Douglas Strange, OSU Fisher’s MBA Class of 2025
Douglas Strange, OSU Fisher’s MBA Class of 2025Age: 30
Hometown: Alexandria, KY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Cincinnati ‘16, B.S Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Engineer Officer, US Army and Army Corps of Engineers, 7 Years; Program Manager, L3Harris (Space and Sensors), 1 Year
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My wife and I had been traveling with the Army for the better part of 7 years and decided it was time to change into something more stable, so we came to the decision to plant roots and divert from the Army lifestyle. At the time I was studying for and taking the GMAT while working as a program manager in the defense sector. I realized during my tenure as a program manager that there were huge upsides to attending an MBA and getting an understanding of all the functions within business, which cemented my decision to pursue graduate school.
Why did you choose OSU Fisher? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Fisher in two parts: First, after attending multiple schools’ information sessions and tours, Fisher had the small cohort “intimate” setting that I find attractive and drew me towards the program. Second, which is more personal, but I wanted to attend a school that recruits in the area that my wife and I wanted to live (Cincinnati and Ohio).
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to The Ohio State Fisher College of Business Class of 2025?
I think this is one of the first cohorts that have the experience of COVID and the disruption that had on most businesses while attending full-time. This cohort is one of the first that are going to be able to digest and analyze the effects of a global pandemic and modern technology and how those impact each other and formulate solutions that can be used in real applications.
Post-MBA career interests:
Corporate Finance or Financial Services
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
DO NOT SELF SELECT OUT. I applied to all the schools I was interested in, no matter where they were on rankings or what other social media platforms said about the rigor of getting accepted. I feel some of the time, potential candidates discourage themselves from even applying. My advice is to make the university you are applying to make the decision, they are the deciding factor on acceptance, and you can’t get there unless you apply.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I think I should have went on more campus visits. This was a peculiar time in my professional journey that afforded me the time to go and visit college campuses I otherwise would never see. I did get to visit quite a few, but I still would have liked to see more.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Personally, it was the anticipation. I had about six months prior to the start of this school year to prepare. After committing to Fisher, it was a waiting game. I think OCM having career modules during the summer and personally preparing for the MBA program helped me stave off the excitement of wanting to start right away.
What is your initial impression of the OSU Fisher students/culture/community?
This community is global. Everyone knows the brand, and those that are part of the Fisher family want to see other Fisher students succeed. I am actually very proud to be part of this lineage, where alumni will take time to help coach, mentor, and network with upcoming students. If you are thinking of Fisher, just know that the support system is real, and you can find alumni in most, if not all, industries.
What is one thing you have learned about OSU Fisher that has surprised you?
The staff is so focused on student development. The faculty so far has been very involved and dedicated to students learning and will go above and beyond to ensure that Fisher students are prepared and are internalizing information.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
A constant thought that runs through my head weekly is, “Am I doing enough?”. Even though the program is two years, in the grand scheme, it is a short timeframe to really experiment, network, and learn topics that I may otherwise not be afforded the opportunity to focus all my attention on.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Delving in and really learning parts of business I’m unfamiliar with. Specifically finding the niche that is most interesting and where I can focus attention and hone the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.
