What two words are magic to any recruiter’s ear?
“STEM certified.”
A fancy term, no doubt. Basically, it is a designation that shows MBAs have completed half of their credit hours in science, technology, engineering, and math-related coursework. That’s important to recruiters. As leaders are increasingly harnessing data to drive decisions, recruiters are pursuing MBAs who possess a rare combination of skills. They seek candidates with both the soft skills to motivate action and the hard skills to design the processes for unleashing disruptive, tech-driven innovation. This mix is exactly where the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School excels.
STEM CERTIFICATION COVERS ALL 10 MBA SPECIALIZATIONS
That starts with Simon Edge, programming geared towards personal development for in-demand areas like communication, teamwork, global awareness, and character-building. Such skills are amplified by Simon’s quant-heavy, research-driven curriculum, grounded in the fundamentals of analytics and economics. With its STEM certification, which the school received in August, the Simon School is poised to become a destination for top employers worldwide.
“This designation will have a critical impact on current and incoming students, both domestic and international,” writes Dean Andrew Ainsle in a statement to Poets&Quants. “Corporate recruiters see STEM designation as validation that an MBA candidate has the kinds of analytical and managerial skills necessary for leaders in today’s data-driven business environment (the US Department of Labor is forecasting almost 200,000 job openings in STEM management roles by 2024).”
Simon’s STEM certification also goes far beyond most business schools, which typically certify one master’s program or MBA concentration. Here, all 10 of Simon’s MBA specializations are STEM certified, covering a gamut that includes banking, brand management, operations, strategy, and venture capital. Beyond the flexibility, this designation is a boon to international students. By receiving a STEM certification, Dean Ainsle notes, international MBA grads can add 24 months to their Optical Practical Training (OPT).
In other words, these students can work in the U.S. for three years. At the same time, this certification also reduces the costs and paperwork associated with sponsoring international graduates, making them all the more attractive to employers.
CERTIFICATION TACKS ON 2 YEARS TO A WORK VISA
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“With 36 months on a work visa for a STEM-certified job, it gives a student three attempts to get an H1b visa instead of one,” adds Ainslie in a 2018 interview with P&Q . “Secondly, in those three years you might be able to get to other options, including straight to a green card. It is an extended period during which an employer can decide whether they like the employee and vice versa. Right now, for any foreign student, it’s been something of a scary moment. Quite a few companies have pulled back from offering foreign students jobs. This will open a lot more doors for our students…Recruiters have been saying to us that it is very hard to find talent in the U.S. and very hard to employ foreign students because of the uncertainly around the H1b visa. This is a big win for both of us.”
For Ainsle, the STEM designation is a natural extension of the program’s signature: “a rigorous focus on quantitative analysis and economic-based thinking.” For the Class of 2020, these valuable analytical skills are only one of the reasons to come to New York for a Simon MBA. Rachel Robinson, for one, touts the school’s small cohort size as much as its analytical approach.
“This small size means that students get unparalleled support from professors, career coaches, and alumni, and are able to build stronger relationships with our classmates. Secondly, I feel that the analytics-based curriculum provides tangible skills for the working world. Managers are expected to back up decisions with data — I know that with a Simon education, I will have a skillset not found in all MBA programs.”
CLASS MEMBERS SCORE BIG WINS AT COCA-COLA AND SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
Not to mention, she’ll enjoy a network with diverse backgrounds and interests, says Mark Matthews, an investment management analyst who describes the Class of 2020 as deeply goal-oriented. “You’ll find everyone from entrepreneurs to venture capitalists to founders of non-profit organizations. You name it and I’ve connected with someone in my cohort who has aspirations of accomplishing it. It’s refreshing to be around so many like-minded individuals who have clear goals in mind and are intensely focused on achieving them.”
Then again, this is a class that is used to accomplishing big goals. Take Krishna Patel. As an investment banker, she spearheaded a divestment project worth $10 billion dollars for the Indian government. However, structuring the complex deal was the easy part, as she was also the “youngest and the only non-management graduate” on the team. That might be child’s play compared to what Lohit Korrapati faced. As a consultant at ZS Associates, he successfully ran a post-merger integration spanning four countries. “Overcoming the logistical, cultural, and communication barriers that would impede smooth functioning of most teams, we delivered compelling recommendations, of impeccable quality, that were readily implemented,” he explains.”
The Class of 2020 also hasn’t been shy about shaking up the norms. At Coca-Cola, Joshua Solomon West poached a major account – a major university in Philadelphia – that had been with a rival for 40 years. It was a feat that required him to orchestrate efforts from functions ranging from finance to equipment services. Speaking of the 1970s, Rachel Robinson managed her company’s first re-branding effort since 1974! Jazmine Carter is no stranger to re-brands either. As part of the customer experience team at Southwest Airlines, she contributed to efforts such as sprucing up in-flight food and beverage and “refreshing” uniforms worn by 40,000 frontline employees. If you need to design a training program, Raul Carvalho is your man. After he finished his session on structured investments, his team boosted capital raised for current clients and new investors by tenfold!
CLOSING $60K DEALS…WITH 14 YEAR-OLDS!
When it comes to sales, Zig Ziglar has nothing on Wallace Gundy. She was charged with selling boarding school education – an intangible that came with a $60,000 a year price tag that was aimed at a 14 year-old customer. Oh, and she managed a $4.2 million dollar financial aid budget too – a skill that will come in handy with her background in analytics at Simon.
“I learned to find new domestic and international markets where families can afford this tuition and are willing to allow their children to move away from home at a young age. I learned the significance of data-driven decision-making, and how to use that data to differentiate our school from all of the other competitors.”
Outside work, Benjamin Moskoff owns a coffee shop with his brother-in-law in Cape Town. By the same token, Ryan Bell is an avid water skier, one who can ski barefoot…”despite the countless head-over-heels somersaults that I endured while learning.” Vibhor Mishra has already visited 30 countries, though Rachel Robinson – a ceramicist and white water rafter in her spare time – has made it to Antarctica.
How is this for being a team player? “I do all I can to be “the glue” in every new community I join,” says Wallace Gundy.
Students at the Simon School.
A “COLLABORATIVE” AND “ENTHUSIASTIC” CLASS
In fact, “team player” might be the best tag for the Class of 2020. Ask first-years to describe their peers and a synonym for “collaborative” is bound to pop up. For Jazmine Carter, that means going “above-and-beyond to show up and show out each other as cheerleaders, coaches, or simply friends sharing the MBA experience.” Rachel Robinson adds an “amazingly” in front of the “collaborative” tag when it comes to her classmates. She attributes this spirit to the program’s intimate class size.
“Every single person here wants to see you succeed,” Robinson notes. ”Because of the small class size, you are able to form deeper relationships with classmates. From sharing internship search resources to helping each other conduct mock interviews, this collaborative environment cannot be beat. Classmates at Simon are interested in everyone’s success, not just their own.”
Benjamin Moskoff has also observed strong enthusiasm for learning among his fellow first years over the past three months. “It is amazing to see how quickly my classmates with no business background soak up knowledge from our business courses. It is incredible how my classmates who don’t speak English as a first language approach the work and presentations with so much confidence and zeal. They are a positive group of people that challenge me to push towards being better.”
CLASS SIZE JUMPS BY NEARLY 20%
It was also an impressive group in terms of inputs. For one, the Class of 2020 is much larger than the previous year, with enrollment rising from 84 to 104 students – a return to Class of 2018 size. While most American MBA programs received fewer applications during the 2017-2018 admissions cycle, Simon bucked a trend with more apps than the previous year. Despite this, the program’s acceptance rate rose just three points to 32.9%.
