Alex Gage

Howdy! I’m Alex, and I failed my way into the MBA program.
I say fail because I dropped out of college – community college. The first few years right out of high school really knocked me on my ass, but I did what anyone else should and picked myself up and kept going. Fortunately, during that time, I was able to find a job at the JCPenney headquarters, and so began my professional career at nineteen.
I grew up in Dallas, with a widowed mom. Nobody in my family had a college degree and I was without any guidance on what to do in life. Because of this, I failed often, but I learned how to fail – quickly.
Over my career, I’ve been denied opportunities because I didn’t have that sheet of paper, but it was through hard work and consistency that other doors opened up. Climbing the ladder led me through positions in merchandising, strategy, operations, and analytics.
Always in the back of my mind, I knew I needed to finish my bachelor’s degree – but with a 1.9* GPA, what could I do? I didn’t give up, and I was able to find a lesser-known rule that promised an Academic Fresh Start. Any class older than ten years would be wiped from my record. I brought this to an advisor at Texas A&M University and asked what it would take to get in. Nine A’s in a row, and I’d be able to apply. It would be difficult but possible, and that’s all I needed to hear.
Eventually, I earned all nine A’s and was admitted into Texas A&M, where I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Plant and Environmental Soil Science and graduated Magna Cum Laude. I did this all while working full-time as a Sr. Specialist in Digital Analytics.
I learned the tremendous value of getting a degree, so why not get two? I’m currently seeking an MBA from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, where I plan on refining my skills in analysis, developing my decision-making, and being a leader wherever possible.
Post MBA, I’m aiming for opportunities in new product development or strategy, and I feel I would best be positioned in technology, sustainability, or consulting.