Selena Martin, Vanderbilt Owen MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: IE University (Instituto de Empresa); Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience: General Manager & Founder, Pan & Kof.feé; Pan & Kof.feé Roastery (2 years); Assistant Director (5 years) Treehouse Boutique Hotel & Hotel Boutique by The Museo
Why did you decide to attend business school? Why now?
For the past few years, I have been working in small entrepreneurial ventures, most recently starting my own coffee roastery and restaurant. With the roastery, working in the e-commerce space is completely new for me so it made sense to return to school to pursue an MBA!
Why did you choose Vanderbilt Owen? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
With businesses that are social ventures, I was intrigued by the Center for Social Ventures at Owen and knew it would be a great place for me to learn and apply what I have been working on. Also, the close-knit community and interactions I had with everyone in the program before committing gave me a great sense of how welcoming a community it was.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I think running my own businesses allows me to have a unique perspective that I get to share with my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included in your application:
A few years ago, I organized a cave diving expedition in the Yucatán Peninsula that was sponsored by Rolex in their Perpetual Planet series.
Post-MBA career interests:
My goal is to grow my small businesses and hopefully start something else!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to the admissions office and current students. Everyone was so friendly and willing to answer questions, and the personable approach was a major deciding factor for me when applying.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
The application process is designed to showcase who you are as a candidate. If I could do it again, I would be less shy about highlighting what I have done thus far and be more transparent about what I want to do in my future professional years.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The interview was nerve-wracking at first, but I decided to be authentic and in doing so ended up enjoying the interview process.
What is your initial impression of the Vanderbilt Owen students/culture/community?
People are extremely kind and helpful.
What is one thing you have learned about Vanderbilt Owen that has surprised you?
Everyone wants you to do well. The environment here is very collaborative and genuine.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was nervous coming into the program about the MBA workload, but as the weeks go on, you learn how to adjust quickly.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Continuing to meet my peers, join different clubs and explore Nashville!