Academically, the incoming class matched the previous cohort’s 666 GMAT average – boosting the average GPA from 3.4 to 3.5 to boot. Although the program is sometimes perceived as quant central, the class members’ academic backgrounds undercut this notion. STEM majors make up just 24% of the class, divided between engineering (15%) and math and science (9%). In this class, business commerce majors account for the largest segment at 38%, with humanities and social sciences majors matching STEM at 24%. Economics majors round out the class with 15% of the seats.
The class profile has also shifted substantively over the past two years. In the 2018 Class, for example, 51% of the class hailed from overseas, a number that has dropped to 40% today. In another step back, the percentage of minority students dropped 11 points to 18% with the incoming class. That said, the percentage of women has remained anchored at the one-third mark, climbing a point to 35% this year.
An MBA class at Rochester’s Simon School of Business
A BIG RETURN AFTER GRADUATION
Still, Simon remains one of the most female friendly MBA programs around, consistently ranking among the Top 20 in the world for women according to annual Financial Times data and surveys. The Simon MBA’s finance and entrepreneurship programs also consistently rank high with the Financial Times. The program’s startup culture was particularly appealing to Wallace Gundy. She cites the Ain Center for Entrepreneurship, whose offerings range from an incubator to internships with local startups, as a motivator for joining the Class of 2020.
“I wanted a school that would foster an entrepreneurial mindset, while providing the analytical and quantitative skills to be a successful entrepreneur,” she writes. “In the few months I have been here, I have had the opportunity to seek counsel from faculty members in the Ain Center, and have joined the Ain Team to promote entrepreneurship throughout the entire University of Rochester community.”
It is also a program that delivers results. Over the past two years, the Simon MBA has ranked among the top five MBA programs worldwide for percent increase over pre-MBA salary according to The Economist. The Class of 2018, for example, pulled down average pay packages of $122,000. Within three months of graduation, 93% of the class had also landed job offers, with employers including Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, Barclays, PwC, and Zappos. That trend is expected to continue, as 99% of the 2019 Class completed internships over the summer.
One reason for this? The program maintains an active career center whose involvement with students starts early and devotes intensive time and resources to student growth throughout their two years in the program. “Even before coming to school, the students start receiving materials, courses and assignments related to their preferred career paths,” observes Raul Carvalho. “Before classes started, I was scheduling appointments with the CMC and meeting with my career advisor. Not only this, the different areas of the school are interconnected in a way that you are constantly working on something related to your desired industry.”
MBA PROGRAM INTRODUCES A REVAMPED CURRICULUM
Andrew Ainslie. Rochester Simon photo
While Rochester Simon ranked 44th in the newest U.S. News ranking, the program’s innovative curriculum make it an emerging power whose ranking simply doesn’t do it justice. “The professors are incredibly knowledgeable and resourceful,” says Shahbaaz Mubeen Mamadapur, a 2018 grad and P&Q Best & Brightest MBA. “Being a small school, we get a lot of facetime and personal attention from the amazing faculty and the ever-supportive staff.”
STEM certification wasn’t the only big news on the Simon campus this year. The school also revamped its curriculum. That started with the program moving from a quarter to a semester system to better sync with recruiter schedules. In addition, says Dean Ainsle, the MBA program has beefed up its portfolio of elective courses and injected them into the first year sooner.
“[This] leads to deeper job-specific knowledge that translates into success during the interview process and internship and job itself,” Ainsle points out. “The curriculum is built around 10 areas of specialization within three tracks — finance, marketing and consulting — and includes a project course specific to the track a student chooses. Along with core courses, students select 15 electives, including two required breadth electives designed to bolster professional skills employers desire. There are also several minors available for students who wish to enrich their studies in a second area of interest.”
AN “UNABASHEDLY ANALYTICAL APPROACH”
This year, the program also rolled out what it calls its Integrated Student Experience e (ISE). Think of it as a customized plan designed to both fit each student’s career goals and place them among like-minded peers. As a result, Ainsle adds, students receive both the training and support to advance their career outcomes and make an impact in the job they want.
“The ISE intentionally links all of a student’s coursework, co-curriculars, and career-search activities and tailors students’ education to their career goals. When students arrive on campus, they choose one of 10 specializations or select a general management track. Based upon their chosen specialization, a customized plan is built for the student, with recommended courses, student clubs, and career-search and professional-development activities. Students are also placed into career action teams (CATs). These small groups, made up of students with similar career interests, advisors, and alumni, will meet regularly to share experiences, exchange insights, and network.”
Even with these changes, the Simon MBA will retain its “unabashedly analytical approach.” Of course, the technical aspects of dissecting data are only part of the Simon difference. Here, the goal is to minimize uncertainty by following the FACT model: frame, analyze, and communicate. As part of this process, students learn to recognize the best questions to ask in different contexts; create a framework for sifting through data, pinpointing trends, and synthesizing it with other clusters; and build urgent and easy-to-understand pitches that deliver buy-in.
That demands a lot of work – and the Class of 2020 wouldn’t have it any other way. “Simon’s focus on analytics is long-standing, proven, and far surpasses the recent buzzword of “analytics”, writes Jazmine Carter. “The analytical t approach to solving business problems rusn deep in the program spanning cousework, experimental learning, and extracurricular activities. As I had a deep desire to enhance this skill-set, I felt very confident Simon would place in the analytical environment to challenge not just the way I think but also my ability to impact the business world.”
PRICING EXPERTISE IS THE PROGRAM’S HIDDEN GEM
This data-centric model comes in handy for one of Simon’s signature specializations: pricing. Just one of two American MBA programs with this offering, Simon takes far pricing far beyond the proverbial ‘know your costs and customer’ mentality to bring students in touch with the function’s leading players, notes Dean Ainsle.
“In 2007, Simon founded its Center for Pricing to promote excellence in pricing education and research, and to provide a platform for meaningful interaction between business executives, educators, and researchers. With the Center for Pricing came Simon’s groundbreaking MBA pricing track. Graduates earn comprehensive, state-of-the-art training in pricing techniques and are well-equipped to make an immediate impact on their company’s bottom line. Simon also enjoys an exclusive relationship with the Professional Pricing Society (PPS), which serves thousands of members, representing all leading industries and over 50 countries. As a result of this relationship, Simon students have exclusive invitations to the PPS annual conference, which provides unique exposure to industry executives.”
University of Rochester, Simon School of Business, ©richardschultz2017
The pricing specialization is just one of the unique wrinkles found in the Simon MBA program. The school also boasts several traditions, including a Diversity Fashion Show and a West Coast Tech Trek that hits leading players like Facebook and Google. Students can also complete a global immersion, where students travel to destinations like Latin America and Israel to experience diverse business practices. In the process, they can apply their skills and build their networks by completing projects for companies like Microsoft, Citibank, and Toyota.
STUDENTS RUN THEIR OWN CONSULTING FIRM
Such immersions aren’t the only way for students to gain real world experience. Aside from a consulting course – supported by industry practitioners – Rochester Simon also maintains Vision Consulting. Think of it as the MBA answer to Bain or BCG, a student-run, pro bono consulting firm that provides support to organizations like local nonprofits and alumni-run firms. In the process, MBAs can sharpen their problem-solving skills and practice working with clients in a team environment.
