Amanda Thomas always knew she would return to school after earning her bachelor of arts degree in biology from Lawrence University in 2019. She just didn’t know when. “I got caught up in the excitement of starting my career and could never find a good time,” she said. Five years in the agriculture industry flew by until an unexpected layoff changed her plans.
Right place, right time
Already living in Ames, Iowa, for work, Thomas realized Iowa State University was right in her backyard. “I had a lightning bolt realization that this was my version of being in the right place at the right time and seized the opportunity to apply to grad school,” she said.
Thomas chose the Ivy MBA program for its flexibility, the opportunity to prepare for potentially inheriting her family’s business, and to strengthen her understanding of the business world.
Thomas discussed the six-week course format. “My undergraduate university used a trimester system, so I was used to absorbing information quickly, but this was a whole new level of accelerated learning,” Thomas said. “Despite the speed, I really enjoyed the ability to survey a broad array of topics I wouldn’t have sought out on my own.”
Among the courses she has taken so far, Management 5020: Organization Behavior with Max S. Wortman, Jr., Professor, James Summers, has been one of her favorites.
“Many of the concepts and resources I recognized from my own work experience, including a Patrick Lencioni leadership book I had previously read as part of my last role,” Thomas said. “These findings excited me because this is how I know that my peers and I are learning current, relevant, and immediately applicable material. Alongside the course content, I also appreciated the professor’s no-nonsense teaching style, honest feedback, and methods for forming cohesive MBA teams.”
Her background in biology continues to help shape her perspective in the classroom. “Having a background in biology helps me view business concepts through a lens of practicality,” Thomas explained. “I’ve designed and conducted enough experiments to learn that what works in theory doesn’t necessarily work in practice.”
“I know that my peers and I are learning current, relevant, and immediately applicable material. Alongside the course content, I also appreciated the professor’s no-nonsense teaching style, honest feedback, and methods for forming cohesive MBA teams.”
— Amanda Thomas, Ivy MBA student
Making direct connections
Thomas also took full advantage of Iowa State’s in-person career fairs, finding them invaluable for making direct connections with employers. “I had more luck at the Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Day than at the Business, Industry, and Technology Career Fair, given my biology background,” she said. That strategy paid off. At the fall career fair, she landed a quality and stewardship summer internship with Syngenta, even receiving the compensation she requested.
Tabatha Carney, director of graduate business career services, emphasized the importance of career fairs and how they can help students build connections.
“Career fairs are your chance to go beyond the resume and make a real connection,” Carney said. “When you show up in person, you’re not just another application – you’re a conversation, a handshake, and someone genuinely interested in their work. To make the most of it, research the companies ahead of time, come ready with questions, and understand what they value and how you can impact that value. This type of preparation makes you memorable.”
Carney went on to say, “It’s important to research the industry and companies you’re considering. It can be beneficial to attend multiple career fairs or career nights depending on the position you’re looking for.”
Embracing leadership roles
Thomas’ favorite MBA memory so far has been chairing the student planning committee for the 20th anniversary Ivy Internal Case Competition (ICC). “It was fascinating to be part of the behind-the-scenes magic,” she said. “Pulling off a successful event required working with students, professors, alumni, administrative staff, event planners, building managers, photographers, judges, caterers, trophy shops, florists, and even a tablecloth rental company.”
Sarah Wilson, director of professional master’s student services, worked closely with Thomas during the planning process. Wilson praised her leadership and professionalism.
“Amanda is a skilled leader, thorough, kind, and professional. She was fantastic to work with,” said Wilson, who described Thomas as a servant leader and creative problem solver who earned the respect of her peers. “We had to make adjustments on the fly, whether it was due to a last-minute change or a new opportunity. She made the 20th ICC a true celebration, and it was a lot of fun for current students, faculty, staff, and alumni! Due to her leadership, we know that ICC will have many more successful years ahead.”
Thomas’ MBA journey has been shaped by seizing opportunities, adapting to accelerated learning, and embracing leadership roles – all while keeping her career goals in mind. The program has given her the chance to explore new areas of business, sharpen her leadership skills, and build connections with industry professions.
Do you want to replicate some of the steps Thomas took to be successful? Don’t miss the upcoming career fairs at Iowa State. They are the perfect opportunity to connect directly with employers and explore new industries. Whether you’re just starting to explore career options or ready to start your professional journey, career fairs are a valuable way to start building your network.
To connect with Amanda Thomas or follow her collegiate and professional career, visit her LinkedIn profile.
Career Fairs at Iowa State
Whether you’re just starting to explore career options or ready to start your professional journey, career fairs are a valuable way to start building your network.
