Prior to attending HBS, Liz Thomas worked at Colgate-Palmolive, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, and Crossmark with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Since graduating from HBS in 2018, Liz joined General Mills in a management role. We caught up with Liz in her new role to ask her about what life has been like since HBS and what she is looking forward to most.
Where are you working now?
After HBS, I joined General Mills, one of the largest food manufacturers in the world, as an Associate Marketing Manager on Yoplait Innovation. In this general management role, I manage the strategy and P&L for 5 of our Yoplait brands, as well as a cross functional team of over 30 people! My first launch entered stores in late December - so keep an eye out for something new from Yoplait!
What are you looking forward to the most career-wise now that you have graduated?
I’m looking forward to building sustainable brands, leading & developing teams, and helping those who come after me achieve their goals. As HBS grads, I believe that it’s our responsibility to lift as we climb.
What do you miss the most about HBS?
This will be the most cliché answer ever, but the people. I made some amazing friends at HBS and had some of the most eye opening conversations while I was there. To be able to learn from and travel with hundreds of the smartest people that I’ve ever met was an incredible experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Do you have any tips for students or prospective applicants?
Applicants: When crafting your application, think about how your unique background and experiences can enhance the learning experience for the entire HBS community, and not just what you can take away from it. Also, be genuine. After reading thousands of applications, I’m pretty sure admissions can tell when you’re faking it, and if they can’t, they certainly will if you are chosen to interview.
Students: You only have 24 hours in a day. It’s 100% ok to say no to that dinner or that party…there will be another one :)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The process of applying to business school is exhausting. Remember to take breaks, hang out with your friends and family, and get enough sleep. You got this! (Ditto to current students!)