Several members of the incoming class have already picked up their assignments at Vision Consulting. Jorge Rould, a banking manager from Penu, is compiling a team of MBAs and MS students to tackle a national product launch. At the same time, Ryan Bell has been partnering with a local wine entrepreneur to develop a business plan and secure funding. “I’m thrilled to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to a real business and look forward to the fast-paced challenge of working with a startup,” he says.
What’s on the horizon for the Class of 2020? After graduation, Krishna Patel is heading to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. From there, she plans to work in New York City as an investment banker. However, her goal is just to make money there. “I see myself working on initiatives that focus on empowering women especially in the Banking industry and hopefully inspiring them to never give up on their dream,” she writes.
Wallace Gundy also has big ambitions. That starts with transitioning from non-profits to retail eCommerce. In the process, she hopes to drive the full Pacific Coast Highway and finish her screenplay. Long-term, her goals are much like her Class of 2020 peers.
“I will own a successful retail company in a place I love, waking up every morning excited to spend the day growing it. And, most importantly, I’ll be happy, healthy, and closely connected to all of my wonderful Simon classmates.”
What led these professionals to enter business schools? Which programs did they also consider? What strategies did they use to choose their MBA program? What was the major event that defined them? Find the answers to these questions and many more in the in-depth profiles of these incoming MBA candidates.
| Student | Hometown | Alma Mater | Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Bell | Boston, MA | University of New Hampshire | Liberty Mutual Insurance |
| Jazmine Carter | High Point, NC | University of North Carolina | Southwest Airlines |
| Raul Carvalho | Fortaleza, Brazil | Faculdade Farias Brito | Santander |
| Wallace Gundy | Pottstown, PA | University of Virginia | Portsmouth Abbey School |
| Lohit Korrapati | Mumbai, India | National Institute of Technology (NIT), Bhopal | ZS Associates |
| Mark Matthews | Detroit, MI | Benedict College | CLS Investments |
| Vibhor Mishra | Gwalior, India | Rajiv Gandhi Technological University, Bhopal | OpenText Corporation |
| Benjamin Moskoff | Cape Town, South Africa | University of Cape Town | Standard Bank |
| Krishna Patel | Mumbai, India | N. M. College of Commerce and Economics | SBI Capital Markets |
| Rachel Robinson | Los Angeles, CA | Oberlin College | Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) |
| Jorge Rould | Rochester, NY | University of Piura | BBVA Banco Continental |
| Joshua Solomon West | Philadelphia, PA | Northwestern University | Coca-Cola |
Ryan Bell
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Collaborative and curious, data-driven problem solver with a passion for technology, innovation, and good beer.”
Hometown: Boston, MA
Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m an avid water-skier. One summer, I taught myself how to barefoot waterski, despite the countless head-over-heels somersaults that I endured while learning.
Undergraduate School and Major: University of New Hampshire – Finance, Information Systems Management
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Liberty Mutual Insurance – Lead Financial Analyst, Global Portfolio Strategy & Analytics
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I consider my greatest professional accomplishment to be the relationships and network that I’ve developed over the past five years. During my time at Liberty Mutual, I had the opportunity to work with some incredible people and each of them taught me something new. These relationships not only pushed me to work harder, take risks, and think outside the box but also turned into some great friendships. Each of my individual successes are far outweighed by the combined success of the teams that I’ve been a part of and that is something I am very grateful for.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Impressive. Simon Business School has one of the most diverse programs in the country and it is evident every day in the classroom by the creativity, enthusiasm, and thought leadership of my fellow classmates. It’s an honor to be included amongst such an impressive group of peers. I’m excited to see all that we will accomplish together over the next two years and beyond!
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? It really came down to the culture and fit. Throughout my interactions with admissions, current students, and alumni, every person went above and beyond to make me feel valued and included. At Simon you’re not just a statistic in a recruiting pamphlet, you’re a part of the family and that was really important to me.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I’m really looking forward to my role as a Project Manager for Simon Vision Consulting, a student-run pro-bono consulting organization that services businesses in the greater Rochester area. Over the next six weeks, I’ll be working closely with a local entrepreneur to develop their business plan and secure funding to start a socially-responsible winery. I’m thrilled to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to a real business and look forward to the fast-paced challenge of working with a startup.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I’ve always planned on getting an MBA, but recognized that having some work experience first would allow me to contribute more to the classroom. After working for five years and having the opportunity to lead initiatives across the organization, I realized that the next step for my career progression was to get an MBA. I have no doubt that the experience and knowledge I will gain over the next two years will push me to be a better leader and help me achieve my long-term goals.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? It’s hard to estimate the true value an MBA degree (although the finance guy in me did construct a NPV model to try). Ultimately though, investing in an MBA is a long-term bet on yourself and I didn’t want to look back on my career and regret not placing that bet.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? Stanford, Sloan, and Tepper. Each offers an incredible program, but I’m confident that I ended up at the school that is the best fit for me.
How did you determine your fit at various schools? In my opinion, the best way to research the culture and fit of a school is by visiting campus and speaking with current students and alumni. This helped me make my decision and I’d advise all perspective MBA students to do the same. Online forums and school rankings are great, but they often leave out many of the personal and intangible aspects of an MBA program that can’t be quantified.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? I don’t think I can choose a single defining moment. The greatest lessons I’ve learned throughout my life have often come from my family and closest friends. They help remind me to be humble, focus on what is most important, and pursue my dreams. Without them, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today and I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received over the years.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? I’d like to find a role at an innovative company that continually challenges me and allows me to make an impact on customers’ lives and the company’s success. I see myself working in either a product management or business development role directly after my MBA, with the long-term goal of starting my own business.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Managing a business that I created and solving the problems of customers of the future.
Jazmine Carter
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Curious learner that challenges the status quo with a fun-loving attitude.”
Hometown: High Point, North Carolina
Fun Fact About Yourself: I love Snoopy and collect all things Peanuts gang created by Charles M. Schulz! (Family tradition)
Undergraduate School and Major: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Major – Communication Studies
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Southwest Airlines, Business Consultant-Customer Experience Planner
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career was my contribution to Southwest Airlines, both its customers and the Southwest employee family. I had the privilege of working cross-functionally at Southwest by partnering with the operations, supply chain, marketing, and technology departments among others. I contributed to major strategic initiatives like optimizing the current inflight food and beverage program, launching the 2017 uniform refresh impacting 40,000+ frontline employees, and supporting the five-year strategic investment planning process for the Commercial organization. In addition to business acumen, I learned what it means to truly live the Southwest way. Following the golden rule and putting people first is not just a mantra but the way of life at Southwest. These values will always and forever be a part of who I am and how I live both professionally and personally because of this rich experience.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Collaborative is the quality that best describes my MBA 2020 Simon family. Because our class size is very intimate and cozy, we have the privilege of truly getting to know the entire cohort well. The spirit of collaboration is evident through the kind words exchanged in group communication forums and the genuine willingness to help each other learn whether in classwork or career search. Here at Simon, we go above-and-beyond to show up and show out each other as cheerleaders, coaches, or simply friends sharing the MBA experience.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The key factor that led me to choose this program was Simon’s approach to graduate business education as unabashedly analytical. Simon’s focus on analytics is long-standing, proven, and far surpasses the recent buzzword of “analytics”. The analytical t approach to solving business problems rusn deep in the program spanning cousework, experimental learning, and extracurricular activities. As I had a deep desire to enhance this skill-set, I felt very confident Simon would place in the analytical environment to challenge not just the way I think but also my ability to impact the business world.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I am most looking forward to the Simon Vision Consulting club to find the perfect business opportunity to help solve. Having hands-on experience outside of the classroom as a supplement to coursework gives the immediate practical application of concepts and offers the type of learning I want to gain from my MBA.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? With 6+ years of professional experience prior to pursuing my MBA, I viewed the opportunity to obtain an MBA at this point in my career as a long-term investment in my future. Specifically, I wanted to gain core analytical skills in order to glean insights from big data and enhance my leadership to prepare for my future career. Even more, I wanted exposure to different facets of business to fulfill my passions and prepare myself for the next steps in my career.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? Specific organizations like the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management and the Forte Foundation significantly impacted my decision to pursue an MBA. These organizations provided unparalleled access to professionals with MBAs to understand their journeys and how an MBA has positively impacted their careers. Finally, I knew that rounding out my professional experience with a master’s level degree would accelerate my ability to impact the market in my long-term career and provide a network.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? Ross, UCLA, and McCombs
How did you determine your fit at various schools?
