Charlotte Kenny-Yap outside the Campbell Soup Company headquarters.
Charlotte Kenny-Yap (MBA '23) interned at Campbell Soup Company in the summer of 2022. Post-MBA, she will work full-time as an associate brand manager, plant-based adjacencies, at Follow Your Heart, a subsidiary of the multinational food-products company Danone.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
I knew an MBA was the next step for me as I had a couple of years of experience in international fashion marketing and sales as well as in business development at a smaller consumer packaged goods (CPG) startup.
I enjoyed CPG more than fashion, particularly the marketing aspect and driving the movement of prospecting new partners and retailers, but I didn't know what this could look like on a larger scale. I really didn’t even know brand management as a role and function actually existed until I began my search into exploring business school.
How has the BC MBA shaped your career trajectory and professional goals?
My career trajectory and professional goals have been forever changed by the BC MBA for the better. BC MBA classes, resources, and the alumni network opened doors for me and also opened my mind to all the job opportunities that weren’t available to me prior to business school.
Additionally, the brand recognition of the BC MBA program is outstanding and continually led to new opportunities. The ability to grow my network in this way has been invaluable, as has been knowing that I can always turn to the BC network when looking at future roles.
What stands out to you about the BC MBA program?
In addition to the BC MBA’s alumni network, what stands out to me is the program’s emphasis on data analytics. Brand management is an extremely data-driven field and therefore having the data analytics skill set in my back pocket has been crucial.
Additionally, I’d like to mention the exceptional work that the Carroll School’s career advisors do to be at your full disposal when you’re looking for internships and job opportunities. Career advisors provide amazing support by reviewing student’s resumes and cover letters, and even provide their insights on offer negotiation and timing during the hiring process. I learned a lot here when it comes to building and growing my professional job search acumen.
What is your advice to future BC MBA students?
My advice is to be as open as possible. Whether it is to making friends, emailing professors outside of the classroom, learning from other students and thought leaders, setting up extra time with career advisors, or meeting new people in and outside of the program.
With the MBA you have limitless opportunities to grow your personal and professional network and you should be as open as possible to leverage any opportunity that presents itself.