Alexis Miller, Cornell Johnson MBA Class of 2024
Age: 29
Hometown: West Orange, New Jersey
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Rutgers University-New Brunswick, public policy
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Two years as an attorney; seven months as a fund manager
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My long-held belief that access to resources can alleviate many social ills has inspired me to attend business school. Working in the capacity to allocate capital to those with intimate knowledge of individualized problems has allowed me the opportunity to help change the world. Although many people have proven that an MBA is not required to launch a successful business, my experience as a Black woman has affirmed that having reputable credentials can be the difference between being ignored or championed. As with most coveted fields, Black professionals make up less than 3% of the venture capital industry. Although I fully believe in my ability to run a successful business, obtaining an MBA can expedite and placate the rigorous process of breaking into this particular industry. Personal challenges aside, I will feel more comfortable running a company if I have learned the fundamentals of business so that I can apply well-founded checks and balances in future entrepreneurial decisions.
Why did you choose Cornell Johnson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I love that the Johnson Graduate School of Management allows students to tailor their education with hands-on immersive courses. As a kinesthetic learner, I excel in environments where I can demonstrate mastery of a subject through direct involvement. Johnson’s immersion learning gives me confidence that I will thrive in this program. If it were not for a Johnson alum encouraging me to apply, I might not have learned about Johnson’s dedication to supporting aspiring students of color. Several students and alumni told me that Johnson truly prioritizes a diverse and inclusive environment, which encourages traditionally marginalized students to focus on their education without the need to mask their differences.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I feel lucky to share an environment with so many accomplished people, and I hope my past 15 years of community service and political activism bring a valuable perspective to my class. I began by engaging in community service and activism throughout New Jersey as I was entering high school. I worked to increase voter registration in constituents of color, reported on mass atrocities in Africa for a non-governmental organization and served in an AmeriCorps program for an underfunded Bronx middle school. I even co-founded a Black Lives Matter chapter that advocates for cities to prioritize safety by investing in education and economic programs. Nevertheless, in each environment, resources were limited. Change-makers struggle to implement sustainable solutions without an amplified platform or substantial funding. Essentially, I want my social justice experience to inspire my classmates to collaborate and combine resources to alleviate social inequity.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have investigated my family’s lineage and culture for the past five years. I interviewed my mother, a Trinidadian native raised in Tobago, as well as my father, a Guyanese native who is the second eldest of eight siblings. I asked them for the names of every family member they could remember, their occupations, quirky anecdotes and immigration stories. I recorded jaw-dropping tales about my blind great-great-grandfather, who rode his donkey around Tobago daily, and my great-uncle, who lived as a pirate in Puerto Rico. I highly recommend that everyone do a deep-dive investigation on their family history.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA career goal is to scale my impact investment fund. The fund will be focused on domestic and international development efforts in the United States, the Caribbean, South America and Africa. Specifically, I want to support startup companies that improve local infrastructure, racial and gender equity, agro-industrial projects, access to education and climate change efforts. Though the fund will cast a wide net on aiding social issues, it will also function as a beacon of encouragement to people of color and female entrepreneurs who doubt the existence of institutions supporting their vision.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again is speak with students who have recently graduated from an MBA program. I received insight on effective studying materials, assistance with my resume, advice on interview strategies and contacts of current students. It made my studying and application process much more streamlined than if I had tried to do it without their help.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would confidently go with the flow. I did not anticipate COVID-19 affecting my family as I applied for MBA programs. As someone who wanted to apply in round 2, I had to make the hard decision to submit my applications in round 3 after taking a few weeks off to tend to my family’s needs. Nevertheless, I am glad that I applied, and in retrospect, I wish I had not been as anxious about my chances of getting into a top school with a submission in round 3. In my case, submitting a later yet stronger application was way more advantageous than an early, rushed application.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for the GMAT. As someone who does not come from a math-centric field, studying for the exam was a daunting task. Although it was difficult, I was honest with myself about needing a few extra weeks to master the concepts. I stayed focused on the idea that studying for the exam was a temporary annoyance that would have a lifelong payoff.
What is your initial impression of the Cornell Johnson students/culture/community?
It is such a friendly and warm environment. Everyone was interested in meeting other classmates, and most students were comfortable sharing personal stories about their journey to Cornell. There was also an eagerness to collaborate. Many of us connected on social media with intentions to go out to dinner or work together in the future.
What is one thing you have learned about Cornell Johnson that has surprised you?
I was surprised to learn the degree to which the Cornell Johnson community invests in its students. The first two weeks are jam-packed with sessions on personal development, industry opportunities, on-campus resources and so much more. I was blown away by the administration’s dedication to detail on how Johnson can and will help its students succeed.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about recruiting. Since I want more experience in the Sustainable Global Enterprise space, which tends to be a niche area for MBA students, I anticipate my job search to be a bit unorthodox compared to my classmates interested in consulting or investment banking.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I can’t wait to go hiking on the nature trails this fall! Cornell University is located on a breathtaking campus. I’m always discovering a new waterfall or garden space as I walk around the campus, and I know that when the leaves change, the view will be absolutely beautiful.