What factors did you prioritize? Culture, Community, Values and Mission of the schools
What tools did you use to evaluate schools? / How did you research culture? Visit weekends, students and alumni, and career forums
How did you know it fits your career goals? Coursework and experimental learning and clubs and extracurriculars offered by the school. I also reviewed the MBA employment reports published by the school to understand student placement and hiring opportunities.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? A moment that shaped my life was the passing of my grandmother. As she was a phenomenal woman who raised me to be the person I am today, I celebrate her by continuing her legacy as a visionary. I now seek to be the example in my family to take our legacy to the next level – i.e. MBA – so I can raise the bar and continue to take on experiences that force me to grow and become comfortable with the uncomfortable.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? Contribute the analytical skill set I gained at Simon to solving complex business problems.
Where do you see yourself in five years? TBD
Raul Carvalho
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Veteran Brazilian sailor and professional Investment Manager ready to bring my ambitions to America!”
Hometown: Fortaleza, Ceará
Fun Fact About Yourself: I was allergic to milk until I was 12 years old. Because of this, I am totally indifferent when it comes to chocolates, ice-cream, candy, etc.
Undergraduate School and Major: Faculdade Farias Brito – Law
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Santander – Investment Manager
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Designed and facilitated a training program focused on structured investments for my team. This initiative resulted in a tenfold increase in capital raised from clients and new investors.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Collaboration. As a foreigner, I was very concerned about adapting to the country and the culture and feeling included. In less than three months, I can say that I have made real, life-long friendships. Upon arrival, I quickly realized that at everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, was an equal part of the Simon community.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The commitment that the career center has to every student’s growth as a professional. Even before coming to school, the students start receiving materials, courses and assignments related to their preferred career paths. Before classes started, I was scheduling appointments with the CMC and meeting with my career advisor. Not only this, the different areas of the school are interconnected in a way that you are constantly working on something related to your desired industry.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I am primarily looking forward to Simon Vision Consulting, which is a student-led organization that provides pro-bono consulting services to businesses and nonprofits in the Rochester area. I recently got a project manager role and I’m very excited to work with a startup helping them to achieve their goals and tackle their challenges.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I have always had this plan of coming to pursue superior education in the United States. A desire to shift my career focus towards more strategical consulting roles made apparent to me that I needed to improve my leadership skills, financial skills, and acquire some new ones, such as business strategy and pricing.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? First, it was because Simon has one of the best ROIs for private Business Schools in the U.S. Moreover, after visiting the school, seeing the structure, speaking with the students, professionals, and even the dean, I was sure that they would do everything to maximize my time and financial investment.
What other MBA programs did you apply to?
Ross, Tepper, Booth, Kenan-Flagler.
How did you determine your fit at various schools? First, I wanted a smaller class in which I could connect with my classmates and start creating meaningful relationships with the people who will become the closest portion of my network. I also wanted a school famous for its financial program (and Simon had the “pricing plus”) because one of my objectives is close some knowledge gaps that I have since my undergrad focused in Law. A collaborative culture was of high importance because I see the MBA program as a pathway of growing and I believe that you can always achieve and learn more if you have a diverse and engaged group…which we have! To assess this, the best way is to simply talk to the students, send them a message on Linkedin, or go to a school event to ask about our culture and the way we do things here. I guarantee you will encounter someone interested in your questions and happy to talk with you. Looking at the historical hires on Simon, I could see that Simon graduates are being hired for the positions that I want to be. This gives the confidence that, if I do my work and wisely use the resources that the school provides me, I’ll be able to achieve my career goals and lend my dream job.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Losing my spot to the national sailing championship in the last race because I didn’t focused enough in the final weeks of racing. I learned that, if I wanted my spot, I had to earn it every day. I started to out practice my competitors, to give every race the same importance and attention, to stay on top of game until it ends. This discipline later translated to all other aspects of my life.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? I aspire to have a career in consulting and be part of the teams that tackle the most challenging issues that companies face on their day-to-day activities.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself living and working in the United States. I envision myself at work, as a manager for a reputable consulting firm, on an airplane heading to my client’s headquarters to discuss strategic challenges and how my firm and I can help!
Wallace Gundy
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“I do all I can to be “the glue” in every new community I join.”
Hometown: Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Fun Fact About Yourself: When I was eight, my mom discovered I was marked as a male on my birth certificate! My family drove to Morristown, New Jersey’s City Hall to correct this error caused by my gender-ambiguous name. This was a good lesson for all of us about assumptions, and a good reminder to double check that birth certificate before you leave the hospital with a newborn!
Undergraduate School and Major: University of Virginia, English Language and Literature
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Director of Financial Aid and Associate Director of Admission, Portsmouth Abbey School, Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I learned how to sell a $60,000-a-year intangible product – boarding high school education – with no guarantees for success for the consumer… a 14 year old high school freshman. I came to understand how to market to the teenage consumer. I learned to find new domestic and international markets where families can afford this tuition and are willing to allow their children to move away from home at a young age. I learned the significance of data-driven decision-making, and how to use that data to differentiate our school from all of the other competitors. I managed a $4.2 million dollar need-based financial aid budget to ensure we enrolled the most qualified students regardless of their families’ financial background.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? They are proud to be at Simon, without an ounce of pretension.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship, consistently recognized among the best, was a critical factor in choosing Simon. I wanted a school that would foster an entrepreneurial mindset, while providing the analytical and quantitative skills to be a successful entrepreneur. In the few months I have been here, I have had the opportunity to seek counsel from faculty members in the Ain Center, and have joined the Ain Team to promote entrepreneurship throughout the entire University of Rochester community.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Simon Women in Business fosters an environment for women and male allies to discuss the importance of equity in the workplace, the significance of diversity of thought, and why this matters now more than ever. Prior to joining Simon, I was head houseparent for 22 tenth grade boarding school girls, mentoring them in all aspects of their lives. Being at Simon, I am reminded of those days, and that women never stop needing strong mentors.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? It was time for a new adventure! I had an incredible ten years working as an administrator at one of New England’s leading boarding schools. After two promotions and a variety of responsibilities within the school, I saw my learning curve plateauing. When I no longer feel stretched, it’s time for a change. I wanted to go back to school and the timing was perfect. At Simon, my learning curve immediately went vertical, and I feel stretched every day.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? For me, an MBA will provide the skillset and mindset that are far more transferrable than those provided by other professional degrees. I want to have the world as my oyster, and I can already tell I am on my way.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? Olin (Washington University in St. Louis), Tuck (Dartmouth), Kenan-Flagler (UNC), Carroll (Boston College), Yale SOM, Johnson (Cornell), Owen (Vanderbilt), Tepper (Carnegie Mellon), Goizueta (Emory)
How did you determine your fit at various schools? (What factors did you prioritize? What tools did you use to evaluate schools? How did you research culture? How did you know it fit your career goals?) I cast a wide net because I couldn’t take any chances! Without a doubt, I wanted to start my MBA in the fall of 2018. I applied only to schools that I knew (through research, visits, personal contact with admissions officers, and friends that are alumni) I would feel great about attending. In the end, finding a small school and making personal connections to members of the faculty and staff became much larger factors than they were in the beginning. Simon made me feel known and wanted well before I signed on the dotted line.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? After nine months, my marriage ended suddenly and unexpectedly. I found my grit, a quality I now draw upon anytime I encounter a challenge, no matter how big or small. I learned that sometimes life’s biggest detours lead to life’s greatest opportunities.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? I plan to take my non-profit marketing experience and my MBA education, and pivot into the for-profit sector, ideally for a major retail company, focusing in the e-commerce space. I would also like to drive the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway, and finish writing the screenplay I started before business school.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I will own a successful retail company in a place I love, waking up every morning excited to spend the day growing it. And, most importantly, I’ll be happy, healthy, and closely connected to all of my wonderful Simon classmates.
