Tommy Meehan, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2024
Age: 31
Hometown: Wharton, Texas
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Texas – Austin; Government
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 9 years – Government Relations and Policy Advisor – Texas state government
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had reached the point in my public sector career where I wanted more opportunities to impact change and grow professionally, and envisioned a pivot into the private sector, specifically consulting. After considering my options, I believed an MBA would provide the best pathway to improve my business acumen and gain real-world experience. The timing was also perfect since I could leave before the upcoming legislative session and help find a replacement for my advisory role.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I loved my undergraduate experience at the University of Texas at Austin and knew McCombs would be my top choice when pursuing an MBA. Since graduating, I have also established roots in Austin with my husband; therefore, staying in Texas would be the best personal fit. Finally, McCombs’ alumni network, program resources, and opportunities to pivot into consulting solidified my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
My most valuable contribution to the McCombs Class of 2024 is my experience as a gay man in Texas politics. I believe my perspective has provided an additional layer to conversations by humanizing how various business industry changes affect public policies and vice versa, ultimately impacting society.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I spent part of my summer in Switzerland working with the UN/UNICEF on their blockchain and cryptocurrency fundraising strategy. It was a rewarding experience and solidified my decision to pivot into consulting.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am interested in consulting, specifically transformations and corporate strategy. The consulting industry also aligns with my prior project management and advisory experience while affording an opportunity to continue creating progressive change on a broader scale.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would connect with McCombs students and alums and attend Discover McCombs events again. Learning about the program from McCombs Ambassadors and others helped me better understand the program’s rigor and potential opportunities. I would also dedicate the same amount of time to my essays and interview preparation. McCombs recently switched to video assessments from traditional interviews, but I recommend treating the assessment as an interview and preparing accordingly.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I do not believe standardized tests are the best indicator of performance or success in business school. However, they are still (mostly) a requirement in the application process. I knew this would be the most challenging part of my application process, and I dedicated a significant amount of time to preparing for the GRE. If I could go back, I would focus on the Executive Assessment (EA) since the format and content align more with my background and experience.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wouldn’t skip any part of the application process. I found the experience rewarding and a great exercise in introspection. Knowing what you want for your future, why, and ultimately how an MBA will help is essential to delivering an authentic application. Also, after all the hard work, the reward of attending a fantastic program like McCombs helped get me through the process. That and the constant support of my husband and friends.
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs students/culture/community?
McCombs has a diverse and collaborative community, with students and staff from different backgrounds and interests. It’s exciting to be part of a community that celebrates your individuality and encourages sharing and weaving everyone’s experiences into the program’s fabric for a more informed MBA experience.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
I am surprised by how tight-knit the community feels at McCombs. I expected to be one of many students struggling to adjust to new routines and challenges, but the support has been incredible. McCombs genuinely cares about your success and well-being, and the investment is felt program-wide from classmates, professors, and the program office.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about balancing and prioritizing academics, recruitment, club involvement, and my personal life. I’d say the number one challenge in business school is time management and setting priorities, which is still a work in progress for me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to help create an impact in my class, community, and the next McCombs class. As a Board Fellow, Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellow, and McCombs Ambassador, I have the unique opportunity to give back to my community as a local nonprofit board member, increase LGBT representation, and share my MBA experience with future applicants.
