Christopher Collar, Carroll MBA Class of 2022
Age: 27
Hometown: Appleton, WI
Undergraduate Institution and Major: United States Military Academy at West Point (Economics)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, U.S. Army Armor Officer; Internship, Private Equity
Why business school? Why now?
Leaving my career in the military was a decision I didn’t take lightly and had I not transitioned when I did, I would have stayed until retirement. It required advice from mentors, the support of my family, and prayer with God to be at peace about it. I was seeking a new kind of professional development outside the realm of national security and training to win our nation’s wars. Business school provides that unique multitude of options whether you’re seeking a new career or are already fixed on that next step. So, attending business school was the logical choice for building a career that excited me, provides stability for my family, exposes me to different professionals, and helps me acquire a new skill set.
Why Carroll? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I knew Carroll was a terrific choice for me due to the quality of its finance and data analytics curriculum, its intimate class size, and its proximity to some of the best employers on the planet. Since I am transitioning from a career in the military to finance, I needed a program that would help me build a new professional foundation specialized in finance and data analytics. While accomplishing this, I can personally reach out to every one of my classmates who I’ve met at one point or another in just the first semester. On top of that, I have the opportunity to network with some of the best financial firms in the northeastern U.S.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I think it’s the experiences and wisdom I gained while working at the U.S. Army’s National Training Center. I had the privilege of leading soldiers in support of, as Gen. McConville puts it, “the gold standard for preparing our organizations for large-scale ground combat operations”. Empowering leadership, prudent risk-taking, and a keen sense of empathy are the attributes I espouse to my classmates and our community.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I enjoy shopping at antique malls, flea markets, and thrift stores. I currently collect antique books on oratory, social and professional etiquette, economic theory, and more obscure subjects. Additionally, I collect signatures from notable leaders in U.S. history, which are far more difficult to come by.
Post-MBA career interests?
Finance is at the top of my list. More specifically, investment banking and equity research have drawn my interest thus far due to the people I have met and the skills one can expect to develop within these careers.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would reach out again to first- and second-year students at schools I am applying to. They provided me with all sorts of information on the admissions process, the program, and what their future plans were post-MBA. This helped me narrow my search for schools and provided credible third parties to review application components.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would prepare for the GMAT via an in-person course and with a friend. I think studying by myself in an extremely remote part of the country didn’t help me reach my full potential with the test. Life will get in the way of your preparation. However, if you make it an obligation that is supported by other people, then it becomes a priority.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the application essays. What helped me conquer them were the MBA students I spoke about previously and daily quiet time. Current students have already done them, so it was too easy for them to share what they wrote and help me brainstorm themes or anecdotes to write about. Additionally, having fifteen minutes or so of quiet time helped me reflect on past experiences and my professional growth, which often are the sources of successful essay responses.
What is your initial impression of Carroll’s students/culture/community?
When I met my fellow classmates for the first time I was greeted by warm and humble people, despite them having accomplished backgrounds. Amidst the current pandemic environment, the school faculty and staff have been steadfast in setting their students on the path to success. As a whole, the community has impressed me with how we have faced current challenges together and prepared for what the future may hold.
One thing you have learned about Carroll that has surprised you?
An aspect of Carroll’s program that surprised me was that the 2nd-year full-time student curriculum is scheduled in the evening to enable professional development during the day. For example, I know a few students who have extended their summer internships, started new off-cycle internships, conducted volunteer work, or explored entrepreneurship while completing their education.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about building those lasting relationships with other students and faculty that former business school grads would emphasize in conversations about their experiences. The majority of my time in service was spent at one of the most remote, isolated, and austere locations in our Army. So, I spent all of my time with a close community of Soldiers and civilians who bonded over the missions and environment we were a part of. Now that I am in a completely new location it can be a bit overwhelming to start over and there’s a sense of urgency to meet people.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to earn that all-important summer internship to begin my new career.