Lohit Korrapati
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“A perpetual learner who challenges himself to better every single day.”
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Fun Fact About Yourself: Never lived in any city or town for more than 5 years; Simon is the 12th school I am attending
Undergraduate School and Major: National Institute of Technology (NIT), Bhopal; Electronics & Communication Engineering
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Consultant, ZS Associates
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Before coming to Simon, I was responsible for delivery of a post-merger integration project spanning across four countries – USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Beyond the cross-geographical and cross-functional scope, the international distribution of the client and ZS teams rendered the assignment challenging, yet truly special. Overcoming the logistical, cultural, and communication barriers that would impede smooth functioning of most teams, we delivered compelling recommendations, of impeccable quality, that were readily implemented.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? My fellow Simon classmates are driven and collaborative. They have clarity of what they want to do after MBA and how to get there. More importantly, they are willing to help their fellow classmates.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I have chosen Simon for its smaller class size. It is important to me because of three reasons –
- It offers greater learning opportunities through better access to faculty and career advisors.
- I get to know my fellow classmates better.
- I can meaningfully contribute to the program.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Simon Consulting Club
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? An engineer by education, I worked in Sales & Marketing Consulting for 5 years after engineering – unconventional career path for engineers. In my consulting experience, I thoroughly enjoyed generating actionable recommendations and measurable impact for my clients. Building on that experience, an MBA would enrich my skillset with holistic business knowledge in disciplines such as finance and strategy. Furthermore, I would gain exposure to different perspectives and could benefit immensely from classmates coming from different backgrounds and countries. Combining both, I can deliver work that is even more impactful.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? The readily measurable aspect of MBA is to compute ROI based on post-MBA and pre-MBA salaries. However, speaking with my managers and friends who have done their MBAs, I realized that the most important aspect of the MBA program is the unquantifiable benefit of gaining holistic business knowledge and developing a well-rounded mindset from peer learning.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? I applied to MBA programs with smaller class sizes such as Olin (WashU), Goizueta (Emory) and Cambridge, UK.
How did you determine your fit at various schools? I started my b-schools search by outlining the factors that matter to me the most. The factors that are important in the order of priority are –
- Smaller Class Size
- Quality of & Access to faculty
- Percent employment post-graduation
- ROI
I applied to business schools that ranked high on these four parameters. I used a combination of online research and informational interviews with current students to learn more about the program and assess how the program fits with my career and personal goals.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? In the final year of engineering, I co-founded and ran an NGO for a year. This is a defining moment for me as it instilled in me the confidence to take risks and it taught me how conviction when coupled with courage can help you overcome barriers.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? After graduating, I see myself working in a role that is at the intersection of strategy and marketing. By concentrating in strategy, marketing, and pricing, I intend to leverage the synergies among the three to contribute to the top-line growth of companies in a cost-effective way.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I would like to see myself in the corporate strategy or strategic marketing vertical wherein I am responsible for driving the growth of a product-line.
Mark Matthews
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Passionate, driven, charismatic individual fueled by success, overcoming obstacles, and helping others.”
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m an avid meal prepper, a foodie, and a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur
Undergraduate School and Major: UG – Benedict College, Economics (Concentration in Finance)
GR – Creighton University, Master’s in Security Analysis and Portfolio Management
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Employer – CLS Investments, LLC
Job Title – Investment Research Analyst
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment professionally to-date would have to be career-switching from accounting over to Investment Management (the buy-side). Not only did it take me moving across country to obtain a master’s from a top 20 Master’s in Finance Program (Creighton University), but also required me to first intern at TD Ameritrade to gain some financial markets experience and compete in a national trading competition to showcase my ability to navigate financial markets and implement a specific investment philosophy.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Goal-oriented. Getting into Simon is no small feat, but the common theme amongst most of my classmates is that this is just the beginning. You’ll find everyone from entrepreneurs to venture capitalists to founders of non-profit organizations. You name it and I’ve connected with someone in my cohort who has aspirations of accomplishing it. It’s refreshing to be around so many like-minded individuals who have clear goals in mind and are intensely focused on achieving them.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you?
The school’s investment in my future. From connecting me to alumni to introducing me to programs like the Consortium and Jumpstart (of which both I am a fellow of), the school took an active and assertive approach toward ensuring that I would have the resources, access, and exposure needed to transition into my career of choice.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Being an analyst on the school’s Venture Capital Fund. Really interested in having ground floor access to the next wave of innovation.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? Research proved it was the best path at this point in my career to make the leap I was looking for.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment?
The first and most important factor in this decision was identifying what it is that I wanted to do. After that, it took research, networking with others in the field, and calculating the ROI of forfeiting current income for my dream career.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? Columbia University
How did you determine your fit at various schools? Primary factors in deciding what schools to attend were:
- Location – Desperately wanted to be in New York
- Culture – Wanted to be in an intimate, collaborative, welcoming environment where it was evident that my future was being invested in
- Strong Alumni base in my chosen field
To get an idea of culture, I spent time with admissions, along with talking to alumni and holding conversations with current students to gauge my fit. Ultimately, what it came down to was Simon having a recurring theme across all that I’d spoken with or met that closely aligned with what I was looking for and what I valued most.
The next test was identifying whether attending the school would result in landing my dream career. During this process it was evident that the Simon culture becomes so ingrained in you that you carry it on even after having graduated some time ago: that culture of helpfulness and investing in fellow Simon colleagues. My career of choice is investment banking. I spent time having multiple conversations with current bankers in some of the field’s top firms. It was at this point that I knew I was making the right decision.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Tearing my ACL for the second time. It was at this point I knew my hopes for a football career were pretty much over. For lifetime athletes going through an injury of that magnitude for the second time can be devastating, and quite frankly it was. Instead of allowing it to take a toll on other facets of my life, I used it as motivation. I eventually got back on the field, but that wasn’t the best part. I was able to prove to myself the ability to overcome adversity, adapt to difficult situations, and change course effortlessly in the event it’s called for. I channeled the competitive drive I’d developed from playing sports into excelling scholastically – graduating magna cum laude from my undergrad, and finding a fulfilling career in the field of finance.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? A lengthy and successful career in investment banking in New York City.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I would like to see myself at a senior level within an investment banking firm, contributing to the generation of deal flow.
