KimBuu Dang, UGA Terry MBA Class of 2024
Age: 28
Hometown: Soc Trang, Vietnam
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Georgia Institute of Technology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years in Medical Device
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to propel the impact of my career forward. There was only so much influence I had without being able to speak “business.” I felt my learning level had also slowed down a little bit, so I wanted to place myself in a completely new environment in order to continue exploring the unknown.
Why did you choose UGA Terry? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I had only ever lived in big cities and attended large classroom sizes/company. I wanted to go to a school with a strong sense of community and small class-size. On my mission to exploring the unknown, I found the UGA Terry program where I fell in love with the culture that both students and professors embodied.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I am wildly excited for my upcoming journey at UGA Terry MBA program. I hope that this passion for learning and immersion will be contagious and positively impact the MBA program. If not, I also have six years of experience working in a heavily regulated industry that I am glad to leverage and share with my fellow students.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love traveling and exploring new culture. I am always willing to put my best foot forward and try new things – whether that is work/study related or trying weird food.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be your authentic self and don’t be afraid to express how the school can cater to you and your passions/needs. Any school and workplace, it is much about them picking you, as it is also you are picking them. The culture and preferences need to match in order for you to thrive.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Schedule my interviews at less hectic times. I got through them though!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Not much. I really enjoyed the application process. It was a nice change to reflect on all that I had
accomplished and where it is I am aiming for next.
What is your initial impression of the UGA Terry students/culture/community?
Everyone at UGA Terry is super nice. Whenever I mentioned that I want to do something, they’re very supportive – immediately sending me books or connection recommendations – or just plain going out of their way to assist.
What is one thing you have learned about UGA Terry that has surprised you?
The food scene really surprised me here. Athens is a small town, nothing compared to Atlanta, that’s for sure. However, all the restaurants I have been to so far have been pretty great.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
“With great success comes with a great amount of work.” – said Uncle Ben if Peter was enrolled in an MBA program. The first year will be a lot of new challenges and adaptation. However, I am looking forward to tackling those challenges.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know all my fellow cohorts.
