Brock Hendricks, ASU Carey MBA Class of 2023
Age: 26
Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado
Undergraduate Institution and Major: BA in Supply Chain Management and BA in Business Management from W. P. Carey School of Business and Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Senior Commodity Manager at American Airlines from June 2018 to August 2021
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Like many, career and industry took an unexpected turn during the pandemic. Working in the aviation industry, I had to quickly pivot, think on my feet, and approach my job in an entirely new way. I know now that such events are likely to happen during my lifetime. Rather than being reactive, I want to be a proactive leader, and felt that developing my knowledge and leadership skills would set me apart.
Why did you choose (school)? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose W. P. Carey given the countless opportunities that the full-time program has. There are countless reasons why W. P. Carey was at the top of my list—starting with the Executive Connection program that pairs each student with a previous executive to the opportunity to apply your leadership skills in and outside of the program—this program is unlike any other. Furthermore, the motto of “Business is Personal” truly resonated with me and the school was equally investing in me as a future leader.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
The Class of 2023 is one of the first classes to have lived and experienced a major global economic crisis. Starting with the 2008 financial crisis to COVID-19, we are a group of individuals who are not only prepared to tackle adversity but embrace ambiguity. Additionally, our class is one of the first who as leaders, will have social and environmental values at the forefront of our priorities.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I have broken my arm 5 times—I was an adventurous kid to say the least.
Post-MBA career interests:
Working within the aviation/travel space or starting my own company
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be yourself—you are the biggest asset to your application. If you can find ways to showcase your authentic self, that will go further than anything else.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I am sure that most would agree, but I would skip the awaiting the acceptance decision process. The anticipation of receiving an acceptance decision can be unbearable at times!
What is your initial impression of the (school’s) students/culture/community?
As an undergrad, I was exposed to the innovative and transformational culture that is W. P. Carey and ASU as a whole. Knowing my experiences in the past, I wanted to ensure that the school I attended had similar values. I was pleasantly surprised that not only did the Full-time MBA program include previous cultural elements of my undergrad, but provided an opportunity to further grow not only myself, but provides me with the opportunity to help others grow as well.
What is one thing you have learned about (school) that has surprised you?
The biggest surprise after starting the MBA program is that although a rigorous and demanding program, there is tremendous opportunity and support provided by W. P. Carey. Furthermore, I have found that everything is very intentional – starting with the recruitment of my fellow classmates. I feel as if those who I am surrounded by are intentionally chosen to showcase their strengths that allow everyone to learn from them.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how? Yes—I believe the pandemic has shown me what I am passionate about. Through that self-exploration, I was able to showcase my passions within my application and now that I am in the program, find ways to apply my passion within the classroom.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
To be honest, leaving the workforce in a time of uncertainty across the world was very unnerving. However, I trusted the decision to return back to school as it allows me to better navigate the post-COVID world and provides me with an opportunity to learn more about business.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to be back in the classroom. My most fond memories to date are those spent learning and growing as an academic. Furthermore, I am excited to take a step to further build my network and grow as a business processional via the MBA program.