Vibhor Mishra
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Believer of the philosophy – Success is not a destination, it’s a journey and you need to keep smiling.”
Hometown: Gwalior, India
Fun Fact About Yourself: Love traveling. Have traveled to 30 countries so far and want to take that list to a “100” by 2025.
Undergraduate School and Major: Rajiv Gandhi Technological University, Bhopal ; Engineering: Computer Science and Telecommunications
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: OpenText Corporation, IT Consultant.
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Accomplishments, I believe, are the result of the process that you follow. There are much more important things that some wonderful people are doing around the world, which makes me think that there is still something significant that I need to achieve in life. The best process that I can remember was leading a service transition project of the largest telecom operator in Netherlands. I was a part of Onsite team that came to Europe in 2015 and spearheaded the knowledge transfer process for delivering the project in a 3-month timeline, working with a team of 50 people that didn’t speak the same language and taking responsibility for the business that was handled i-house for the past 15 years. It was one of the most challenging and learning phase of my 8 years-long IT consulting career.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? I have been a part of Simon community for around three months now, and the one thing that stands out is respect for each other. During the first month of orientation, I got an opportunity to know my classmates. I immediately observed the diverse backgrounds and cultures we came from, and the impact it had on the opinions we presented during the activities. At the same time, it was evident that everyone respected each opinion and was keen to learn more about each other. It has continued to be the case since then, and the mutual respect has only grown. That, as we proudly say, makes us #SimonStrong.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? Sense of Belonging – As an international student, this was the most important factor that I looked for when I was finalizing my school. That is exactly how I felt, during my first conversation with Mr. Andrew Brayda, senior director of admissions at the Simon Business School, who was my mentor and guide throughout the admission and finalizing process. Coming back to school after eight years, I prioritized strong connection over everything. Feeling that you belong is most important in seeing value in whatever you do, and you do MBA only once in your life.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I am most excited about Graduate Business Council and Simon Consulting Club. For the roles that I am trying to pursue in future, leadership and problem-solving skills are the most valuable assets that I need to develop, and I believe being involved in these clubs would provide me the best possible opportunity to do that.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? “Comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there”. I strongly believe in this saying and whenever I have felt like hitting my comfort zone, I have always taken measures to push myself. After working as an IT professional for eight years, I decided to do exactly that. For past three years, I worked in Netherlands and Germany, for OpenText, one of the largest IT companies in Canada, as a single point of contact for clients in EMEA region and provided subject matter expertise for their technology needs. Being in this position sparked my interests in business development and strategy consulting roles, and my aspirations of understanding it better. I have decided to come to Simon to pursue my MBA for this reason, as all these roles need highly analytical approach towards business forecasting, solving problems and delivering innovative solutions, and Simon’s unabashedly analytical approach towards curriculum highly aligns with my interests.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? Throughout my professional career, I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most qualified business leaders and one thing that they all had in common was a formal business education. When I was deciding to pursue my MBA, I sought advice from many business professionals, current students, friends and family, and all I received was a positive response and support for pursuing this journey. I am a highly introspective person, and I seek advice from within before doing anything, and after considering many factors about my personal and professional life, I was sure that MBA education will be a catalyst for my future career and will give me an opportunity to pursue some of the most challenging roles in business, in which I can make a difference.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? University of Notre Dame-Mendoza, Michigan State University-Broad and Georgetown University-McDonough.
How did you determine your fit at various schools? First and foremost is your research. Do it as much as you can and investigate every aspect of the business school that you want to attend. These include: alumni (their profiles, their previous and current industries and roles), hiring patterns, curriculum, specializations offered, student engagement activities, extracurriculars, culture, financial assistance and lifestyle affordability. All these and much more information is available on some amazing web resources such as Financial Times, Poets and Quants, GMAT.com, gmatclub.com etc.
Secondly, I read thoroughly about the school on their website, talked to current students to get their perspective, and had formal discussion with admissions team to get the sense of culture and people I will be working for next few years. For an International student, it’s even more important to take as many perspectives as possible before deciding about attending a B-school in another country. I also would like to mention that although rankings on various forums gives you a perception about current standing of any school, they were not the only factor that I considered when I was going through the process. Choosing a right school is far more introspective process than just believing in numbers. All my research and interactions seconded my decision of joining Simon Business School and I can happily say that I made the right choice.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? The decision to move away from my family to pursue my bachelor’s degree from city 400 miles away from my hometown. At 16, it was a hard decision to take as a person who had grown up in a conservative and protected environment, where I used to deal with strong opinions from my community. In retrospect, my undergraduate days were the best learning days of my life. I discovered my professional interests, personal goals, and passion for song writing. I also secured my first job in Fortune 500 company (among the 20 selected out of 450) and, most importantly, made some great friends for life.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? My short-term aspiration capacitated by Simon experience is to build up a profile as a strategy and business development professional, preferably in digital technology services. I want to build on my analytical and technical background through my MBA education to conceptualize and articulate growth strategies and contribute to real life complications and business problems in multinational organizations.
Where do you see yourself in five years? A family man, living in a multicultural city, who would like to be a head of a strategy leadership team of a multinational organization, working on global immersion projects, leading a team of cross-functional and diverse people, contributing to growth of the organization and most importantly, Making a difference.
Benjamin Moskoff
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Inspired by growth, committed to community, zeal for life, fueled by espresso.”
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa.
Fun Fact About Yourself: I own a coffee business with my brother-in-law in Cape Town, South Africa. We roast and sell high-quality and exclusively African coffee beans.
Undergraduate School and Major: University of Cape Town. Finance.
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Standard Bank. Corporate and Investment Banking Analyst.
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Successfully presenting an investment opportunity to a listed company CFO that led to the company’s first foreign acquisition in their history.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Enthusiasm. My classmates are always up to learning new things and putting their hands up to get stuck in. It is amazing to see how quickly my classmates with no business background soak up knowledge from our business courses. It is incredible how my classmates who don’t speak English as a first language approach the work and presentations with so much confidence and zeal. They are a positive group of people that challenge me to push towards being better.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? A strong focus on finance and analytics was a key differentiating factor. My background is in the relationship side of corporate and investment banking. I became skilled in understanding sectors and clients from a strategic standpoint. I gained insight into business leaders’ perspectives of their industries and got first-hand experience to the various bank products and services that help clients execute their strategies. To make a break into investment banking, I wanted a school that is renowned for its finance curriculum with a foundation in analytics. The finance and analytics rigor that Simon offers will effectively supplement my experience and groom me to be prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as an investment banking associate.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Simon School Venture Fund – a $2 million dollar, student-led, venture capital fund.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I wanted to catapult my banking experience in South Africa to investment banking in the USA. Pursuing an MBA allowed me to do this all while making life-long connections and gaining valuable knowledge.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? I was fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship and stipend from Simon Business School as a Fielding Leadership Fellow. This made the decision to spend two years studying much easier. With that said, forgoing the salary that I could be earning during these two years is certainly worth it. Getting an MBA from a top school like Simon, opens opportunities to me that simply are not open without it.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? I only applied to Simon. With the funding they offered me so early on in the recruiting process, the decision to come to Simon was made a lot easier.
