/culture/community?
I witnessed a supportive community filled with people who were genuinely enthusiastic about Johnson and Ithaca! The students I met were more than happy to pause, answer my questions, and connect me with people that I could further learn from. There was more collaboration than competition and I really appreciated that.
One thing you have learned about Johnson that has surprised you?
How often the faculty and administration come around just to chat with us. I met our deans and professors countless times before school even started. They all remember us from the admissions process and care about our personal development just as much as our professional development.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am by far the most anxious about recruiting for my summer internship in Investment Banking. Having a great career advisor and colleagues in their second year who can guide me through the process helps to ease the anxiety.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited about travelling and making memories with my classmates. Having a smaller class means we’ve already gotten to know each other and cultivate friendships pretty quickly.
