Pat Wheeler, UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2024
Age: 36
Hometown: Clemmons, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: North Carolina State University – Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 12 years, government/tech Consulting
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I reached a point in my career where I felt pigeonholed into very specific roles in a niche industry and was unsatisfied with my growth potential. I needed a major change and realized I wanted to devote the rest of my career to the clean energy transition. I learned that an MBA would help me pivot into the energy industry quickly, provide me with valuable industry connections, and help me make a more meaningful impact than if I tried figuring it out on my own. I was hesitant to return to school full-time after working for so long, but friends who’d been through business school convinced me it would be more effective than part-time for achieving my specific goals.
Why did you choose UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Since I’m pivoting into energy, I was considering schools with strong energy concentrations. UNC Kenan-Flagler’s concentration is unique in that it focuses on the business of energy, and the curriculum covers all aspects of the energy value chain – renewables, oil and gas, utilities, petrochemicals, etc. All courses are taught by faculty with extensive real-world experience, which students and alumni told me is invaluable. I learned while working on IT system implementations that it’s critical to understand complex systems you intend to change. I knew UNC Kenan-Flagler would equip me with knowledge and appreciation for the global energy system we have today that will inform the way I make business decisions related to the energy transition after graduation. I also was impressed with the variety of roles the Energy Club prepares students for in interesting sectors of the industry.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
Being a few years older than the average student in my class, I’d like to think it’s my general perspective from more years of experience. However, I’m also a big fan of Oscar Wilde’s quote, “With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone.” So I’ll say it’s my sense of humor.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m half-Irish. I’m becoming more interested in that side of my heritage and have enjoyed learning more about it. I recently made my fifth trip over there and can’t wait to go back. I’ve also applied for Irish citizenship since I’m entitled to it and am hoping to have it by 2024. I don’t have plans to do anything with it, but it’d be easier to represent UNC Kenan-Flagler in Europe if I wanted to work overseas!
Post-MBA career interests:
My main interests are in grid energy storage and EV charging infrastructure, but I’m keeping my options open since I’ll be exposed to opportunities here that I’d never know about otherwise.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I talked to a lot of people about why they chose the programs they attended and what their experiences were like. Those conversations were critical in helping me realize UNC Kenan-Flagler was the right program for me.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
It’s probably a cliché since many applicants go through some degree of it during the process, but I’d eliminate any self-doubt. Worrying or being overly critical of yourself isn’t worth the time or mental energy you waste on it.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
While I didn’t enjoy the entire process, I don’t think I’d skip any of it. There’s a lot of introspection involved that’s incredibly valuable. And since I never saw myself going back to school full-time, I’m glad I took on the challenge and feel good for having gone through it.
What is your initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community?
I heard a lot about UNC Kenan-Flagler’s reputation for being a particularly collaborative community where people really look out for each other, and I’ve already seen several instances of that in action.
What is one thing you have learned about UNC Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me when I was researching schools and applying was how many students and alumni from UNC Kenan-Flagler made time to talk to me. It also seemed like each conversation I had resulted in referrals to two more people to talk to. Eventually, it felt like I couldn’t learn anything else about the program, but I was still excited to talk to each new person and always learned something new. It was nice that so many people who didn’t know me were willing to help me, and I knew that I wanted to be a member of that kind of community.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was worried that I’d have trouble adjusting to a classroom environment after being away from it for so long. It’s been challenging but not much different from everyone else. And somehow, I’ve managed to retain some accounting concepts from my undergraduate days, which have helped me a lot.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited about the career treks the Energy Club has planned. We’ll have the opportunity to visit a few different cities and learn about companies engaged in many aspects of the energy transition. It’ll be a great way to expand my network within the industry and get to know my peers better.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
In-person tours weren’t happening everywhere when I applied, which was frustrating. I would’ve liked to meet members of admissions teams and students face-to-face. Now that things are back to normal, I’d advise potential applicants to visit as many schools as possible.