How did you determine your fit at various schools? I was looking for a school that had a culture of community between the students and at the same time was serious about finance and helping students achieve their goals.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? A defining moment in my life was going to Uganda as a 15-year-old to do outreach work and subsequent trips to rural Kenya. I realized how important it is to be grateful for everything in my life. I engaged with people who had very little material possessions, but who were some of the most grateful people I have ever met. In our society, we seldom feel grateful for the things and people we have in our lives because we are caught up in a race to success. These trips have played a big role in allowing me to live in the present and sincerely enjoy the people and opportunities all around me.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? Work as an investment banking associate in New York City.
Where do you see yourself in five years? As an investment banking VP helping shape the paths of the largest corporations in the world.
Krishna Patel
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Dramatic in actions, simple in thoughts. Appreciates little things in life and big on smiling often and staying curious.”
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Fun Fact About Yourself: Cross-Dominant and obsessed with all kinds of cheese.
Undergraduate School and Major: N. M. College of Commerce and Economics
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: SBI Capital Markets – Associate, Investment Banking
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Leading a team to on-board one of the Indian Government’s biggest divestment projects worth $10 billion dollars. has been an important milestone in my career. The entire process was really challenging in terms of structuring the bids and communicating with cross-functional teams. Being the youngest and the only non-management graduate in the investment banking team, this transaction was instrumental in me being recognized on the floor and also securing a promotion within a year of joining the bank.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Everyone is really receptive in terms of listening to and adapting each other’s ideas. Because of our small cohort, the atmosphere is really close-knit and everyone is very supportive of each other’s personal and professional growth.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The focus and the emphasis on learning through diversity was one of the biggest factors why I chose Simon. Prior to starting the MBA program, I was invited to visit the school for its Scholarship Weekend, where I got a chance to meet 50 students from 17 different countries. I experienced the impact of this diversity while working in multicultural teams, which lead to optimum and efficient results. Coming from a country like India, which is rich in its diverse culture, I was looking for a school that holds the same values and Simon made a perfect fit in that sense.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I am looking forward to being part of the Meliora Fund, a school and alumni sponsored venture fund focusing on social impact investing. Given the beautiful terrain of up-state New York, I am also ecstatic about the Skiing and Rafting treks organized by our Outdoor and Adventure Club.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? One of the most important skills of a successful investment banker is being able to adapt to a diverse set of minds. An MBA opens doors and exposes me to wide spectrum of students from across the world which would not just teach me the nuances of working in a team but also frame my skillset to become a future leader.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? After Spending the past six years working in the financial services industry, this was a pretty easy cost-benefit analysis for me! I wanted to continue my career in investment banking in the US and the best path was pursuing an MBA to learn more about the organizations and corporate culture in this country. It was actually a pretty fruitful investment with the intangible benefits far exceeding the tangible ones!
What other MBA programs did you apply to? Cornell University, Georgetown University, Babson University
How did you determine your fit at various schools? Communication was the key driving factor during my research for the MBA schools. I prioritized in terms of how prompt the school was in its communication with me and also how interested it was in identifying the true potential of a potential student. The best approach in determining the cultural fit for a school was by interacting with the school’s current students. It gave me a perspective on how certain leadership focused modules play a vital role in personal development and also how the career management center contributes tirelessly to help achieve a student’s career goals.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Attaining the Master’s Certificate in Bharat Natyam (Indian classical dance form) at the age of 14 has had a really positive impact on my life. 10 years of training in this art form at such a tender age has bought discipline in both my personal and professional life but most importantly it has given me a form of expression.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? Take a holiday to Iceland to see the Northern Lights! So that I can come back starry-eyed and enter the world of investment banking in NYC.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself working on initiatives that focus on empowering women especially in the Banking industry and hopefully inspiring them to never give up on their dream!
Rachel Robinson
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Guaranteed to laugh the loudest, volunteer first, and foster collaboration in any team.”
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a ceramicist, white water rafter, and rock climber who has been to Antarctica.
Undergraduate School and Major: Oberlin College – Major: Sociology, Minor: Art History
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), Communications Associate
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I spearheaded CPC’s first rebrand since 1974.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Amazingly collaborative. Simon offers a very supportive environment — don’t get me wrong, there are cut-throat MBA moments as well, but overall, every single person here wants to see you succeed. Because of the small class size, you are able to form deeper relationships with classmates. From sharing internship search resources to helping each other conduct mock interviews, this collaborative environment cannot be beat. Classmates at Simon are interested in everyone’s success, not just their own.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I can’t whittle it down to one thing, so I’ll focus on the top two: small cohort size and a truly analytical approach. Simon averages 100 students per graduating class. This small size means that students get unparalleled support from professors, career coaches, and alumni, and are able to build stronger relationships with our classmates. Secondly, I feel that the analytics-based curriculum provides tangible skills for the working world. Managers are expected to back up decisions with data — I know that with a Simon education, I will have a skillset not found in all MBA programs.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Exploring a new city with new friends! Rochester is going through a very cool revitalization period. Coming from real estate, I love seeing communities embrace historic buildings and breathe new life into forgotten spaces. There are some really cool restaurants, bars, and marketplaces where you can sit in a 100-year-old warehouse to enjoy a thoroughly modern cocktail and meal set to live music (thanks Eastman School of Music!).
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? After eight years in the real estate industry, I found myself in a niche role, working for an amazing team at an amazing company. The only downside was that I was ready for a change, and there wasn’t necessarily an opportunity to grow at my company. After many conversations with friends and mentors, I realized that I was craving a formal education and the time to explore new options — not just a new job.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? Because going back to school was about career exploration, I looked into many different types of degrees and programs. After comparing typical jobs, salaries, and career paths, I knew that there were specific MBA programs that offered the opportunities I was looking for. In terms of investment, there are other types of masters programs that cost less, but you also end up with a lower salary after graduation, a limited network, and too specialized of a career path.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? Berkley Haas and NYU Stern.
How did you determine your fit at various schools? Talking to alumni and chatting with current students on campus offered the best research. For me, culture and fit are the most important factors to success, so I had a very clear idea of what I was looking for. I needed a supportive environment, where alumni and staff go above-and-beyond to support students on their journey. The program needed to be academically rigorous and well respected — if I was going to pay to be in school again, I needed to know I’d be challenged by the coursework. I also knew I wanted a school with a robust analytics program — given the prevalence of big data, I believed this skill set would set me apart in my career.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Four years after graduating from college, my grandmother passed. We were very close, and due to family circumstances, many of the grittier aspects of death fell to me. It was a very introspective time marked by larger decisions than I’d had to make in the past. I realized that I needed change. I quit my job, put everything in storage, and spent six months visiting friends around the world. When I returned to the States, I knew I needed to move on from LA. I moved to NY and networked to understand what my career opportunities were. Within three months, I found a position at the company where I spent the next four years. I learned in that time to never be afraid of change: To listen to my gut, and take a plunge. I also learned to try new things and trust that with research, hard work, and a positive attitude, nothing can hold me back.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? After completing my MBA, I plan to work in a consulting capacity to drive strategic growth either an internal or external point of view. More specifically, I’m passionate about the disruptive impact technology is having in the banking and financial services sector, and hope to pursue that industry.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Leading a cross-functional team in a highly matrixed organization to tackle strategic growth opportunities.
