Kyle Gasaway, UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 30
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Denison University, Granville, Ohio; Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Communications Manager, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, 3.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After receiving two promotions and taking on additional responsibilities, I realized that I had reached my full potential in my job. Despite enjoying my management role, I felt that I had more to offer and wanted to explore my passion for marketing. Although my previous organization allowed me to expand into communications work, it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. Additionally, I wanted to pursue opportunities outside of the public health sector where I had unintentionally landed a job. After gaining about six years of work experience, I started considering an MBA program. As I transitioned into a managerial position, I saw that the business skills taught in the MBA program could be immensely beneficial.
Why did you choose UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose UNC Kenan-Flagler because of the “nice MBA” stereotype that I learned about them through recruitment. As a former Midwesterner and someone who has only worked in the non-profit space, that resonated with me. For two years, I needed to be around people I liked and cared about and genuinely call my community. I knew I was not going to thrive in a cutthroat environment, and when I talked with UNC students, I always got the sense that they genuinely liked each other, and I was able to picture myself here.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I come from a nontraditional business background. I used Excel for mail merges and lists, but never for numbers. Coming from the non-profit space as a DEI educator, there was not a lot of business talk but a focus on our impact—what good could we bring? I think keeping corporate social responsibility front and center for any group project or panel I’m on will be a valuable contribution to my class.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included in your application:
I’m a huge theater guy, but I came to it late. I didn’t become initiated until I got to college. My first touring Broadway show was “Book of Mormon” when it came through Columbus, Ohio, and my first Broadway show was in 2023, when I saw “Here Lies Love.”
Post-MBA career interests:
I came into the MBA program with an open mind about where to go. I am interested in the entertainment and video games industry but love tech. So, I’m hoping to be a brand or product manager in one of these industries.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would do again as part of your application process?
I would join as many info sessions, chats with students, and MBA fairs as possible. It was precious to hear peoples’ perspectives. While looking at many schools, it helped me differentiate them from one another. Also, attending all the presentations and info sessions provides plenty of application waivers, which was a huge perk!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have taken the GRE sooner. Recruiting and researching schools and studying for the GRE, plus my full-time job, was a lot of work. I needed to space those out better. And that’s just planning it well in advance.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped applying to so many schools. I submitted applications to nine schools and sunk a lot of time into those applications. It would have been helpful to have been more selective and focused my efforts on perfecting maybe five applications instead of that many.
What is your initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community?
The people and the culture here are really valuable aspects that are hard to capture in a brochure. The student body and the staff make it a community that cares for you, which becomes evident as soon as you get here.
What is one thing you have learned about UNC Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
I was surprised by the amount of async material that is a part of the full-time MBA program. We still do quite a bit of online content in addition to in-person classes.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am recruiting for the summer internship while researching what I want to do with my MBA and taking full-time classes in finance and accounting, two classes that are not my strengths!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
As a UNC student this September, I am most excited to attend the Reaching Out MBA conference! It is the largest gathering of LGBTQIA+ MBA students in the U.S. to network, build community, and hopefully find career opportunities.
