Full-time students Micah Wittschen and Sophia Schmidt share why they chose the Walton MBA, their experience in the program and their goals for the future.
Micah Wittschen is from Springdale, Arkansas, and graduated magna cum laude in May 2021 with BSBAs in finance and marketing. Leading up to her MBA, she held different internships throughout her undergraduate degree in positions such as student assistant for Walton College Executive Education, marketing strategist intern at Acorn: The Influence Company, and category marketing intern at Tyson Foods. She decided to pursue her MBA to grow her knowledge and network base to be equipped with the tools and skills necessary to give her an edge in a competitive field.
Micah is currently doing the marketing track in the MBA program because marketing has resonated with her.
“The fast-paced environment of the industry excites me,” Micah said. “The market, digital space and consumer is constantly changing and poses a new challenge and opportunity every day.”
She lists her parents and a professor as mentors.
“I credit my parents and a special professor to me, Dr. Vikas Anand. My parents have always been positive influences in my life and have always pushed me to be the best version of myself. Without their consistent love and support I wouldn’t be who I am today,” Micah said. “Dr. Vikas Anand was my favorite professor I ever had at the University of Arkansas. He taught my strategic management course my junior year and ultimately inspired me to pursue my MBA. I am certain that without our paths crossing, I would not be in an MBA program. Although he is no longer at the University of Arkansas, I will never forget the impact he left on my academic journey and career goals.”
One piece of advice she lives by is that learning is a lifelong commitment. She said this is something she strives to practice throughout her career and beyond. “When we stop learning, we stop growing. Stay curious! Keep asking questions, sharing experiences reading, listening, and networking!!”
Sophia Schmidt is from Overland Park, Kansas. When she was younger, she traveled to Fayetteville for a gymnastics meet, and ever since then she wanted to go the University of Arkansas.
Sophia said that before she got her MBA, she completed her undergraduate degree in marketing and supply chain at the Walton College. She was a Diamond Doll for the Arkansas Razorback Baseball team during this time.
“I loved the opportunity to represent the University at the ballpark and certain athletic events around Fayetteville,” she said. “It was an amazingly unique experience. Getting to be a part of the baseball teams’ journey to the World Series and winning many big-time games is something I will remember forever. The Arkansas fans are the most dedicated people I know and a game at Baum Stadium is something everyone needs to experience at some point.”
Sophia has always wanted to get her MBA and thought continuing her education would give her the best opportunity to learn and grow as a person and future business leader. Her goal post MBA is to work in the creative side of business. She hopes to one day work for a fashion or sports team in their social media/advertising department.
Sophia says her motto is “surrounding yourself with positive people will give you positive results.” She said she has found that “negative energy is contagious, and time is precious so don’t waste your time dwelling on people who bring you down. Surround yourself with those people who will constantly be there for you no matter what and truly care for your well-being.”
