| MBA Spotlight: Morgan Owens MBA Class of 2022 From Non-Profit Education... to Management Consulting |
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Undergraduate: Columbia University - Sociology
- Graduate: The Johns Hopkins University - Secondary Education
- Pre-MBA:
- COPE Health Solutions – Program Manager
- Earl Carl Institute for Legal & Social Policy - Assistant Director of Youth Initiatives
- Teach For America - Manager, Teacher Leadership Development
- Internship: Bain & Company – Summer Associate
- Leadership @ Anderson:
- Management Consulting Association - Vice President of Education
- Women's Business Connection - Chief of Staff and Director of Partnerships
- Anderson Student Association - First Year Liaison
- Anderson Venture Impact Partners - Vice President of Curriculum
- Activities @ Anderson:
- Mentor - Riordan Fellows Program
- Member - Black Business Student Association
- Member - Outdoor Adventure Club
- Volunteer - UCLA Alumni Scholarship Council
- Case Writer - Professor Jennifer Walske
6 QUESTIONS WITH MORGAN OWENS (MBA '22)
Q1: What career pivot did you make via your MBA?
A: I made a significant career pivot to consulting. I had always wanted to pursue an MBA, but was afraid my nonprofit background wouldn't translate to the business world. I finally worked up the courage to go for it and am so glad I did. With the help of the Parker Career Management Center, the Management Consulting Association, and the many peers who #SharedSuccess with me along the way, I was able to translate my experiences in the education space to the world of consulting. I've spent my summer internship at my top choice consulting firm – Bain & Company.
Q2: What do you wish you know now that you wish you knew as a prospective Anderson MBA student?
A: It's all about the network! It's truly amazing the type of access we have as students at Anderson, and I'm constantly blown away by the caliber of professionals we get to learn from both formally and informally. I mean, Whoopi Goldberg came to speak to us in Professor Frons' class the day after the Oscars! Throughout my recruitment journey, too, I got to connect with so many alumni who were incredibly supportive of my development, just by virtue of being a fellow Bruin. I know the decision to get your MBA is different for everyone, but I hope all prospective students know and can appreciate how life changing these relationships can truly be.
Q3: How has your Anderson experience changed you?
A: My time at Anderson has given me the confidence to know that I can learn and do anything I put my mind to. My schema of what's possible in my career has completely shifted as a result of all that I've learned and accomplished while at Anderson. I got my dream full-time job offer in February of my first year. I've found a new passion in impact investing, a field I wouldn't have known about had it not been for my involvement in Anderson Venture Impact Partners (AVIP). I'm also excited by the possibility of working in entertainment strategy because of the many awesome speakers I've been able to hear from in Brian Frons' course. And while before, these diverging interests might have been a source of much anxiety, now I see it as simply additional turns my career might take over the long-run.
Q4: Which class was your favorite at Anderson and why?
A: There are many close contenders, but in my Winter quarter I took Sports Management with Professor Moorad and it was just such a great experience. I don't personally know much about sports, but the cool thing about the Anderson curriculum is you have the flexibility to explore whatever you want! I had heard excellent reviews from second years at Anderson and had room in my schedule so I decided to give it a whirl. I'm so glad I did. Now, I am a huge fan of Formula 1, I find myself way more equipped to engage in conversations around sports that I might have otherwise avoided, and it was just a really fun way to spend my Thursday evenings.
Q5: What is your most favorite Anderson memory and why?
A: The first time I met Anderson peers in person was such a joyous occasion. It was early summer, when outside gatherings were seemingly okay, and we hosted a masked picnic with others who were living in Los Angeles. Finally being able to see other humans was exciting in and of itself, but the immediate chemistry I felt with everyone there was really energizing. It helped keep me optimistic throughout the ebbs and flows of COVID restrictions in Los Angeles, and now I cannot wait for my second year when we will be in person.
Q6: What activity or hobby did you enjoy most during your MBA years?
A: I'm highly involved in clubs and activities on campus, and these have really opened doors to meet interesting people and refine my skillset for the business world. Most recently, as a Board Fellow, I got to facilitate a diversity and inclusion learning session for the nonprofit board I am a part of. While I've facilitated many D&I sessions in my previous work, never had I done so for an audience of mostly older, established, business professionals. It was such a fun challenge to tackle, I'm so thankful I got the experience, and I've been invited to do a follow up session for other members of the organization!
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