Angela Smith, Stanford GSB MBA Class of 2022
Age: 30
Hometown: Vestal, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Institution: United States Military Academy at West Point, Major: Defense and Strategic Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): United States Army – 8 years as Army Engineer and then Civil Affairs Officer
Why business school? Why now?
As an active-duty Army officer, I had an opportunity to pursue a graduate degree of choice as a broadening experience. Despite the fact that I will continue military service for the foreseeable future, I was drawn to an MBA for a variety of reasons. It started with a fascination for investigating the potential of social entrepreneurship to make an impact in the competition and conflict spaces that I work. Learning about business is also a chance to grow outside of my comfort zone and an analogical compliment to the problems sets I’ll face in the future. Efficient and technologically advanced operation and administration, organizational culture change, and international business are relevant given the changing nature of the military operational environment. More importantly, students in business school are the sort of pragmatic wavemakers that I wanted to live with, learn from, and emulate.
Why Stanford GSB? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Culture, People, and Location. Culture- I fell in love with GSB the moment I read the motto- “change lives, change organizations, change the world.” More than just a motto, the GSB is an institution that encourages and facilitates real change proven through its many impactful graduates and programs, particularly in the field of social enterprise. People- GSB attracts some of the most unique and inspiring individuals which proves true with every new person I meet. Location- A Pacific Islander at heart, I was drawn to the trifecta of West Coast temperate climate, diverse culture, and heart of innovation in Silicon Valley.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Every one of us comes with a unique story to tell. I guess mine is a strong affinity and belief in the power of the “gritty misfit”; the individual who despite their unconventional background, leverages grit and passion to make the world a better place. To me, that means finding love in the world’s darkest places and most intractable problem sets. Hopefully, my contribution at the GSB will be as a friend, teammate, mentor, inspiration, or some combination of those to many.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
Once sang karaoke (“Surfin’ USA”) to the President of Palau, completely sober, the first time we met. He convinced me that women always sing first in Palauan culture…
Post-MBA career interests?
I’ll continue serving in the US Army as a Civil Affairs officer. Simultaneously, I plan to use the experience gained at the GSB to contribute to an organization I’ve become passionate about: Always Further (www.alwaysfurther.org), a non-profit accelerator for the Special Operations entrepreneur. Also interested in starting a social enterprise in Oceania, to enable economic viability for some of the world’s most beautiful cultures affected by predatory economics and rapid climate change.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Took advice from one of my close friends (now at HBS) who mentored me after Round 1 application, to prioritize the time and effort for a few applications rather than equally allocating insufficient time across many. (was also in a time crunch to meet Round 2 deadline so might not apply to everyone) Also, take time to do the introspection necessary to generate an authentic application by telling the story that is uniquely you.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Study SIGNIFICANTLY more for the standardized tests.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting game. A handful of baller vet friends who went through the same process a few months earlier were super supportive.
What is your initial impression of Stanford GSB’s students/culture/community?
Absolutely love it. From getting to know my amazing classmates to interacting with a committed and passionate faculty to being welcomed with open arms to both the PRIDE(<3) and Veterans community to ripping waves on beautiful NorCal beaches with GSB surf buddies, all of the vibes are unequivocally rad.
One thing you have learned about Stanford GSB that has surprised you?
The overwhelming amount of interesting and exciting opportunities and resources. The hardest part is making decisions about what not to pursue.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing academics and a re-invigorated passion for surfing…
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Hanging with and getting to know the amazing students of the GSB.
