Calin Wilson, Tuck’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 28
Hometown: Parkland, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Florida, Political Science, and Theatre
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Arts Management/Marketing (Adrienne Arsht Center – 1 year, New York City Ballet – 4 years)
Why business school? Why now?
I had always known there were gaps in my business knowledge and leadership skills that I would need to fill if I wanted to see meaningful long-term growth, personally and professionally. When I reached the point where I felt I had made the most impact possible with the skillset I had, I knew it was time to move on to the next chapter where I could begin working on closing those gaps.
Why Dartmouth/Tuck School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I knew from the get-go that I wanted a smaller program where I could really immerse myself in the experience. I felt, and still feel, that business school is such a large investment of your time and resources that you truly owe it to yourself, and your peers, to go all-in. Time and time again, Tuck embodied this notion, and once I visited and saw the community firsthand, I knew it was the best fit.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Coming from the arts, I have an immense appreciation for creativity and diversity as they relate to producing purposeful work. In my time at Tuck, I hope to help shed light on how these same values can fuel our collective journey to better the world through business.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
If you’ve ever seen The Nutcracker, you might be familiar with the mice that run onstage once the main character, Marie, is shrunken down to their size. I was somehow convinced to put on this costume (think full-on mascot style) and run around New York City Ballet for hours as part of a “Mouse in the House” Instagram takeover. Highlights included the dancers pausing an actual rehearsal for me to scurry across the stage, everyone on Instagram wondering what ballet apprentice they got to do this, and maybe almost passing out—all in the name of a good promo.
Post-MBA career interests?
Consulting and media/entertainment.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Connecting with Admissions, the Program Office, and current students. Considering the Tuck experience is defined by the community, it’s so important to get to know the people who are part of it early on. Doing this helped me narrow my focus and determine that Tuck was a school I really wanted to get to know inside and out.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Be patient with the process a bit more and remember things aren’t as out-of-your-hands as they may feel if you’ve truly put in the work.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Asking for letters of recommendation. My recommenders were beyond supportive, but I felt guilty asking them to invest so much time and energy in crafting thoughtful recommendations. Giving them a lot of time to do so and making sure they were armed with the information they needed helped put my mind at ease a bit.
What is your initial impression of Tuck’s students/culture/community?
This year especially, there’s really a “we’re all in this together” mentality. Whether that’s in the form of professors being open and honest about the state of the world, students joining together in pursuit of a common goal, or just an unspoken understanding of “hey, we’re all taking it one day at a time,” I’ve found that this community mentality has helped me cope with the uncertainty of everything ahead.
One thing you have learned about Tuck that has surprised you?
The quantity and quality of Tuck’s offerings, particularly for such a small school. On any given day, you can attend a conversation with Valerie Jarrett and pitch a recommendation to the CEO of a major brewing company. It’s really remarkable.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Aside from the universal concern of how our first-year experience will continue to evolve in relation to the pandemic, I’m most anxious about time management. There are so many unbelievable opportunities here at Tuck (see above), but it can be difficult to stay on top of them along with your academic, social, and personal commitments. Already learning this will be a trial-and-error situation!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Definitely getting to know my fellow Tuckies. And skiing! I really enjoy it, but there’s a lot of room for improvement here, so I’m hoping to use my time in Hanover to learn how to fling myself down a mountain a bit more gracefully.
