Chadale Smith, MSU Broad MBA Class of 2026
Age: 30
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of the West Indies, Mona – Bsc, Marketing
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Brand Manager, Wendy’s Jamaica, 5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Though I’ve been trailblazing in my field for eight years, I decided to attend business school to become even more globally competitive, broaden my business scope, and develop more well-rounded skills and knowledge. I aim to attain a deeper understanding of the business landscape and the keys to strategic decision-making, which will refine my current skills and enhance my leadership abilities.
Why did you choose MSU Broad? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose MSU Broad because of its strong reputation for experiential learning and its focus on practical, real-world application. MSU Broad’s emphasis on collaboration and diversity in thought and experience resonated with me, as these are key drivers of innovation in marketing. I was also drawn to the program’s global perspective, which is essential as I seek to develop marketing strategies that resonate across different cultures and markets. Additionally, the access to MSU’s extensive alumni network and the opportunity to learn from faculty with deep industry experience were significant factors in my decision, ensuring that I can continue to grow as a leader who can navigate complex global markets and drive impactful business initiatives.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I love this question! Firstly, my peers are a talented bunch, I enjoy hearing about everyone’s talented skills & backgrounds, very diverse and I have so much to learn from each of them! Though professionally, working in multicultural environment has provided me with a unique perspective on how to adapt global strategies to fit local cultural nuances. I, however, believe I ‘sparkle’ everywhere I go. I could speak to my extensive professional experience, but I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is my energetic & collaborative personality. What I truly bring to the table is a genuine passion for creativity, problem-solving, and connecting with people.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m a former Miss Jamaica, I’ve competed in a total of 8 pageants, 3 of them representing Jamaica regionally as Miss Jamaica Culture Queen, Miss Humanity Jamaica & Miss Tourism Jamaica. I’ve collected awards included Most Congenial, Most Active in the Community & Most Culturally Aware which stems from my passion for cultural preservation and altruism. One thing I’ll do is talk about Jamaica any chance I get! No place like yaad! I naturally love nature.
Post-MBA career interests:
As much as I’d love to say my dream is to be a housewife or lay on a beach for the rest of my life, my true post-MBA career interests lie in Marketing Management. With eight years of experience in the field, I’ve developed a deep passion for marketing, especially the storytelling aspect that connects brands with their audiences. My goal is to hit the ground running by opening my own Advertising/Marketing Agency, leveraging the extensive network and expertise I’ve built in Jamaica and here at Broad.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Tap into your network, applications can be hectic, and you may find yourself deep in self-doubt, I leaned into so many people who completed their MBA & applied their learnings and advice. Don’t be afraid to put the best version of yourself on your application. Be confident in selling yourself, there’s only one you!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would definitely start the application process earlier. Juggling applications and my duties in my full-time role was challenging. Time management was they key but I wish I started earlier to give myself more time to meet deadlines.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I’ll be honest here and say the essay haha. The essay however was a crucial aspect to showcasing my abilities and capabilities as a prospective student. Keeping in mind the end game helped me to get through the task.
What is your initial impression of the MSU Broad students/culture/community?
My initial impression was that the program facilitators were fueled by the potential of the students (current and incoming), providing us with valuable opportunities for experiential learning and network expansion. The culture of the school and students are beyond warm and inviting, I felt at home in a matter of days, always a hand ready to assist and offtake their learnings. The campus is also breathtaking, but huge, you will get lost but with an amazing view!
What is one thing you have learned about MSU Broad that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about MSU Broad is the extent to which the program emphasizes experiential learning and real-world application. I expected a strong academic curriculum, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover how deeply integrated hands-on experiences, such as consulting projects, internships, and global exposure, are within the program. This focus on practical learning ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also develop the skills to apply it effectively in real business scenarios, making the Broad MBA uniquely impactful.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
It is a lot to juggle at once and can become extremely overwhelming if you think about it for too long with no clear plan but I’m most anxious about finding the right balance between academics, extracurricular activities, seeking internships and networking opportunities. I’m eager to make the most of everything the program has to offer, but I know that managing time effectively will be crucial. At the beginning of the program, we were told ‘You get what you put into the program.’
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited about the overall learning experience, especially the aspect of meeting new people from diverse backgrounds & off taking their knowledge and experiences. So far, I’ve met some amazing and talented individuals, and I can’t wait to take a deeper diver & lean into them a bit more to learn new things from wider perspectives and backgrounds.
