Jason McAlpin
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MBA Concentration: Marketing, Entrepreneurship
Career goals:
I one day aspire to create and run a marketing consulting firm for start-ups and small businesses.
Why did you choose Kenan-Flagler?
I chose Kenan-Flagler for many reasons, ranging from the caliber of marketing professors to the reputation of the entrepreneurship classes. One large attribute that separated Kenan-Flagler from other schools I was considering was The Leadership Initiative. I really thought that this would allow me to actively practice, and receive feedback on my leadership abilities.
How will you define success within the MBA program?
My success will be less measured by the job I get once I graduate, but more by my personal and professional growth. If I feel that I have grown as a leader, marketer, and potential entrepreneur, then I will graduate feeling that the past two years were very successful.
What are you looking to gain the most during your first year experience?
In my first year I look to build a solid foundation of all business areas, not to the point that I’m an expert, but at least proficient. As well, I look to better understand what makes a good leader and look to cultivate some of those attributes.
What does Your Kenan-Flagler and Consortium Network mean to you?
My fellow Consortium students will most assuredly be professional contacts that will be very valuable in the future. However, I also consider many of my fellow Consortium members as some of my best friends who I’m sure I will know for the rest of my life.
Who is someone in business that you admire the most?
I may be biased here because of my past work experience, but I really admire Kevin Plank, CEO of Under Armour. In a world of entrepreneurs who create businesses just to take advantage of a fleeting opportunity and then sell once the market predictably sours, Kevin Plank created a business that he has grown organically from the ground up to recently eclipse the $1 billion mark.
What three words define who you are, and why?
Competitive – Almost to a fault, but an extreme level of competitiveness was instilled in me at an early age. I see competition in almost everything I do.
Driven – Again, almost to a fault. I strive to do my very best in everything that I do.
Extrovert – I’m a classic example of an extrovert. Given the opportunity I love to be social, meet new people and experience new things.
What is an interesting personal fact that you would like to share?
To date, my shoulder has popped out of my socket four times! And counting…