Annie Stewart, UGA Terry MBA Class of 2025
Age: 27
Hometown: Suwanee, Georgia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Georgia 2018, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): 2019 – 2021: Clinical Research Assistant at University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and Children’s of Alabama; 2021 – 2023: Senior Fellow Consultant at Blue Hope Advisory; 2021 – Present: Board Member, Gratia Foundation
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In 2019, I began my career as a clinical research assistant, working on studies exploring cognitive outcomes of Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease treatments. I was able to work alongside several women who were leaders in their field and taught me the importance of skills such as analytical thinking, paying close attention to detail, effective communication, and working with large teams to accomplish impactful results. In 2021, I pivoted my career path and moved into management consulting, as a Senior Fellow Consultant, with Blue Hope Advisory. Over the last two years, I gained valuable cross-industry experience and knowledge in research, corporate strategy, project management, leadership development, and business analysis. At this stage in my career, I am constantly looking for ways to learn and grow as a woman in business. Attending business school is an excellent, albeit challenging, way to grow! I hope to come out of this program more confident in my capabilities.
As a majority of my undergraduate courses were heavily focused in biological sciences, psychology, and chemistry, I am looking to strengthen my foundational business knowledge as I attend UGA’s MBA Program.
Why did you choose UGA Terry? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Due to the rigorous courses and career preparation, UGA Terry produces capable, confident, and well-rounded individuals ready to take on any challenges that come their way. As I attended UGA for my undergraduate degree, I was familiar with the immense opportunities and resources that Terry provided, including their robust and genuinely supportive alumni network. The value of their program is unmatched.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I believe my diverse background in healthcare and business allows me to see scenarios from different perspectives that my classmates may not initially consider. This promotes creative problem-solving and opens bigger conversations. To that point, I have already learned so much from my peers and we are just 3 weeks in!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have been a certified scuba diver for over 12 years. I love any outdoor activity, including hiking, skiing, and running!
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA I hope to continue my career in business, focusing on strategy, operations, and social innovation. I aim to work on teams that impact companies, people, and communities for the better.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Something I would do again as part of my application is I would research potential schools, ensuring their values and offerings align with my goals. It was important that any school I attended was rigorous, but still made a point to serve the community around them. Terry graduate students are involved with several community non-profits and organizations around Georgia.
Also, do not hesitate to reach out to admissions staff. They are happy to answer any questions and a great resource! They were a big reason that I decided to apply.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would apply as early as possible as there are several opportunities to meet incoming classmates and become familiar with Athens throughout the year. UGA has a weekend in the spring in which admitted students can tour campus, sit in on an MBA class, ask questions to staff, and get to know one another better. Many of my classmates attended and it made orientation week even better for them as they already knew quite a few of their peers.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the waiting period before I found out if I was admitted. It was a big decision to go back to school, and was anxiously awaiting the MBA program’s decision! Staying busy with my friends and family helped pass the time before finding out the good news.
What is your initial impression of the UGA Terry students/culture/community?
Everyone is extremely welcoming, open minded, and genuinely interested in getting to know each person beyond the classroom.
What is one thing you have learned about UGA Terry that has surprised you?
There are more than 75,000 alumni world wide! This does not surprise me, but it was a fact I learned recently.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I want to make sure I enjoy this time, despite the packed schedule. Reaching goals is a wonderful accomplishment, but the journey itself can be equally fulfilling.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Personally, I am excited about getting to know my classmates and living in Athens for two more years! I am a big football fan and hope to convert a few of my classmates to be Dawg fans.
