Evelyn D. Ward, Vanderbilt Owen MBA Class of 2024
Age: 33
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The Ohio State University, B.S. Microbiology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 12 years, Food Safety and Consultative Sales
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
It is my desire to improve my business acumen and become well-versed in all sides of business, including but not limited to financial management. I would like to leave this program as a savvier, better-informed leader who has not only learned the keys to personal success but has also mastered the art of identifying and developing other leaders along the way. I was at a pivotal point in my career, where it was imperative to gain more knowledge to continue to grow and expand my leadership experience. There was no better time than now to go for it!
Why did you choose Vanderbilt Owen? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Vanderbilt Owen was one of the few full-time programs I considered. The administration and recruitment team were all very helpful and were genuinely invested in assisting with my pursuit of an MBA. The level of support that I felt coming into this program was unmatched and it was a no-brainer for me to accept admission to Owen.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Vanderbilt Owen MBA Class of 2024?
One of my most valuable contributions to the Class of 2024 is my desire to not only see myself win but the willingness and drive to ensure that my peers are successful as well. It is my goal to do the work to transform into a better leader and version of myself. I believe there is space for us all to succeed and hope that my interactions with my classmates refine their experience in this program.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve recently found that I have a passion for creating digital content. I am very precise and can become engulfed in activities such as website and flyer design. I can easily envision an idea and execute it, and can execute someone else’s visions as well. I have also had the opportunity to create tangible art with my Cricut craft machine. Creating is undoubtedly a passion of mine. I hope to one day find a way to profit from my ideas but will always keep the joy I gain from the experience as a top priority.
Post-MBA career interests:
It is my plan to leave this program with a leadership position in Marketing or Program Management at a major tech company.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would ask questions and stay connected with the recruitment team and staff. I would also connect with current students and alumni to get a good sense of the makings of the program.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently? 
I would start earlier. I had been researching MBA programs for a few years and the thought of quitting my job and pursuing a full-time program was daunting. I would not change my decision to go full-time and would have given myself more time to transition by applying earlier in the admissions stage.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think that the requirements for getting into the program were reasonable and really cannot think of anything I would’ve skipped.
What is your initial impression of the Vanderbilt Owen students/culture/community?
My initial impression has been that this is a very supportive culture. My class has already gotten very close, and we’ve built a genuine camaraderie. I even had classmates I hadn’t met in person, meet me on my first day in Nashville to help me move into my apartment. I am forever grateful to them and happy to see this type of support throughout our community.
What is one thing you have learned about Vanderbilt Owen that has surprised you?
I was aware that this was a smaller program, but I did not realize just how intimate it was until getting here. I am certain that I have, at minimum, seen and spoken to most of my classmates. That’s impressive for an MBA program.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Slightly anxious about finance.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am very excited to take part in student organizations. I am honored to have been chosen by my class to serve as a senator and looking forward to doing work outside of the classroom!
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Yes. I first started looking into MBA programs towards the end of 2019. Once COVID-19 took us by storm, my priorities shifted, and my focus was on protecting myself and those around me. I also had a great shift in my job at the time and was committed to ensuring that my customers received the resources they needed to maintain success in such trying times. My desire to pursue an MBA never quailed and I was able to pick up where I left off.
