Real Humans of the Miami Business School
Denzell Turner, Miami Business School MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Michigan, Communication Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience: After graduation, I accepted an offer to work in the Automotive industry as a Data Analyst at IHS Markit. Through my five years with the company, I went from an Analyst to Sr. Consultant working closely with car manufacturers across the industry. In addition to my time at IHS, I served as a Digital Media Correspondent for the NFL, contributed to the University of Michigan Black Alumni organization as the Marketing Director, and in my spare time, managed clients through my small digital media business Determination Media LLC.
Denzell Turner, Miami Business School MBA Class of 2020
Why business school? Why now? In high school, the goal was always to have a master’s degree. Because I didn’t pursue the business track in undergrad, I felt an MBA would be ideal post-grad. After five years of different marketing positions, I felt it was time to finally pursue my MBA to become more well-rounded in other key areas of business.
Why the Miami Business School MBA program? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I wanted to focus my MBA in marketing, so it was important for me to apply to programs in large media and entertainment markets. Also, I felt Miami was a school that was diverse in population and thought, which is an ideal learning environment for me. After my interview, I knew the school was the right fit because they were invested in me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to your MBA class? I like to think of myself as a Business-minded creative who understands both ends of a project; development and market execution. My experiences thus far have allowed me to manage projects from the most granular levels of detail to the higher levels of the associated business goals.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I was a part of an Improv Comedy group in undergrad. I saw the group Images of Identities perform my first week on campus and I knew had to be a part of it. Still some of the best times I had in my life!
Post-MBA career interests? Right now, I can see myself as a Brand Manager/Marketing Director in the Sports and Entertainment industry or for a large company. I would like to use my leadership position to be an innovator in the field and help develop up-and-coming talent.
Advice to Prospective MBA Applicants
One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Dedicate as much time as possible (in advance) to studying for the GMAT/GRE. The better you perform, the better position yourself in the application process.
One thing you would change or do differently? I would have applied for more scholarships. Despite what they say, the money is out there for graduate students; just have to look for it.
Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? The GMAT for sure. Not a big fan of standardized tests but they are a means to an end so they should be taken seriously.
Greatest highlight so far at the Miami Business School? Winning the Villanova University Law School Game Day Case Competition. It was the first time the University of Miami had a team in the competition, and we brought home the gold.
One thing about the Miami Business School that you didn’t expect before arriving? The willingness of the faculty and staff to support us as MBA students. Our teachers care about us beyond the classroom and it shows. Also, high-ranking faculty are available to us despite their titles.
Thing you were most anxious about in your first year? Living in a new city so far away from home made me anxious. It took me a while to get adjusted but finding my University of Miami family helped make the transition much easier.
Thing you were most excited about in your first year? Getting back into the classroom and being challenged academically. I felt I was burnt out in my career prior to coming back so it was exciting to me to acquire some new business knowledge
About the Author
Matthew Korman
Matthew Korman is a writer on MetroMBA. Since graduating from Rowan University with a degree in journalism and political science, Matthew has worked as a music industry writer and promoter, a data analyst, and with numerous academic institutions. His works have appeared in publications such as NPR and Sports Illustrated.
