Lloyd Yates, Olin MBA Class of 2022
Age: 23
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Northwestern University, communications, and film
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Hollywood film production (1 year); startup/ entrepreneurship (1 year)
Why business school? Why now?
I came to a point where I wanted to dedicate my career to entrepreneurship and needed further training. In addition to training, I wanted to surround myself with diverse people who were smarter than me that I could learn from. MBA programs, specifically Olin, also offer amazing opportunities to expand my entrepreneurial endeavors.
Why Olin? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I value a global perspective, entrepreneurship, and diversity. Olin is just that and prides itself on it. I was completely sold when I shadowed the most interesting negotiations class and met with the entrepreneurship director, Doug Villhard, and other faculty. I could tell that Olin and the St. Louis community were invested in the people. Olin was the perfect fit and a place where I could see myself adding mutual value.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I think my background is most valuable. I was a scholarship quarterback at a big ten school, studied film, worked in hollywood, and I’m currently an avid entrepreneur. I would not say my story is singular, but I do bring a lot of perspective from my experiences and upbringing.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
About a year or two ago I entered my first poker tournament and won the first place prize of $1400 from a $60 buy-in.
Post-MBA career interests?
Post MBA I am interested in growing my fashion business, Tylmen, with the goal of becoming a global brand. Currently, I am looking to open up a storefront upon graduation that fuses luxury hospitality with your retail experience. My store will utilize 3D scanning technologies to deliver quality, fast turn around, custom suits. It will be a retail experience, unmatched, built for the young, ambitious professional.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would certainly encourage every serious prospective student to go visit the schools they are interested in. I noticed stark differences in the places I considered which made my decision that much more clear.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I applied to a dozen schools, something I view as a double-edged sword, while I only seriously considered a handful of programs, I wanted to cast a big net and shoot for the stars in some cases. Doing all of these applications was super laborious. I probably wouldn’t do that again.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I did not like taking the GRE. But of course, test taking is mandatory. I dedicated 2 months to daily study with a weekly tutor, many practice problems, and youtube. Youtube was my best friend.
What is your initial impression of Olin’s students/culture/community?
Everyone is great. There’s been no animosity or hostility. Everyone is positive, encouraging, helpful, and smart. I think this is also a testament to the Saint Louis community which is very much the same.
One thing you have learned about Olin that has surprised you?
Olin is the business school that has the most graduates who end up starting their own business. It’s awesome to see so many students empowered to be courageous and entrepreneurial.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Finishing first semester strong. The first semester is super intense and rigorous.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Spring semester classes. This first semester we take all mandatory classes while next semester we have some autonomy in the courses we choose. I cannot wait to indulge in those new, more focused classes.
