Quincy Field, UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 25
Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Eastern Michigan University, Criminology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 Years, U.S. Army – Military Intelligence Officer
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I began to contemplate graduate school while I was in Afghanistan. As a family man, I wanted to slow down and find a career that would allow me and my family to plant some roots. When I looked into the educational benefits available to me, I decided to seriously research graduate degrees, exciting new careers, and schools. After talking to several veterans who had attained their MBA, I decided that an MBA would provide me with the necessary skills to make me more marketable. Additionally, business schools are a tried-and-true path for those interested in switching careers after spending some time in the workforce. It is almost like a real-life reset button.
Why did you choose UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Firstly, I wanted to receive a top-notch education. Having gone to a smaller undergraduate institution, I wanted to get the whole experience of a larger university with traditions, sports, and very involved alumni.
I really cannot understate the role UNC’s community played in my decision. It all began with me reaching out to an alumnus who was also a veteran – I found him after he was featured in a publication like this one – and having a great conversation. That led to me talking with more Tar Heels from recent graduating classes and even one from the early 1980s who was aware of my interest. These interactions displayed the kind of people that made up the UNC Kenan-Flagler community and made me want to become part of it.
Chapel Hill is also a great place to immerse yourself in your MBA. Unlike a school in a major city/metropolitan area, the vast majority of your peers at UNC likely have not spent a significant amount of time in the area before enrolling in the program. This distance from the hustle and bustle of the outside world gives you a lot of time to develop real and lasting relationships with your peers.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I am coming into my MBA with very minimal exposure to the business world. I think this can benefit me because I am not approaching any of my studies with any preconceptions of how things should be done. And I am genuinely excited to dig into the material and get involved in the MBA Student Association’s student-run clubs.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
My daughter played a significant role in selecting which schools I applied to. Fortunately, she is a big fan of Carolina Blue, which she says looks like Elsa’s dress (yes, from “Frozen”).
Post-MBA career interests:
I am interested in a career as an equity research analyst. I think my background in the intelligence community allows me to approach investment research with a different perspective and comfort working in a field that does not deal with absolutes. And, as a naturally curious person, I love to learn and explore new topics.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I reached out to countless veterans on LinkedIn, and nine out of 10 followed up with me to talk about why they decided to pursue an MBA, what they liked the most about their program, and why they chose their post-MBA career path. These conversations were invaluable because they provided me with a breadth of insights on many of the top MBA programs and how I can make the most of my MBA.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I doubted myself up until the moment I began my first class and realized I was not alone. I would suggest that prospective MBA students not get in their own way too much during the application process and focus on conveying to admissions teams what unique experiences and perspectives you bring to their program and what you plan to do with your MBA, instead of talking about the superficial topics.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I had to request separation from the Army well before I was admitted to any program, so I think the period between submitting my applications and waiting on responses was the worst. I had a deep fear that I had just given up my Army career for a pipedream. I reread my essays almost daily, looking for faults, and checked all the blogs constantly to see what others were saying about their admission status. I had a very supportive team around me, all of whom were confident I would get into a great program.
What is your initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community?
The UNC Kenan-Flagler community has been great! I have been impressed by the variety of student-run organizations that cater to personal and professional communities. And if there is not an existing organization, the program and faculty will work with you to establish one. For instance, a classmate recently launched the Carolina Disability Alliance. Student-run organizations have been vital to my development thus far. One of their most significant benefits is the additional touchpoints for mentorship and learning from alumni in career fields we are interested in pursuing. Not only are our faculty and classmates helping us out, but our alumni go above and beyond for us.
What is one thing you have learned about UNC Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
I think UNC Kenan-Flagler is unique because our community stretches beyond the Full-Time MBA Program. It includes our Undergraduate Business students, students in the online, weekend and evening MBA programs, MAC students, and Ph.D. students. We are constantly interacting with students across different programs, and it provides additional learning and networking opportunities.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Having returned from Afghanistan during the early onset of COVID-19, my unit could not conduct a lot of the training required to assume our Global Response Mission. Because we lost so much time upfront, we had to complete seven months’ worth of training and inspections in half the time. This training consisted of intense and prolonged training out in the woods of North Carolina, where I had little access to the internet nor the time to properly prepare for Round 1 and a small window to complete Round 2 applications.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I have never taken six classes at once, let alone in subjects that I have very little prior knowledge of.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am very excited to participate in stock pitch competitions, student organizations, and a Global Immersion Elective!
