Blake Howard '05

Merit-based scholarship
Harvard University
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Swing Fever Entertainment

President, Out for Business, the gay and lesbian business student club
Library liaison

Now that I've finished my first year, I look differently at the world. And I understand almost everything in the Wall Street Journal! I feel confident in my ability to sift through tons of information, find the crucial bits, and make strategic business decisions based on that information.

I pursued an MBA because I wanted to change careers and expand my data analysis skills. I was able to customize my immersion to focus on "marketing analytics," which allowed me to show interviewers that I was focused on the data aspect of marketing instead of the "softer" skills.

As president of Out for Business, I've learned that not all gay people are living in the world I'm used to. Lots of gay people in the business world are closeted and afraid of coming out. I am very motivated to continue my work in the gay business community and with gay youth. It's important that people see gay people as out and successful in all areas of work.

The Johnson School has come a long way in its support of diversity. But there's still a long way to go. I'm glad that the Office of Diversity and Inclusion now addresses gay, lesbian, and bisexual student issues.