Emily H. Averna, Yale SOM MBA Class of 2022
Age: 30
Hometown: Duxbury, MA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Washington University in St. Louis, Environmental Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years, nonprofit sector
Why business school? Why now?
I am looking to pivot from the nonprofit sector to corporate sustainability efforts. Before coming to Yale SOM I was fortunate to spend eight years working on sustainable development at a nonprofit organization. Through that work, I caught glimpses of the power and potential of the private sector–both big companies and small businesses–to be engines of inclusive, green growth. I’m eager to build the foundational business knowledge, skills, and networks that will allow me to tackle sustainability issues from within the private sector. An MBA will help me make this shift.
Why Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
A number of factors led me to choose Yale SOM. I wanted to join a program that had a genuine, substantive focus on environmental sustainability. SOM has a longstanding track record of work on sustainability issues, including work done in conjunction with the Yale School of the Environment. It was also important to me to have a strong international focus, both in everyday classroom discussions and in our projects and partnerships. International students make up about half of each SOM class. Yale is a founding partner of the Global Network for Advanced Management, which means that SOM is linked to a global network of universities and research partners who we can collaborate with. I also appreciated the integrated nature of Yale SOM’s curriculum; there is lots of flexibility to study outside of SOM and to participate in multidisciplinary centers like the Center for Customer Insights.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
My work in international development allowed me to collaborate with people from all around the world. I have been privileged to meet, build relationships, and learn with and from people from many different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. This experience strengthened my facilitative leadership skills and ability to orient people around a shared goal. More importantly, my past work experience taught me to recognize and value leadership styles that differ from my own, be aware of power dynamics and “positionality,” and lead with an attitude of respect and humility. I hope I can contribute these perspectives to the Class of 2022.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’ve been a vegetarian since age nine when I read “Charlotte’s Web” and realized where meat came from!
Post-MBA career interests?
I am interested in applying marketing disciplines in new ways to change behavior and influence decision-making on sustainability issues. Initially, I plan to work on consumer analytics for a sustainable CPG brand. In the longer-term, I aim to develop corporate sustainability strategies that “green” supply chains and deliver social, environmental, and economic benefits.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Clear space to make the GMAT a priority. Like many applicants, I struggled to balance GMAT preparation with my regular workload. I took the test two times and got poor results. I ultimately made a decision to stop all work travel for three months so that I could focus on studying. I stayed grounded in DC, took a fantastic course at Griffon Prep, and finally got the score I was working for on my third attempt.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I applied twice. The first year I applied to 4 schools, struggled to make my applications a top priority, and got rejected from three schools including Yale SOM. I didn’t feel that I’d put my best effort forward in those applications so couldn’t make peace with the outcome. I decided to apply a second time, prioritized my GMAT and applications, and was accepted into three schools the next year.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The disappointing GMAT scores and rejections were hard! I am fortunate to have a truly amazing group of family, friends, and professional mentors who supported me, built me up after each setback, and eventually were there with me to celebrate our shared success.
What is your initial impression of Yale’s students/culture/community?
I have met so many kind, smart, and interesting people in my first month at Yale SOM. Classmates are encouraging of one another and have routinely offered to help with homework or to explain concepts that are confusing. I really appreciate this collaborative, caring dynamic.
One thing you have learned about Yale that has surprised you?
I didn’t realize that Yale is home to the Good Life Center, which helps people pursue holistic wellbeing and happiness.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time is already going by so quickly–it feels like we only just started the program yet finals are next week and recruiting has kicked off. I hope time slows down as we get further into the semester.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to get to know more classmates! COVID-19 and (needed, important) social distancing have slowed down the process of meeting people. I’m looking forward to meeting more people as time goes on.
