Iris Barre, Tuck’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 28
Hometown: New York, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Stony Brook University, Economics & Sociology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Financial Services, 5.5 years
Why business school? Why now?
I wanted to switch industries while gaining more technical skills and felt that business school would give me the opportunity to explore a few options while learning business essentials that drive business. Right now was the perfect time, because I was getting deep into a career where I did not envision myself for my whole life.
Why Dartmouth/Tuck School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The location and community were the two biggest factors in my decision. Great academics and jobs can be found in so many places, but the community at Tuck was what really pushed the needle for me. I grew up, and have lived in NYC my whole life, with plans on returning, so pushing myself out of my comfort zone to a smaller town was important to me. I also felt that by being in Hanover I would build a more tight-knit community which so far has definitely been the case.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
My sense of humor and the lightness with which I manage stress. Fall is stressful, and I try to keep things light and humorous and put things into perspective when conversations start to feel overwhelming.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’ve taken multiple trips on my own, as a way of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable (a common theme at Tuck.)
Post-MBA career interests?
Consulting and Energy.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reworking my essays. I started my essays really early and let them sit so I had a chance to reread them with fresh eyes with weeks in between. I think that process doesn’t happen if you rush and it resulted in essays that were true to my tone and encompassing of what I wanted to portray.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Changing my mentality on getting in. I talked about it as a hypothetical so much that I didn’t let myself really get comfortable with asking questions that I really wanted to know.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Comparisons! Everyone has their own journey. I looked at the GMAT and work experience as such a central point of comparison to others, and it’s not constructive. The Tuck admissions office says the evaluation process is holistic and it’s really true.
What is your initial impression of Tuck’s students/culture/community?
Everyone feels genuine. “Tuck Nice” is a real thing, but it doesn’t feel ingenuine, people are ready to help you and offer themselves when they can. The class is small enough that everyone is paying attention to the calls for help and diverse enough that there is someone who will be able to help when you need it.
One thing you have learned about Tuck that has surprised you?
How customized your experience is—even though we are all taking the same classes, everyone is having a totally different experience thanks to clubs, events, recruiting, and socializing.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Navigating the recruiting process and making important decisions so quickly into the semester.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Embracing the winter (which I’m not a fan of) and learning to ski.
