Kaitlin Wilson

Texas A&M University, Mays Business School

”I am a connector of people, ice cream connoisseur, amateur hostess, and professional pickleball benchwarmer.”

Fun fact about yourself: At the age of 16, I began working as a Lagree Pilates instructor!

Hometown: Midlothian, TX

High School: Midlothian High School

Major: Business Management, Pre Law

Minor: Communications

Favorite Business Course: Negotiations or Strategic Philanthropy

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

President’s Endowed Scholar

Negotiations Course “Eisenhower Award” – for displaying the highest level of strategy and written preparation among the negotiations class.

Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coats — President

Delta Gamma – Vice President Panhellenic, Director of Social Awareness, Formal Recruitment Day Chair

The Big Event – Staff Assistant

Student Mobilization – Kaleo Leadership & Discipleship Program Participant

Restoration Church Bryan –Volunteer

Freshman Aggies Spreading Tradition – Participant & Student Mentor

Where have you interned during your college career?

Texas A&M Foundation, College Station, TX – Office of Planned Giving Intern & Student Worker

T Bar M Camps & Retreat Center, Spicewood, TX – Camp Counselor

Riviera Creamery, Panama City Beach, FL – Keyholder & Summer Associate

Where will you be working after graduation? I will be attending law school!

Who is your favorite business professor? Mark Schwartz: After studying abroad with Professor Schwartz in Italy and taking two additional courses from him at Mays Business School, his passion for students and a contagiously humorous outlook on life is evident. Professor Schwartz utilizes his impressive experience both in Human Resources and as an attorney to tell stories which convey pertinent information and lessons regarding Title VII, Corporate Governance, and Business Law, to name a few subject areas. His sarcasm makes class enjoyable, and his interactive lectures have undoubtedly better prepared me for a legal education.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? In studying business, especially management, I learned the many complexities involved in coordinating people. Rooting a company’s actions and culture in a mission statement truly helps drive the team towards a meaningful goal and provides a checkpoint to evaluate what direction the firm is heading. From this study of organizational strategy and behavior, I have applied these practices when facilitating my teams as a student leader by consistently referencing why we exist and where we are headed.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Have a working knowledge of all areas of business, then identify which areas YOU are best in. Be aware of what you bring to the table, become a specialist in that, then gather a team that excels in areas different than your own specialty. Attending a school that both promotes culture and opportunity is imperative! You will want people to lean on and collaborate with, as well as ample opportunity provided by your academic institution. I am confident I have found this in Texas A&M.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? My biggest surprise about majoring in business was how much I grew to enjoy Finance! While my experience ends at the introductory course long feared by Mays Business students, learning a side of business completely different than what I had become used to grew me in discipline. From here, I saw how strategy is within all elements of business and thus better understood the necessity for each area of operation.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? In hindsight, I wish I had collaborated more as a freshman in business school. The semesters I achieved the highest grades have each been semesters where I group-studied and thoroughly looked forward to my classes. This was not only due to an interesting subject matter, but also due to the friendly faces I knew would also be there. In business school, you are surrounded by many people all looking to learn, innovate, and create for the rest of their lives! Together, your ideas and questions can come together with other great minds and, from there, the opportunities are endless!

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of being elected to serve as Maroon Coats President. While this title is a responsibility I do not take lightly, I am significantly prouder of the relationships I have to show from this organization, especially with my Advisor, Holly Moore (who is also a Mays Business graduate). Given this position is peer-elected by other campus leaders, their trust in me to steward our team is incredibly valued. As a group, we strive to promote a philanthropic culture at Texas A&M. Philanthropy has changed my life, allowing me to attend Texas A&M and strive to complete a legal education one day. Getting to serve as a Maroon Coat has allowed me to thank the individuals who have contributed to the success of the university I love so much by supporting a brighter future for students and faculty. This mission is one I stand behind today and am excited to continue to say “thank you” as I consider what philanthropy will look like post-graduation and into my career.

Which classmate do you most admire? I most admire Pravalika Manchi. Though younger than me, her reputation throughout the business school is evident. She is a hard worker, incredibly intelligent, cares about everyone’s story, and is a welcoming face to all!

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would like to thank my older brother, Cooper Wilson, for my success. As a business school graduate himself, he has always been an incredible example to me. Seeing him study for (and pass!) his CPA exams taught me diligence and dedication at a new level. He has always shared relevant advice with me on tough courses and has never missed an opportunity to share how proud of me he is. He is a huge encourager, and it is so exciting to see his success after graduating from Mays Business School’s Professional Program of Accounting. Thank you, Cooper, for your example and encouragement!

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Steward finances to create an endowed scholarship at the Texas A&M Foundation.
2. Earn my Juris Doctorate degree and go on to practice Estate Planning.

What made Kaitlin such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?  

“Kaitlin is competent, personable, and a clear representation of what it means to be an Aggie. Both within Aggieland and abroad, I have seen Kaitlin interact with students, faculty, and professionals with a respectful and warm nature. She is a leader both within and outside of the classroom. As a professor of hundreds of students each semester, it is my opinion that Kaitlin has distinguished herself in both her character and her dedication.”

Mark Schwartz
Professor of Practice

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