Sam Bodman, Florida Warrington MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Mason, MI
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Central Michigan University, Finance Major and Math Minor
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Investor Relations Associate, Garda Capital Partners, 1 year | Trading Assistant, Garda Capital Partners, 3 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After having some industry experience, I was looking to pivot into consulting and knew an MBA would best prepare me to do so. Being 4 years into my career, it seemed like the sweet spot for getting the most out of an MBA program.
Why did you choose UF Warrington? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
A professor I was close to during my undergraduate program now teaches at UF, and pushed me to apply to the UF MBA program. Also, I was looking to move to the south because I’m a huge gearhead and wanted to work on cars and motorcycles year-round!
As far as the program itself, I was attracted to the small cohort size which allows the Business Career Services team within the graduate school of business to be incredibly prescriptive in coaching students.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
Our cohort has vastly different backgrounds which has made for unique classroom discussion. For me, having a background in financial markets allows me to help students in my cohort follow macroeconomic developments more closely.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve been skiing since I was three, my favorite resort is Arapahoe Basin in Colorado.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit Gainesville and tour UF’s campus, it will make your decision easy!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Speak with more UF alumni throughout the process. It’s the best way to get a feel for the culture, and you will be surprised at how well you resonate with the stories you hear.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think most MBA candidates would agree the GMAT/GRE studying is a grueling part of the application process. It’s important to stick to a routine and remember that it’s preparing you to study for your classes.
What is your initial impression of the Florida Warrington students/culture/community?
The culture around collective success is huge. Students are eager to go far out of their way to help one another and are more interested in competing alongside each other, rather than against each other.
What is one thing you have learned about Florida Warrington that has surprised you?
The hands-on experience with career coaches. The Business Career Services team is an integral part of the MBA experience.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Gator football, we have a tough schedule!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Dedication to growing and learning with like-minded peers, there’s no shortage of professional development opportunities outside of the classroom.
