Kassie Stanfield, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2024
Age: 26
Hometown: Effingham, IL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Harding University – Accounting
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Governmental Accounting – 2.5 years, Non-profit Program Development – 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My career path and plans shifted massively when I moved to Tanzania and got involved in the nonprofit space. I suddenly found myself developing and leading a nonprofit program that I really believed in and wanted to grow in the future but felt pretty unprepared to do so. I was also looking at transitioning into a career that would allow me the flexibility to continue to run my nonprofit venture in the future, and an MBA seemed like the best step to get me to both of those goals.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When looking at program options, there were a few factors that were very important to me. As popular as MBA degrees had become in recent years, I really wanted an MBA that would be differentiated from the rest, and because of that, I only really looked at Top 20 programs. With that in mind, location was a factor for me, and Austin, Texas, is growing for a reason; it’s a great place to be. I was also drawn to McCombs because of its focus on building a strong community within the MBA program. McCombs is such a unique experience because it’s a top-ranked program but without the cut-throat mentality; it’s a really supportive community.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I think my experience volunteering in Tanzania and getting involved in nonprofits changed a lot about me and what I bring to the Class of 2024. Because of my experience, I am very passionate about social impact. I believe there are so many opportunities available for the business world and nonprofits to come together and advance meaningful change. And I think that’s what makes our classrooms better, everyone bringing what they are passionate about to the conversations.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m terrified of heights, but the most thrilling thing I have ever done is skydiving in New Zealand (10/10 would recommend).
Post-MBA career interests:
Higher education (aspiring Accounting Professor) & nonprofit
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Discuss the essay topics and your ideas for them with the people around you who know you. It’s easy to look at essay prompts and begin writing a version of your story that you believe the admissions team is looking for. I found that talking through what I was considering writing about with people helped cut through the noise.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I would have connected with the McCombs Ambassador Committee (MAC) more during my process. The MBA Program Office and so many of my colleagues in the program put a lot of time and effort into getting a great, diverse group of ambassadors together to make sure prospective students can get connected, ask questions, and really get a feel for if McCombs is the right fit for them. MAC is a fantastic group of people; use them, I wish I had!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think we all wish we could skip the standardized test, but it’s really just a piece you have to power through. That said, my advice would be to not get too stressed or fixated on it. It really is just one piece of your application, and very likely, it won’t be the piece that differentiates your application.
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs students/culture/community?
If you are looking for a place and program where all the benefits of a quickly growing city meet southern charm, McCombs is it. Most of our class moved to Austin for this program and the consistent theme upon our arrival was how genuinely caring and generous people are here, both in this city and within McCombs.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
I have been pleasantly surprised by how strong the alumni network is within McCombs, and even the greater University of Texas at Austin community. Once a longhorn, always a longhorn, and I quickly discovered how valuable that is as a student. I have reached out to several alumni with questions and requests to connect and have yet to receive any response other than an enthusiastic “yes.” Those conversations and connections are invaluable when you’re trying to decide industry direction, companies of interest, and just getting candid advice on navigating the MBA experience.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I think the toughest thing about the first year is just the pace. It’s a lot, adjusting to being back in a classroom setting, networking, learning how to allocate your time between class demands and the endless stream of McCombs social activities. But everyone eventually finds their stride and what works for them.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited just to continue getting to know more and more of my classmates. It is a rare opportunity to be surrounded by such a diverse group of intelligent, motivated, and genuinely cool people.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Oddly enough, COVID-19 positively impacted my application process. I was actually living and working overseas in Tanzania at the time I was looking at and applying to programs. Because of COVID, I was able to take the standardized tests online. In a pre-COVID world of required in-person tests, I would not have had the opportunity to apply.
