Brianna McClure, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Round Rock, Texas
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Texas at Arlington (Go Mavs!), BBA in Management and Marketing
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Retail Marketing Manager @ Amazon for 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My decision to attend business school now, after four years at Amazon, is a strategic move to propel my career forward. While I’ve gained valuable experience in e-commerce and Marketing, I recognize the need to broaden my skillset and perspective to reach leadership roles. Business school offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen both hard skills like finance and strategy, and soft skills such as leadership and organizational dynamics. Additionally, the network I’ll build will be invaluable for future opportunities. With the business landscape evolving rapidly, particularly in tech and consumer goods, this education will equip me with the diverse toolkit needed to make a significant impact in my next career phase, whether in consulting or CPG.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Texas McCombs for its exceptional blend of academic rigor, career opportunities, and vibrant campus culture. As a top 20 program, McCombs offers ideal recruiting outcomes, which was crucial in my decision given the significant investment of time and money an MBA requires over the course of 2 years. The school’s strong job placement record and its status as a target school for my desired companies align perfectly with my career goals. Moreover, McCombs’ location in Austin – a burgeoning tech hub – provides unique networking and internship opportunities. As a retired collegiate athlete, I was also excited about UT’s sports. This combination of professional advantages and personal fit made McCombs the ideal choice for my MBA journey.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2026?
Surprisingly, having a background in marketing. A good chunk of my classmates are looking to pivot into marketing, so happy to be a resource if they need it!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have a twin brother!
Post-MBA career interests:
Plan A.) Consulting. Plan B.) Product Management
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
The optional essay really gave me a chance to address parts of my application that I was not 100% confident in.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Not having my dog in the room while recording my video essays!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Taking the GRE…3 times. Target test prep saved my life on the quant sections, highly recommend!
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs MBA students/culture/community?
Super nice and welcoming with a more laid-back vibe compared to other programs I interacted with. With a smaller class size compared to other programs, the experience feels more tailored and intentional.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
They were not lying when they said the program is resource-rich. Any issue/support you might need during your time here there is a high chance McCombs has some sort of resource to address it.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Recruiting season.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Attending my first Longhorn football game, I grew up 30 minutes away and I have somehow never been!
