Alumni Spotlight: Alyson Gilbert (BBA ’07, MBA ‘08)
Alyson Gilbert’s academic journey led her to the University of Oklahoma’s Michael F. Price College of Business, where she discovered her natural affinity for accounting and finance.
Her experience as an MBA Price Scholar opened doors to remarkable opportunities that laid a foundation for her career, including a transformative summer internship with Ernst & Young.
Gilbert’s achievements are not only a testament to her dedication but also to the strength of Sooner connections that transcend even to the flag football fields in New York.
Price College recently spoke with Gilbert to delve into her experiences, the challenges she has faced, and the lessons she has learned.
As an alum of Price College, what led you to pursue a BBA in accounting and an MBA?
Gilbert: “As a freshman, I initially pursued a pre-med track, but I quickly realized that wasn’t the right fit for me, so I switched to business. I felt like it was a broader degree that could offer versatility. One of the first classes I took was Financial Accounting, a course taught by the phenomenal Dr. Wayne Thomas. I discovered my natural affinity for accounting and excelled in the subject.
Towards the end of my undergraduate experience, I interned with one of the big four accounting firms in Dallas and realized that public accounting wasn’t my desired career path. At that point, I was already on track to complete the accelerated five-year BBA/MAcc in Accountancy, which offers both a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting. I switched my focus to finance and got my MBA instead.
My experience at Price College was exceptionally positive during my undergraduate and graduate studies. I had the privilege of learning from outstanding professors and interacting with amazing classmates.”
Can you tell us about your current role and how your degrees prepared you for your industry?
“I am currently the Director of Finance at Oklahoma Electrical Supply Company (OESCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Vanguard Company. My role encompasses a broad range of financial and accounting responsibilities which include financial statement preparation, overseeing our insurance program and annual external audit, managing fixed assets and running all finance and accounting operations for one of our sub-companies. Although we don’t have complex financial transactions due to our lack of debt and being a private company, I work closely with our banking partners.
My undergrad degree in accounting has been invaluable in this role. The experience I gained from working with various groups and professors, along with my previous job experiences, has also proven beneficial in preparing me for this position.
The impact of the MBA on my career path has been monumental. As a Price Scholar, the MBA initially got me to New York and gave me a remarkable summer internship experience that turned into a full-time position after graduation. The MBA played a pivotal role in leveling the playing field with others from Ivy League schools who usually have direct company recruitment opportunities. My internship experience through the MBA was pivotal in shaping my career direction.
I eventually joined a small hedge fund, an opportunity that surprisingly came about from participating in a flag football team mostly made up of OU alumni. I met someone planning to pursue his MBA at NYU who happened to know my background. This connection led me to the team at the hedge fund. So, I really have OU to thank for finding that role. I can’t emphasize enough how impactful the MBA has been for me.”
Success often comes with challenges. Can you share any specific obstacles you faced during your career journey and how you overcame them? What lessons did you learn?
“Throughout my roughly 15-year career, I have encountered plenty of obstacles, from challenging bosses to workplace sexism and the difficulties of being confined to a particular role when I aspired to do more. Returning from maternity leave also presented its own set of unique demands. Some challengers were easier to tackle than others.
I would say that a significant lesson for me was understanding that most things aren’t personal; people are usually focused on accomplishing their tasks, and you never truly know what’s happening in their lives. I’ve come to understand that there’s no such thing as the perfect job. However, while the grass may not always be greener on the other side, sometimes it’s necessary to take the risk to find out. The key is to determine what really matters most to you, and that determination will drive you through the obstacles you may face.
Mentors have played a crucial role throughout my career. Having champions, whether a respected boss or someone within the company, is invaluable, especially in the early stages of your career. They offer guidance, a listening ear for tough questions and valuable career advice.”
What advice would you give current business school students pursuing a similar career path?
“Reflecting on my career and observing peers who’ve succeeded in similar paths, I would say adopt a sponge-like approach. Absorb as much knowledge and experience as you can. Be inquisitive and work diligently. Differentiate yourself by going the extra mile, like checking in with your boss at the end of the day to see if there is anything he/she needs to prepare for the next day.
Humility is key. Don’t consider any task beneath you, especially when you’re starting. Being willing to tackle any responsibility showcases your work ethic and adaptability. Additionally, find a mentor, or champion who can provide guidance and answers to your questions. Remember to express gratitude for their valuable time.
Lastly, be patient with your first job, as it might not align with your initial expectations. Give it a year or two to gain insights into your true career aspirations. Sometimes, it takes a few different experiences to discover your ideal path.”
