Frances Klimczak,Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 30
Hometown: Collinsville, CT
Undergraduate Institution and Major: College of the Holy Cross, Mathematics (BA). US Naval War College, National Security and Strategic Studies (MA).
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years, US Navy
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to do something different. I loved the Navy, but I was ready to use my leadership training and decision-making skills to start my own business. I reached a natural break point in my service and took the leap to Yale SOM.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Yale because of its emphasis on business and society. I am committed to social impact and have found a community of peers who also desire to make meaningful change through their work. SOM has an abundance of resources and opportunities for social impact missions in the non-profit, for-profit, government, entrepreneurial sectors.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I think my perspective as a veteran provides a balancing influence in my cohort. Life in a full-time MBA program is packed with academics, networking, recruiting, and social events. It gets overwhelming! My ability to stay calm under pressure, prioritize, and make tough decisions (including when to say “no” to an opportunity), has helped others do the same.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a die-hard Red Sox fan! I love baseball and hope to make it to all 30 ballparks; I’ve visited 19 so far—11 to go!
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to start a small enterprise focused on employing folks who typically experience barriers entering the workforce. My dream is to create a model that ties higher education with meaningful work to enable economic freedom and ownership opportunity for those on the margins.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reflect on my “why.” Knowing what drove me to make this big change motivated me through the application process because I knew this decision was the first step to making my dream a reality.
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have applied in Round 1 to take the pressure off around the holidays.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Essays are always challenging for me. Again, going back to my “why” helped me write authentically and focus my thesis instead of rambling about lofty ideas. Don’t pressure yourself to be creative or original—be true to your story and the rest will come.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
SOM has a welcoming and inclusive culture. I love the diversity of personal and professional backgrounds in the class and how each person I’ve met has so much depth.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
Yale SOM is truly connected with the larger university. I regularly meet people from other graduate programs and enjoy exploring all the campus facilities. The libraries are gorgeous!
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Fortunately, COVID did not have an impact on my application. I was accepted to the MBA class of 2022, but had to defer to finish out my Navy commitment. When COVID hit, my deferral was a silver lining because I hoped we would be back in person this fall. We are, and it’s great!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about the academics. The course work is challenging, but I enjoy the rigor at SOM and have the support of a talented and fun Learning Team.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Making connections! I have a lot in common with so many people I have met. I look forward to deepening these relationships as the year continues.
