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Human Resources Leadership Program Intern, GE Energy
Working in human resources at the corporate offices of Gap Inc. in her native California, Kristen Schaefer found herself "wishing there was a program where I could learn deeply about organizations and be surrounded by smart, professional peers while gaining the credibility and knowledge that come with an MBA."
During Discover Weekend at Owen—her first trip to the South—she became convinced she had found her spot. She remembers sitting in on a mini-case in Professor Tim Vogus' class. "In the hour I spent learning from the professor, working with peers and bouncing ideas off each other, I knew that Owen was a place where I could really be myself, contribute and grow."
Within one month, Kristen was meeting with representatives from three of her "top choice companies." A month after that, she was "interviewing for dream roles." One interview led to an internship with GE's Human Resource Leadership Program. Kristen's confidence was bolstered when she and five classmates won the Deloitte National MBA Human Capital Case Competition and a $10,000 prize.
But especially, Kristen feels enriched by the strong sense of community. "I feel I can go to anyone—staff, faculty, alumni, peers—with an idea or request for help, and they'll work with me. As someone who came to Nashville knowing no one here, I feel more at home at Owen than I have at any other school or organization."
Kristen Schaefer
Vanderbilt MBA 2011Human Resources Leadership Program Intern, GE Energy
Fulfilling Her Dream Role
Schaefer Finds Her Place at OwenWorking in human resources at the corporate offices of Gap Inc. in her native California, Kristen Schaefer found herself "wishing there was a program where I could learn deeply about organizations and be surrounded by smart, professional peers while gaining the credibility and knowledge that come with an MBA."
During Discover Weekend at Owen—her first trip to the South—she became convinced she had found her spot. She remembers sitting in on a mini-case in Professor Tim Vogus' class. "In the hour I spent learning from the professor, working with peers and bouncing ideas off each other, I knew that Owen was a place where I could really be myself, contribute and grow."
Within one month, Kristen was meeting with representatives from three of her "top choice companies." A month after that, she was "interviewing for dream roles." One interview led to an internship with GE's Human Resource Leadership Program. Kristen's confidence was bolstered when she and five classmates won the Deloitte National MBA Human Capital Case Competition and a $10,000 prize.
But especially, Kristen feels enriched by the strong sense of community. "I feel I can go to anyone—staff, faculty, alumni, peers—with an idea or request for help, and they'll work with me. As someone who came to Nashville knowing no one here, I feel more at home at Owen than I have at any other school or organization."
