Full-time UST MBA

Meet Brian Slattery

Full-time UST MBA Student

I earned my B.A. in Studio Art/Design and Religion from St. Olaf College in 2003. I continue to pursue my deep interests in design, sculpture and visual communications. Whether it's drafting fine furniture designs or adding to my portfolio of abstract oil paintings, I am as drawn as ever to the expression that led to my undergraduate art major.

My experience as an artist for the past 16 years has kept these passions integral to my personal life as well as aiding my approach to problem-solving and business decisions. Recently, I have also researched the role of social media in the world of business and its implications in advertising. What initially was curiosity has grown into a new passion about this relatively new set of channels shaping future marketing and PR.

Based on my more macroscopic approach to problem solving, my leadership style as well as my passion for communications and the creative, I feel like my dream job would be as a creative director or president of an advertising agency or small media consulting business. Business is a great platform through which to communicate with a wider audience and affect more widespread change, but I believe the core of one's endeavors should remain distinctly defined by one's passion, not simply a "track" within the status quo of business.

In preparation for and in pursuit of my undergraduate education, I learned to trust my instincts and take risks in a studio and humanities setting. I am working now to carry that educated risk-taking over into my career pursuits. I am finding ample opportunity to explore and draw further correlations between the worlds of the "creatives" and "business people." I am excited to be part of a movement revealing that these two traditionally distinct worlds more effectively drive innovation when integrated.