Brette Baumhover, UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 32
Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Elon University, International Relations
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Marketing/Product Development, VIETRI, Inc., ~10 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’d always intended to further my education after undergrad, and I’d contemplated pursuing my MBA for nearly three years before applying. I was at a point in my life where I had a substantial amount of professional experience, and I felt confident in my abilities to embrace all that an MBA offers.
Why did you choose UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was raised in Chapel Hill, and my mother was an architect for the university, so in some ways, I grew up on campus. UNC Kenan-Flagler is nationally recognized as a top 20 business school, and its reputation –academic rigor, community atmosphere, professionalism – was vital in my decision. Every person I spoke to – both students and alumni – raved about their experience, how the education catalyzed their career opportunities, and helped define how they would navigate a wider world.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
This is a difficult question, but I’d say my tenure working for an international business, founded by three women in 1983, is one of my most valuable contributions to the Class of 2026. I have participated in various segments of a business: sales and marketing, product development, operations and supply chain management, and finance. However, the most fundamental skill I’ve acquired is empathy. It is imperative to communicate effectively and make sure members of a company feel valued, feel appreciated. While technical skills are important, they can be learned but they cannot be lived. Relationships are vital to the foundational and sustaining success of a business, and I have had first-hand experience in building and maintaining such relationships.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have an incredible relationship with my parents. I often say my mother was the love of my life and my father is my heartbeat. I grew up always wanting to spend time with them, learn from them, and make memories with them. They are my favorite love story. I feel fortunate to have parents who reinforced the importance of staying true to myself and always reminded I am loved. It is not lost on me how much they sacrificed to enable me to pursue my goals.
Post-MBA Career Interests:
Corporate social responsibility is top of my list. I’m interested in combining my previous experience in conjunction with my MBA to apply my skillset within an environment that fosters growth and gives back to the community.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
-What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely do it all again. I would visit the campus, speak with alumni, join webinars, interface with the staff, and participate in on-site activities. I took every opportunity I had to gather information, and it was foundational in my decision.
-What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could do one thing differently, I would have applied to UNC Kenan-Flagler sooner. As mentioned, I contemplated the idea of going to business school for three years prior to taking the initiative.
-What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Looking back, there isn’t anything that I would skip in the application process, but I do encourage everyone to lean on their network. My support system helped me stay present and calm throughout the process and put things into perspective whenever I was feeling overwhelmed.
What is your initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community?
The UNC Kenan-Flagler community is kind and welcoming. It exhibits an inclusive culture that embraces individuals from all backgrounds and reminds us that at our core, we are all similar. I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve already made, and I intend to savor my experience.
What is one thing you have learned about UNC Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
The faculty. Oddly, I was surprised to discover the dedication and encouragement the professors invest in their students. Each professor is organized and diligent in making sure students are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed. They are genuinely interested in making sure we not only learn the information but understand it and can apply it to future endeavors.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time management. There is so much happening all the time; we are inundated with opportunities daily. The challenge is knowing what to do when and evaluating how much time to allot to tasks and when to move on. It’s practice in growing, evolving, and learning how to prioritize what matters most (in the moment). Life is full of choices, of opportunity costs, and UNC Kenan-Flagler’s program gives you first-hand experience in navigating the best way to tackle everything life throws at you both positive and negative.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about the opportunity to learn. Growing professionally as I hone new skills in addition to learning from my peers is what inspires me the most. In my short time, I’ve already established solid friendships with fellow students and faculty, and I look forward to fostering my network as I navigate the next two years.
