Brian Aninzo, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2024
Age: 29
Hometown: Conroe, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Texas at Austin, BS in Nutritional Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): US Navy, 6 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I was at the point of my naval service where I had to decide if I wanted to continue my career as a Surface Warfare Officer. While I loved leading a team of sailors and driving warships, I was seeking a career in business where I could continue to be in a leadership position and make influential decisions. An MBA is the best transitioning tool for veterans who want to be leaders in the business world, so attending business school was a no-brainer for me, and there was no better time than now.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Two main reasons: 1) The people – from the beginning of my application journey, I was met by amazing current and incoming McCombs students with whom I genuinely connected. Three months into the program and I’m still in awe of the talented and collaborative people that I’m surrounded by. 2) The city – as a double Longhorn, I knew firsthand how incredible Austin is and I knew I wanted to work and raise a family there. Given McCombs’ strong reputation, especially in Texas, it was the program that was going to give me the best shot at placing me in my target industry and target location.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
If my classmates and I ever find ourselves lost at sea, I’m the guy that will get us home! But in all seriousness, my time in the military has gifted me with a unique perspective on leadership and problem-solving, which I plan to leverage during my time at McCombs and beyond.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love dogs and wine! During undergrad, I was fortunate to spend a summer exploring South African wineries (where I also met my wife). My dream is to own a ranch full of rescue dogs situated right next to my very own winery.
Post-MBA career interests:
Strategy consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to as many current students as possible! Not only are they your potential classmates and colleagues, but it’s the best way to get a pulse of the MBA program’s culture and values.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Coming from a non-quantitative background, I thought it made more sense for me to take the GRE, but after taking it twice and not getting the result I wanted, I tried a GMAT practice test and found that its format suited me better, leading to a final score I was happy with. So, if I could go back and change things, I would have taken the extra time at the beginning of my test prep to evaluate which test would give me the best chance to succeed rather than blindly assuming I would perform better at one over the other based on my non-quant background.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The virtual interview. Having never transitioned to a remote or hybrid model in the Navy, I was completely new to communicating via video conference. I was nervous that my personality wasn’t going to come through a computer screen, but thanks to my Service to School (S2S) mentor, I was able to practice and get comfortable with the interview format. Shout out to S2S and James Miller!
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs students/culture/community?
Community, collaboration, and confidence.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
At about 220-250 people, the class size at McCombs is small, but Rowling Hall is filled to the top with energy, which makes it feel big. Whether it’s academic-related, a club, networking, or social event, there is always something going on, and despite our smaller class size, everything is still bigger in Texas!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was initially most anxious about the academics coming from a non-business background. Fortunately, the professors I have had so far have been excellent in teaching to a wide range of students and the team culture at McCombs makes it easy for my classmates and I to work together and solve academic challenges.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m hoping to participate in one of McCombs’ many global study opportunities and develop an international perspective on business while exploring more of the world with my peers!
