Jameson Lowrey, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 25
Hometown: New York, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Princeton University, Public and International Affairs
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 Years, Automotive/Transportation
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
During three years at the Ford Motor Company’s design and innovation lab in California, I was exposed to many unique elements that are required to run a cohesive business. I was able to grow my skills in some of those areas, but wanted to return to school to learn more. Business school represents an opportunity to step back from the working world and pursue learning in areas that weren’t part of my past experiences.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
SOM’s mission to educate leaders for business and society closely aligns with the experience I wanted in a business school. The recognition that our actions as individuals and within corporations don’t happen in a vacuum is more important now than ever before. Along with Yale’s School of Management, I was also excited about the possibility of pursuing a joint degree with the School of the Environment, for which I’m applying this fall. The ability to build my skillset as a leader in combination with a deep expertise in sustainability is what set Yale apart for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I’m arriving at SOM from a team focused on changing the way a legacy manufacturing company works. I hope that experience of starting new businesses and challenging the status quo within a larger organization provides a unique perspective in the Class of 2023.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy the outdoors as well as creative projects like building furniture and bicycles.
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to continue working in the mobility and transportation space but with a greater focus on sustainability. I am interested in the possibility of starting a company in service of greener and more accessible mobility solutions that change the way people and goods move in the world.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I applied while a was still working, which forced me to be efficient with my time. I had to study for the GMAT and write essays either early in the mornings, after work or on weekends. Having that structure was very important as I tackled all the disparate parts of the application process.
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Make sure you check when applications are due! At the last second, I realized that the deadline was 5PM (instead of midnight), and that caused some unnecessary stress.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
While certainly not unique to me, I found waiting for a response on my application was tough as I considered different paths for my future (especially during a global pandemic). Planning things to look forward to with friends and family helped me get through that period of waiting after the rush to submit applications.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
From the first morning on campus, I’ve been so inspired by all the different backgrounds of my classmates. In just a few minutes, I had met people from all around the world who’d been working in international development, education, the military, and more.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
The speed with which we were put into groups and told to get to know one another was surprising and incredibly rewarding. In just over a month, I feel like my learning team has become a cohesive unit and is helping us all support one another as we navigate our first year.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
In the world of remote work brought on by the pandemic, I began to reassess what I wanted to do with my career. I realized how I wanted sustainability to be more central in my work and how I could grow in new ways by returning to graduate school.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Everywhere I look, there are great opportunities to meet new people and get involved in exciting projects, but that can certainly be overwhelming too. I’m working on balancing my commitments, extending myself and getting the most out of my time here while not biting off more than I can chew.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The chance to be in a new community (and in person) is fantastic! I most excited about meeting new friends who will inspire me with the amazing work they’re setting out to do.
