Allencia Grant ’26S (MBA)

“It’s not about the number of alumni—it’s about the impact of the network.”

Before starting her MBA, Allencia worked in marketing for a healthcare network. While she enjoyed her work, she felt interested in roles with a broader strategic and organizational impact. After speaking with colleagues on her team, she began exploring MBA programs and was drawn to the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School for its strong strategy track.

More Than “Undergrad 2.0”

Allencia admits her initial perception of business school was that it would be a continuation of the undergraduate experience. She quickly learned otherwise. “It’s a lot more challenging. For one, you’re an adult now. Secondly, you aren't only required to do your in-class work, but you have networking—growing relationships with classmates, staff, alumni, and recruiters. You’re really being held accountable for so much in this type of an environment versus undergraduate studies.”

Choosing Simon: The Power of Community

Allencia’s decision to enroll was heavily influenced by the support and honest advice she received before even applying. Speaking with Admissions staffer Sharise Kent proved pivotal, she introduced Allencia to The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, a nonprofit alliance bridging the gap to business leadership, and also offered candid wisdom. “In that instance, I realized that I would be joining a community of very supportive people who wanted to see me make it.”

Location, Location, Location

Coming from a major city like Philadelphia, she found Rochester to be a manageable and affordable alternative that allowed her to focus entirely on her studies and building community. She appreciates that the area is highly accessible: “You can easily connect with people in positions that you wouldn’t even have access to in a larger city.”

Academic and Career Support

One of Allencia’s favorite academic experiences has been Game Theory. The class allowed her to see how students from different backgrounds approach strategy. Her biggest takeaway? “Always having a flexible plan of action—and strategizing for hypotheticals.” Outside the classroom, Allencia serves as a Benet Career Peer (BCP), helping fellow students with résumés, interview prep, and conference networking. She credits the Jay S. and Jeanne Benet Career Management Center with helping her secure a Commercial Leadership Development internship at Johnson & Johnson. They also assisted her in connecting with alumni in her field of interest.