Felicia Jacques, UGA Terry MBA Class of 2025
Age: 24
Hometown: McDonough, GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Agnes Scott College, Business Management and Africana studies double major with a specialization in Leadership
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Infosys Consulting, Business Analyst 1.5 Years, FDIC, HR Pathways Intern 6 months
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to pursue an MBA to advance my career trajectory and deepen my business knowledge. Enrolling in the 2+2 program secured my spot and helped me maintain my academic motivation. Moreover, I believed that an MBA would help me properly merge my skills and passions together.
Why did you choose UGA Terry? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I ultimately chose UGA Terry because of the kind people who have constantly reached out to me and the program’s emphasis on community service. The program’s focus on service leadership projects aligned with my values. In addition, the immediate engagement with the Career Management Center during my first two years of professional work was wonderful. The support I received was instrumental in enhancing my professional capabilities. I felt really supported by the people who reached out to me on a professional and personal level. Having that UGA community helped me set goals to build relationships and explore more career options.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2025 is my enduring positivity and unwavering composure. Rooted in self-assurance and comfort in individuality, I fearlessly embrace who I am, which fosters an environment where others feel empowered to be their authentic selves. As an MBA student, I am not just a learner, I am a catalyst for optimism and unity, committed to ensuring that my light allows others to shine bright too.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I love to dance and I’ve been in a flash mob before.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am deeply passionate about pursuing a career in human resources. I have a strong desire to foster positive work environments and optimize employee experiences. My goal is to leverage my interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and keen understanding of people to contribute meaningfully to organizational success and employee well-being.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One strategy I would definitely repeat from my application process is forming an application dream team comprised of friends, family, and colleagues. This support network was instrumental in boosting my confidence and assisting me throughout every stage of the process. It taught me the value of collaboration and highlighted the importance of not attempting to tackle challenges in isolation.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would prioritize engaging with current students more frequently. Their insights and willingness to offer guidance would have been invaluable, given their firsthand experience of successfully navigating the path I was embarking upon. Building stronger connections with those who have already achieved the goal I was striving for would have provided me with a richer perspective and a clearer roadmap for my application journey.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I applied during the pandemic and found that the virtual events were not as enjoyable as I had hoped. The experience felt impersonal, rushed, and quite unnatural during each virtual session. Personally, I would have greatly preferred the opportunity to physically visit campuses and interact with the admissions teams in person. To overcome the challenge posed by the virtual format, I proactively set up one-on-one meetings and conversations with the admissions team members to establish authentic connections and gain a deeper understanding of each program’s unique offerings.
What is your initial impression of the UGA Terry students/culture/community?
Despite the campus being quite large, there’s a sense of intimacy within the cohort that fosters close connections. The culture and community appear to be strong, with a noticeable camaraderie that’s being built among students. I’m thoroughly enjoying the connections I’m forming and the genuine interactions that are taking place. It’s clear that people are invested in each other’s success, and the authenticity of individuals reaching out to contribute to one another’s futures is commendable.
What is one thing you have learned about UGA Terry that has surprised you?
One aspect of UGA Terry that has surprised me is the level of dedication and enthusiasm towards UGA SEC sports. The strong focus on sports and the competitive spirit surrounding them are quite impressive. It showcases a dynamic blend of academic excellence and athletic abilities, which creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere within the university community.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
One thing that brings a sense of anxiety for me in my first year is effectively juggling and managing all of my classes, particularly those involving math. While I’m determined to excel academically, I also want to avoid being constantly booked and busy, as I believe finding a healthy balance is essential for both my academic performance and overall well-being.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about making new friends. I have a genuine passion for hearing people’s stories and learning about their backgrounds. Every day, I’m amazed by the incredible accomplishments individuals have achieved, and I’m eager to engage with a diverse range of experiences and perspectives this first year.
