Elizabeth Wolfe, ASU Carey MBA Class of 2023
Age: 32
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Vermont, Geography
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Education for 3 years (Teach For America alum ’18), International Development & Agriculture for 3 years (Peace Corps Paraguay 2014-2017)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My favorite part of teaching was building relationships with my students and their families. I really enjoyed working on a personal level with my students and their families to identify the root cause of problems. It was rewarding to then develop and implement sustainable solutions that would help my students grow. I realized the skills and interests I had gained while teaching were a good fit for consulting. Therefore, I decided to pursue my MBA to leverage my strengths and be able to have an even broader impact. In the future, I will have opportunities to impact an overall organization rather than just a small part of it.
Why did you choose ASU Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was drawn to W.P Carey because of its small cohort size (about 60 per class) and tight-knit community feel. The Executive Connections program also stood out to me as a unique opportunity to learn from an executive mentor. I also love Arizona; it’s a great place to live.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I have made a lot of effort to welcome my international classmates. Since I’ve lived in a foreign country on my own before, I know how scary it can be to adjust to an unfamiliar place. I also know how important it was to have people welcoming me and looking out for me. I’ve tried to do the same for my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I love doing anything outside, especially hiking and seeing wildlife!
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting, Organizational Change Management
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I spoke to current students, alumni, and recruiting staff to learn about the student experience and opportunities during and after the program. Recruiting staff was so helpful in putting me in contact with students and alumni to get more information. I definitely recommend doing this!
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I think it would have been meaningful to connect with others who were going through the process at the same time I was (e.g. others applying to and considering W.P. Carey).
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
It was tough to wait patiently to hear a decision from admissions. To get through it, I tried to take comfort in the fact that I had done my absolute best in every step of the application process. The piece I was waiting for was no longer in my control. I knew that regardless of what the decision was, it would be the right one because I put everything I had into it. If you do everything you can to make your candidacy as strong as possible, it makes the waiting (just a little) easier.
What is your initial impression of ASU Carey’s students/culture/community?
The community here at W.P. Carey felt like family right away. I feel that each of my classmates, professors, and staff members care deeply about my where I’ve been and where I’m headed. Everyone is personally invested in my journey and genuinely want to help me succeed.
What is one thing you have learned about ASU Carey that has surprised you?
I knew I would be supported by my classmates, professors, and staff – but I am still surprised and overwhelmingly grateful about the lengths this community will go to help each other out. If I ever have any doubts or feel discouraged, there is always a group of people there to help me and cheer me on.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Of course all of my contact with the program before starting the school year, including my interview, were over zoom. Surprisingly, I think this was a benefit. I felt like I could jump on a zoom call (with little notice) to chat with the admissions team and get my questions answered face to face. We could avoid the difficult logistics of setting up in-person meetings. By the time I arrived for orientation, it felt like we already knew each other.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Getting an internship, specifically doing case interviews.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Bonding with my classmates and getting to know my professors!
