Anntoniette Walker recently graduated from Mercer University’s School of Business with a Master of Business Administration.
What are your plans after graduation?
After earning my Master of Business Administration, my immediate plan is to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to enhance my contributions at my current organization. I want to use the advanced concepts I’ve learned such as strategic management, organizational leadership, financial analysis and operational efficiency to identify opportunities for improvement within my workplace and help drive meaningful outcomes. Additionally, I am positioning myself to take on a formal leadership role in the near future. My MBA has equipped me with the tools to lead effectively, foster collaboration and make informed decisions that align with organizational goals. I see my MBA as both a foundation and a springboard for continued career growth
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I had the privilege of learning from two incredible professors during my MBA program: Professor Heather Markle and Dr. Etienne Musonera, and both left a lasting impact on me in distinct ways. One of the most impactful aspects of Professor Markle’s courses was her requirement that students get involved in the community as part of one of our projects. Dr. Musonera, on the other hand, brought an incredible energy and sense of community to every marketing class. Beyond academics, Dr. Musonera shared stories and insights about his home country of Rwanda, which brought a unique cultural perspective to our learning experience.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class during my MBA journey was the strategic management capstone course with Dr. Faye Sisk. This class stood out to me because it was both challenging and rewarding, serving as the culmination of everything I learned throughout the program. The course pushed me to think critically and strategically, allowing me to apply the knowledge and skills I had gained in areas such as leadership, marketing, operations and financial analysis. It truly brought all the pieces together and gave me a comprehensive understanding of how to approach complex business decisions from multiple perspectives. One of the aspects I enjoyed most about the capstone course was the opportunity to network and collaborate with my classmates.
How do you plan on changing the world?
I plan on changing the world by promoting inclusivity in every room I set foot in. I firmly believe that creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected and heard is essential to driving meaningful change — whether in the workplace, the community or beyond. I also plan to lead with purpose and intention, making decisions that prioritize integrity, equity and the greater good. I will strive to pour into the development of others by mentoring, supporting and empowering those around me to reach their full potential. Finally, giving back to my community is a core part of how I plan to make an impact.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
To incoming students, my biggest piece of advice is to always remember that you belong here, and you are capable of succeeding. Pursuing an MBA is a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey, and you should approach it with confidence in your abilities and determination to grow. Everyone at Mercer — from your classmates to the staff and professors — is invested in seeing you succeed. Additionally, make networking a priority. Building relationships with your classmates, staff and professors is one of the most valuable aspects of your MBA experience. Lastly, embrace every challenge as a chance to grow.
Would you like to be featured in The Den’s Graduate Spotlight? All you have to do is fill out this form and submit your photo. Your response also may be used on social media.
