Carrine (Rinn) Wright, Vanderbilt Owen MBA Class of 2022
Age: 22
Hometown: Accra, Ghana & Minneapolis, MN
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The Ohio State University, International Relations & Diplomacy
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 2 Years, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
Why business school? Why now?
I wasn’t an undergrad business major, so once I ended up in a marketing role within CPG I realized I actually really loved the corporate setting and wanted to go back to business school to “build my brand.” Right now seemed like the best time to do so and learn a lot of new virtual world skills that would be super beneficial post MBA.
Why Owen? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Financial assistance doesn’t hurt, lol but no really it was the number of opportunities that I knew existed for me to make a difference/impact. From early on I was told that all the women coming in were a part of the WBA (women’s business association) and you’d get assigned a second-year buddy to basically help guide you through your first year as a woman. I knew instantly that was something I wanted to do as well in my second year.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Definitely my background. I come from a very culturally mixed family and socioeconomic background. I’m also 22; there’s not a lot of full-time MBA students who are my age haha.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m actually a self-taught makeup artist, and doing makeup for others was my side hustle in undergrad.
Post-MBA career interests?
I want to transition into consulting, more specifically human capital.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
It’s going to sound so fluffy, but definitely writing essays! I love writing and using words to convey who I really am outside of grades and test scores.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I started the MBA process very late (definitely don’t recommend, lol), so I would have definitely visited the campus and talked to more currents students with a similar background at all the schools I was considering.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Making the actual decision! Lol, it was honestly so hard trying to figure out where would be the best place to help me grow.
What is your initial impression of Owen’s students/culture/community?
I’m not going to lie, from a D&I perspective (as a black woman from the far North lol) it was a little shocking at first to not see a lot of representation. What I immediately saw after the initial shock was the acknowledgment of both the faculty and students and their willingness to cultivate change.
One thing you have learned about Owen that has surprised you?
We say Owen is collaborative, not cutthroat, and the accuracy of that is impeccable. As someone who doesn’t like to win at the expense of others, it was truly one of the things that led me here.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Honestly, the entire recruiting process of networking (genuinely) and trying to make sure you find the right internship for the summer.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The opportunities! I’ve learned so much about different roles and industries I never would’ve considered.
