Jessica Hayes '03

Jessica Hayes never thought she could handle the demands of a professional job and graduate school at the same time.

But in summer 2008, she will complete her MBA at the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business—a degree she will have earned while working full-time as an associate at consulting firm Towers Perrin.

"Allegheny prepared me well for grad school," says Hayes. "And I think the time and project management skills gained from working on my comp have benefited my career. Project management and juggling multiple activities are very important at my company."

According to Hayes, employers seek candidates who have strong communication skills, the ability to self-start, and the desire to work as part of a team. She also encourages students interested in pursuing an MBA to gain a few years of work experience first.

And how does Hayes relax after a long day of work, going to class, and studying? "I like to unwind by cooking," she says. "I love to express my creative side in the kitchen."

The First Five is a series of profiles celebrating the accomplishments of recent Allegheny College graduates in their first five years as alumni. Read more First Five profiles here.