Jorge Rould
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Committed team player, passion for customers and innovation, hunger for knowledge, specialized in Sales and Finance.”
Hometown: Rochester, New York
Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m extremely happily married, we have a 1.5 year-old son and we’re waiting our second son. They are my main motivation.
Undergraduate School and Major: University of Piura, Economics
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: BBVA Banco Continental, Senior Relationship Manager
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I enjoyed a great career in the banking industry before the MBA. I’ve worked with companies from different industries and worked really hard to make a positive impact in every one of them. I’ve accomplished all the goals of each position, and I’m very proud of that. But I would say my biggest accomplishment is to balance my professional life with my personal life.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Humbleness and Collaboration. In Simon, competitiveness is as important as helping each other to succeed.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I believe the Simon MBA combines perfectly the most advanced data analytics approach of business and leadership based on humbleness and collaboration.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I’m a member of the Finance and Investment Club, the Venture Capital Club, Data Analytics Club, Pricing Club, and Vision Consulting. I think the activity that excites me the most is being a project manager at Vision Consulting, because it’s an experience with a real life company that needs to launch a product nationally. I’ll be responsible for building a team compose by consultants from the MBA and MS students.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I love to learn new things and better ways to accomplish my personal and professional goals. An MBA was my best alternative to invest in my professional development for a couple years, where I’ll be able to test all I have learned, enhance the skills I’ve already developed in my career, and learn new skills that will create new opportunities. Furthermore, earning an MBA in another country with different people from different backgrounds and cultures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? Before making a decision like this (especially if you’re moving to another country with your family), it’s necessary to do exhaustive research. I talked to many alumni from different business schools. I also spoke many times with my boss and mentors and calculated the VPN of the investment (there is enough information to do it). Of course, this was also a family decision. I would say my case is specific because I have wife’s support, which motivated me to do my best every day.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? I applied to Ross, IESE, Berkeley and Simon
How did you determine your fit at various schools? As I said, I believe the Simon MBA perfectly combines the most advanced data analytics approach to business with leadership based on humbleness and collaboration. I determined my fit when I discovered that by visiting the school, meeting 1st and 2nd year students and meeting professors and the staff. I believe Simon culture is what made the difference for me: the staff is always working to make things perfect – events, classes, club’s meetings, even parties; they are not only concerned about the event, but also about the students in order to make them comfortable and engaged (this is key specially for international students). Professors are always willing to talk with you, to help you with more material, or just to solve any doubt. That’s a great advantage of small classes.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Professionally, I would say my defining moment was my first experience in the banking industry at BCP. Working with other companies as clients made me realized how big – game changing, even – the impact I could make by doing a well-done job every day. This idea helped me to put it all together in order to create value for my company and for my client: my degree in economics, my interest in learning new things, and my strong skills with numbers and finance.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? Right now, I’m very exciting about discovering that I’m also very good at new skills like marketing and pricing (not only finance), so that’s definitely a path I want to explore. Consulting seems very interesting, because I would still be able to work directly with clients. Plus, I’ll keep learning new things and developing new skills. On the other hand, corporate financial strategy is something that I’ve been doing for a long time and I would like to contribute directly the corporate financial strategy of a tech company. So far, I like both alternatives. I’m working really hard on it.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself in a CFO position, in the path for a general management position.
Joshua Solomon West
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
“Quiet but charismatic life advice giving guru who’s ambitious but loyal, and will never lead you astray.”
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Fun Fact About Yourself: Believe it or not, had I not already committed to going to business school, it’s quite possible that I could have been “Married at First Sight.” In mid-May of 2018, a casting agent for the Lifetime network reality TV docu-series called me to see if I would consider filling out an application to be screened as a possible contestant for the upcoming “Married At First Sight: Philly” series. After some consideration, I politely declined. Business school was a better investment than reality TV.
Undergraduate School and Major: Northwestern University, Political Science and International Studies
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Coca-Cola, District Sales Manager
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: 40 years. That’s how long a major university in Philadelphia, PA exclusively sold beverages from my former company’s top competitor. Through developing a new value proposition, we won the right to a new contract. It was my job to lead the implementation of that contract. I led a cross functional team that ranged from finance, equipment services, marketing, national retail sales, distribution, and category management, to successfully implement the new contract and on-board a new key account into the Coca-Cola system.
What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? My classmates are supportive, genuine, and fascinating individuals with varied and diverse backgrounds. They are unique and driven, but also understanding of each other’s’ opinions and differences. I love learning about their stories and backgrounds, and feel incredibly fortunate to be able to learn and interact with them on a daily basis.
Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The analytical aspect that applies to every class led me to choose this program. The heaviest quant classes I took in college were a few econ classes, so I wanted to ensure that my quantitative skills coming out of my MBA program would allow me to succeed post-graduation. Simon had a strong focusing on applying analytics to every class, so I knew this program would sure up some quantitative deficiencies and help me achieve my long-term goal.
What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? I’m looking forward to joining the VISION Consulting Club and helping local small businesses with a business issue that they’re facing. I’m also looking forward to joining the Simon Marketing Association to further my professional goal of becoming a general leader with an expertise in marketing strategy.
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I wanted to do more with my career and continue to advance. I also wanted to move out of sales, and into a different function. It was becoming increasingly harder to do so. When The Coca-Cola Company announced that it was selling my operating unit to a private company, I knew that opportunities for growth into other functions would all but disappear. I decided that this was my moment to continue my education to pursue a different background that would give me opportunities to explore additional career paths.
How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? For me, the decision was easy. I wanted to advance in my career, and continue to position myself as someone who could take on greater responsibility, leading more complex teams, and eventually, organizations. I knew an MBA was the investment that would serve as the catalyst to get me to that point. I also knew it would expose me to a network of other brilliant like-minded individuals who would also one day become leaders in their field or profession. This was part of my decision making process that led me to believe this was the right investment for me.
What other MBA programs did you apply to? Michigan Ross, Indiana Kelley, Emory Goizueta, Texas McCombs, Northwestern Kellogg
How did you determine your fit at various schools? I determined fit for business school by prioritizing factors such as people, program strengths, conversations with current students, and visits to various programs. In evaluating schools, I focused on Consortium information sessions, webinars, conversations with admissions committee members, current students and websites. Culture was determined by interactions that I had with people at the schools I visited. For me, it was important that a school culture feels like family. When someone greets me with a hug, and already knows something about me, I feel like they’ve done the work to get to know me, and that they’re recruiting me to be part of not only a school community but a family. I also paid attention to interactions students had when I visited. Did they smile at each other? Did they greet each other when they walked by? What was their body language toward each other on the various panels they sat through? I knew a school would fit my career goal if I knew that I could fit in at the school and make an immediate impact. I also knew it would fit if there emerged a common positive theme that I was looking for in the conversations I had with everyone I met.
What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? The defining moment for me was the end of 2015, when my father passed away from cancer. It had been a great year until he suddenly fell ill in August. Four months later he passed. I used to have a picture in my mind about what my life would be like 10-15 years from now, with my dad teaching my children how to fish down the road. Suddenly, that was taken from me. I took some time to think about what I wanted in life and become more focused on getting there, but with a greater appreciation for each moment I can have for myself, friends, and family.
What do you plan to do after you graduate? Following graduation, I want to focus on marketing strategy, helping my organization develop campaigns that help drive profitable growth.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself leading a global team that is focused on building strategy and capabilities focused on how our organization will continue to grow well into the future.
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