Anna Parsons, Boston College Carroll MBA Class of 2026
Anna Parsons, Boston College Carroll MBA Class of 2026Age: 28
Hometown: Wilmette, IL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Skidmore College, Psychology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Health Promotions and Data Analytics Professional, MVP, 3 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As an aspiring entrepreneur, my decision to attend business school was fueled by a desire to succeed in establishing my own business. An MBA presented an opportunity to learn both the strategy to found my business, and the skills to operate it. Rather than relying on the expertise of others in the field, I wanted to come to a point where I could be sure of each decision – not because it was recommended, but because I understand the potential impacts myself.
Why did you choose Boston College Carroll? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My choice to attend Carroll School of Management centered on the customizability of the degree. The program begins by building up your base skills, such as accounting and management, which represent important factors in any business career. Next, the second year of the program allows you to focus on your particular interests through electives like negotiating or consumer behavior. This flexibility of focus means that the degree becomes what you want it to be.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Boston College Carroll MBA Class of 2026?
My most valuable contribution lies in my psychology background, which differs from the majority of my classmates. While considering cases and classwork, my background allows me to take the human element of business into consideration – from considering how management strategies work with different employees, to the techniques applied in negotiations.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I performed in semi-finals for the largest youth slam poetry competition in the world!
Post-MBA career interests:
Following the MBA, I plan to pursue a career in small business consultation, before eventually establishing my own small business: a therapeutic recreation center. My goal is to create a business which benefits the physical and mental health of my community.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Take advantage of the flexibility that Boston College provides. I took the GRE in 2018 – and it expired several days before the Boston College application was due. Rather than immediately re-take it, I decided to apply for the GRE/GMAT waiver with evidence of my past score and quantitative experience. Fortunately, my waiver was granted. BC understands that people come from different academic and life experiences, don’t be afraid to act on this understanding!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would reach out more to current students and faculty. There were many questions that came up during the process, and while I figured out those issues myself through research, I now feel that I could’ve reached these answers in significantly less time if I simply connected to more knowledgeable people.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting period. Completing an application is daunting, but the period after submission can seem even more stressful, as it feels like it is beyond your control. To get through this, I tried to remind myself of both the potential benefits and detriments of each school. This kept me from seeing one school as the “perfect option,” a rejection which I could not get over. I allowed myself to get excited about all the amazing things BC has to offer (the city, the academics, the friendships) while keeping the downsides as a cushion (Boston traffic).
What is your initial impression of the Boston College Carroll MBA students/culture/community?
The first thing that has struck me about Boston College’s community was the depth and breadth of opportunities. Opportunities to learn, to have fun, to engage with each other. From getting emails for upcoming BC tailgates to counseling options, the resources are not only there but are handed directly to you.
What is one thing you have learned about Boston Carroll that has surprised you?
The scheduling. As a full-time student, I anticipated being in class all day, Monday through Friday. In reality, classes take up a smaller portion of the day than I expected, and many Fridays have no class. This is not to say there is no work outside of class – but it provides a greater degree of flexibility in terms of when that work is completed.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Parallel parking! But other than that, class pacing. The start of the program is structured as quarters, meaning there are only 7 weeks for one class. As such, time management is very important during this period.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to spend time with people who will become my network for years to come.
