Why I Chose to Pursue a STEM-Designated MBA

Simon’s Full-Time MBA offers the option to pursue STEM designation in any specialization. The majority of MBA students elect this option (89% from the Class of 2023 and 82% from the Class of 2024), which can be achieved by completing 50% of coursework in STEM-designated credits. Hear from three of our current MBA students on why the STEM-designated option was right for them:

Shresha Karmacharya:

When I began considering an MBA, I knew I wanted to pivot into a new career path, but I wasn’t entirely sure what that path would be. Simon’s STEM-designated MBA option immediately stood out to me because of its flexibility and emphasis on analytical thinking. It gave me the confidence that I could explore a variety of fields, like sustainability consulting, impact investing, ethical marketing, and more, while gaining the quantitative tools I’d need to thrive in any direction I chose. The STEM designation wasn’t just a label—it was a clear signal of the program’s commitment to preparing us for a data-driven, ever-evolving world.

Embracing Analytical Thinking In—and Beyond—the Classroom

I’ve always believed in the power of numbers to tell stories and guide decisions, but I wanted to learn how to use them more effectively. Simon’s STEM designation is built on the foundation of rigorous quantitative coursework, and it’s been exciting to dive into classes like Business Analytics and Financial Modeling. These courses have challenged me to not only interpret data but to think critically about how to apply it in real-world situations.

What really drew me to Simon, though, were the opportunities to practice what I learned outside the classroom. Before joining, I read about Simon Vision Consulting and Net Impact, where students use their classroom knowledge to make an immediate impact. That blend of technical rigor and practical application was exactly what I was looking for—a way to build my skills while contributing meaningfully.

Expanding My Global Career Horizons

I’ve had the privilege of working with global teams in the past, and I wanted to build on that experience by gaining exposure to the American market. STEM designation gave me confidence that I’d be equipped with globally relevant skills, especially in roles where analytical thinking and strategic decision-making are at the forefront. Additionally, the extended work authorization available with STEM designation provides international students like me the opportunity to gain meaningful experience in the US and apply what we’ve learned in real-world business environments. Simon’s diverse and collaborative setting has further enhanced this experience, helping me understand how to approach challenges from different perspectives while preparing me for a dynamic global career.

Overall, pursuing a STEM-designated MBA at Simon was about more than earning a degree: it was about gaining the tools to approach problems with confidence, a community that inspires me to do my best work, and a program that prepares me to thrive in a data-driven world. Simon has given me the space to grow, both personally and professionally, and I couldn’t have asked for a better fit.
 

Temitope Ishmael:

The world is going through global evolution with data and technology being the disruptors that lead to innovation. With this knowledge and following the disruptive trend, it made sense to make decisions that my future self would be proud of as I invest in my career. This evolving world led me to pursue a STEM-designated MBA at Simon Business School. It was the best option for my long-term career plan, which is to be a data-driven professional in my field. It wasn’t just about earning a degree, it was about preparing for a future where data, technology, and strategy intersect to create meaningful results, such as identifying growth opportunities for organizations as a revenue generation while still gaining market share.

These are the four major reasons why I chose to pursue a STEM-designated MBA:

1. Data-Driven Decision Making: In an era where data drives strategy, a STEM-designated MBA equips me with advanced analytical tools to arrange data, interpret data, uncover trends, and make decisions that deliver measurable impact.
2. Enhanced Competitiveness in the Job Market: A data-driven and analytical mindset is a skill I wanted to develop through taking STEM classes. It is an investment for my future, as it enhances my value in the job market and better positions me as a professional with business acumen and analytical skills leading me to a lucrative career. 
3. Enhanced Problem Solving: Upskilling my problem-solving abilities is important for a plethora of reasons, but first and foremost so I can address problems in the workplace efficiently. By choosing the STEM-designated MBA, I am developing critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
4. Personal Growth and Challenge: With a background in health sciences where my focus was primarily on patient care and qualitative analysis, transitioning into a world driven by data analytics, business modeling, and quantitative problem-solving required me to stretch my capabilities. I needed to be resilient and convert my threat-identified skills into opportunity-identified skills. Choosing the STEM option was a personal challenge to push my limits, develop technical expertise, and prove to myself that I could thrive in an academically rigorous and data-centric program.

Parul Varshney:

Choosing the right MBA program is one of the most critical decisions in shaping your career trajectory. For me, opting for a STEM-designated MBA at Simon Business School was a game-changer. I have an HR background, and I wanted to complement my expertise in people management with a strong foundation in data analytics and strategic decision-making. Simon’s STEM-designated MBA option provided the perfect opportunity to achieve this balance. Here are three reasons why I chose this path and why I would highly recommend it to prospective students:

Unabashedly Analytical Approach

Coming from an HR background, I was keen to enhance my analytical skills to address the growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making in the workplace. The program’s focus on quantitative analysis and problem-solving allowed me to develop expertise in areas like data analytics, business modeling, and predictive analysis. Moreover, experiential learning activities such as workshops in business modeling and data analytics provided hands-on opportunities to apply these skills to real-world problems, making the learning process both practical and impactful.

Extended Opportunities for International Students

The STEM designation offers an incredible advantage for international students through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. With the STEM designation, I am eligible for up to three years of work authorization in the US, compared to the standard one year for non-STEM programs, if I’m hired into a STEM-eligible role. This extended timeframe provides a valuable opportunity to gain meaningful work experience, build professional networks, and establish a strong foundation for my career in the US. The added flexibility also allows international students to fully immerse themselves in their roles and contribute to their organizations without the immediate pressure of visa constraints.

Diverse Career Opportunities and Industry Exposure

One of the most compelling reasons to pursue a STEM-designated MBA at Simon is the breadth of career opportunities it unlocks. The program’s emphasis on analytical and technical skills makes graduates highly sought after across industries such as technology, consulting, financial services, and healthcare. Simon’s strong alumni network and career resources provide unparalleled support in navigating the job market. Personally, I’ve found that the program’s curriculum and experiential learning components have not only enhanced my skill set but also prepared me to excel in a data-driven business environment. The versatility of the STEM designation ensures that I’m well-equipped to pivot to new opportunities or take on leadership roles in my chosen field.

If you’re someone who wants to complement your existing expertise with cutting-edge analytical skills, Simon’s STEM-designated MBA option is the way to go. The program’s structured yet flexible curriculum allows you to tailor your learning experience based on your career goals. Whether you’re looking to pivot to a new field or enhance your capabilities in your current domain, pursuing the STEM-designated MBA provides a solid foundation for long-term success.

Learn more about STEM at Simon on Simon Bizcast.