John Gressett, SMU Cox MBA Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Texas A&M University – Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Goldman Sachs, 1 year, Treasury Analyst: Maintained relationships with Goldman Sach’s network of Agent Banks to derive commercial value for Goldman Sach’s entities; Amplifi, 3.5 years, Senior Consultant & Project Manager: Worked with clients to improve their data strategy and management.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to attend business school to enhance my knowledge in accounting and finance in order to pursue a role in the acquisitions space. I decided to pursue my MBA now because, after gaining around four years of work experience, I felt I could directly apply the lessons learned in the classroom to my previous professional experiences, and vice versa.
Why did you choose SMU Cox School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The main factors that influenced my decision to attend SMU Cox were the outstanding faculty and my desire to remain in Dallas long term. SMU offers students highly knowledgeable professors who have a unique ability to teach material through real-world applications. When it comes to networking in Dallas, the SMU network is second to none.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
The most valuable skillset I bring to the Class of 2026 is the combination of my technical consulting background and my managerial experience in project management and team leadership. I have the unique experience of both “being in the weeds” and directing a team of consultants from a higher-level perspective.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am an Irish Twin – meaning I was born within 12 months of a sibling. My brother and I are 11 months apart.
Post-MBA career interests:
Corporate Development
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Prior to and during the application process, I connected with multiple Cox MBA alumni. This helped me gain a better understanding of the process and the areas in which the program excels. I was able to ask pointed questions during my interviews based on insights from alumni that I wanted to explore further with the faculty.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent a little more time asking the interviewers about themselves and what they value about SMU.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
There were no parts of the application process that I would have skipped. It was efficient, striking a great balance between being thorough and not overly lengthy, which is important for someone applying while working a full-time job.
What is your initial impression of the SMU Cox School of Business students/culture/community?
The first thing that stood out to me was the diverse professional backgrounds of my classmates. We have engineers, consultants, professional musicians, accountants, and many others. It’s been both rewarding and informative to observe the unique strengths each student brings from their respective fields.
What is one thing you have learned about SMU Cox School of Business that has surprised you?
SMU Cox alumni are more than willing to take time out of their busy schedules to help current students with their careers. While I expected this to some extent, I have been pleasantly surprised by how alumni have responded to cold outreach.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Maintaining a balance between prioritizing school and networking. I don’t want to lean too much in one direction or the other. I’m here to learn and grow through the courses and projects, but ultimately, that’s to help me secure a great internship or job.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about building lifelong friendships with my classmates as well as applying the practical knowledge gained in class to secure and excel in a great internship.
