This post is a part of the Student Spotlight series where we highlight a current Anderson student and learn about their experience at Anderson. We will also get hear about their favorite Anderson memories and get their advice for current and prospective MBA students.
Today we are featuring Kathrine Ozmeral '17.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I majored in Finance & Economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following school I started working at an insurance company where I sampled different areas finance: including investments, accounting, business strategy, and internal audit. Looking to transition into the retail industry in a marketing or merchandising capacity I decided to start preparing my MBA applications. While doing so, I moved to Thailand where I taught English & volunteered for the year leading up to my start at Anderson. Now that I'm here, I'm hoping to combine my passion for retail with my "social good" attitude.
What has been your favorite thing about Anderson so far?
The people. I was really sensitive to culture when looking for an MBA program - my undergraduate business school was very congenial; however, my first job had a very competitive culture which didn't fit my personality. At Anderson, I've noticed that "Share Success" isn't just a saying, but a notion that every student lives and breathes. When interviewing for internships, I didn't have a shortage of alumni, second years, and even fellow first years sharing helpful tips and performing mock interviews with me. You spend a lot of time with your fellow classmates, so it's important that you enjoy their company!
Tell us about your academic internship. How do you feel this experience will help you in your career?
I'm a career switcher (both industry and function), so I decided to jump on the opportunity to start an academic internship during my first semester and it's been one of my favorite activities at Anderson thus far. I'm working for an Anderson start-up, Vow to be Chic, where I have been leading our accessories launch and our social impact programs. Since it is a small company, I've been given many significant responsibilities so I feel like I've really started to transition into my new career and am more marketable for my summer internships. Being based in LA is also a huge advantage - every one of my classmates that has wanted an academic internship has been able get one.
Any tips for candidates getting ready to interview now?
Relax! My interview started with my interviewer, a second year, telling me he was a huge fan of the UNC Tar Heels (my alma mater). After that I was able to be myself and we could talk about common interests and goals. He and I still keep in touch and when he sees my name come up in a leadership position, he'll email me saying that he knew I'd excel at Anderson. I feel like 90% of the interview is seeing whether you'd be a good fit for the program, so it's in your best interest to be yourself!
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