It exceedeed my expectations... - John WallaceJohn Wallace, MBA 2007

John Wallace came to Florida State University with a strong business background. He left FSU with more financial skills for his resume.

As a marketing manager with Turner Broadcasting System’s TNT Latin America, Wallace already knew what it was like to manage accounts and work a global strategy. At FSU, he gained more understanding of what influences a firm’s finances.

"It exceeded my expectations," Wallace said. "I didn't know how rigorous a one-year MBA program could be, but it was a great way to refresh yourself and take a more holistic view of business."

While pursuing his degree, Wallace also pushed for beneficial changes through his role as MBA Association president. He persuaded school officials to offer an international business seminar in London. He strengthened the student-led ethics forum initiated by the previous MBA class. His invited speakers ranged from district judges to corporate leaders.

“Unethical things happen all the time in organizations,” Wallace said. “Being prepared to deal with those things is important.”

He hopes the forum will continue to take a greater role in students’ lives.

“The point is not to make it required but instead to make it important,” he said.

Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Undergraduate degree: Spanish and Finance, Emory University
Post-MBA job: Senior consultant, assessing business risk, Protiviti, Tampa, Fla.