The University of Texas McCombs School of Business MBA Class of 2026 brings together an inspiring and diverse group of individuals who have journeyed from across the globe to Austin, Texas, for a transformative experience. Hailing from industries as varied as marine engineering, tech, the military, and finance, these students share a common goal: to push the boundaries of their potential while immersing themselves in the collaborative and resource-rich environment of McCombs.
255 students matriculated to be part of the new class. A third are women and 29 percent are international students. Twenty-three percent of U.S. citizens and permanent residents identify as U.S. minorities and 18 percent as underrepresented minorities. During their undergraduate years, they earned an average GPA of 3.58. Thirty-four percent had majored in business/commerce while a third had pursued STEM degrees. Eight percent had majored in humanities. Fifteen percent of the new McCombs class reported being the first generation in their families to attend college while 18 percent hold advanced degrees. The new students matriculated with an average of six years of work experience. When it came time to take the GMAT, McCombs MBAs landed an average score of 704. For those who opted to take the GRE, they reported average scores of 159 Verbal and 162 Quant. And now, beyond the class profile, we get to know some new MBA candidates.
First up in this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students, we meet Akash Nath, a marine engineer from India, whose career navigating high-stakes environments inspired a pivot to management consulting. Then Brianna McClure discusses transitioning from a successful marketing career at Amazon to pursue opportunities in consulting or product management. We also meet Estefany Lira Galeana, whose ambition to lead strategic initiatives has brought her back to the University of Texas—a place she first fell in love with during an exchange program. Kacie Heinz, a U.S. Army veteran and space operations expert, discusses using her MBA journey to advocate for diverse work environments while preparing for a career in consulting. Then there’s Kaila Seiki, who is charting a course from corporate treasury to investment banking, bringing her financial acumen and collaborative spirit to the classroom. Finally, Max Lies, with his background in economic policy and private equity consulting, rounds out the class with his passion for building bridges across diverse academic and social circles. From navigating the intensity of recruiting seasons to exploring the vibrant culture of Austin, these students are embracing the challenge and opportunity of business school.
Read on as we delve deeper into the stories, motivations, and aspirations of these new MBA students who are reshaping their futures and forging a legacy at Texas McCombs.
