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MBA Admission Ambassadors
Get the answers you need from our friendly Simon students.
Our student ambassadors are happy to give you firsthand feedback on the Simon experience. Send them a personal email today. If you don't see someone with a similar background to yours, email us at admissions@simon.rochester.edu and we’ll do our best to match you with a candidate that aligns with your interests and career goals.
What really drew me in was visiting campus and speaking with the incredible staff and students here.
Q&A
Hometown: Boston, MA
Undergraduate School Major: University of New Hampshire, Finance, Information Systems Management
Academic Focus: Marketing (Product Management), Entrepreneurship
Financial Strategy & Analytics at Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Given the power of technology and big data today, I knew I wanted to go to a school with a strong quant focus (and Simon is one of the best). What really drew me in was visiting campus and speaking with the incredible staff and students here. Everyone was very genuine and wanted what was best for me and my career progression. 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.
The family feel and support that you get here at Simon is unmatched. Simon is a school where everyone’s opinion is valued, and people treat you with utmost respect and enthusiasm regardless of where you’re from or where you’re going.
Rochester has a great craft beer scene. I’m also looking forward to taking a trip out to the Finger Lakes wineries, which I’ve heard are incredible as well.
Simon Vision Consulting, Simon Marketing Association, Simon School Venture Fund.
I chose Simon because of the no-ego culture, the quant-heavy classes, and the incredibly smart faculty and staff.
Q&A
Hometown: Eugene, OR
Undergraduate School Major: The University of Oregon, Business and Economics
Academic Focus: General
Startup analyst and founder.
I chose Simon because of the no-ego culture, the quant-heavy classes, and the incredibly smart faculty and staff.
The people!
The arts and music culture is everywhere.
Simon Entrepreneurship Association, Simon School Venture Fund, Simon Dance Club.
My classmates and the Simon community are my favorite things about Simon.
Q&A
Hometown: High Point, North Carolina
Undergraduate School Major: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Communication Studies; Concentration: Interpersonal-Organizational Communications
Academic Focus: Competitive and Organizational Strategy
Project Management professional.
Close-knit, collaborative community and strong foundation in analytics.
My classmates and the Simon community at large.
Wegmans (a popular, regional supermarket chain)
Simon Women in Business, Net Impact, Simon Volunteers.
My classmates are incredibly supportive—from life to classes to job searching, everyone is open and encouraging.
Q&A
Hometown: Brasher Falls, NY
Undergraduate School Major: St. Lawrence University, Sociology
Academic Focus: Marketing
Following undergrad, I was a live-in nanny for two years in the Albany, NY, region, which was incredibly rewarding (and bonus: I learned how to meal plan/cook). I then spent the majority of my career at CIC (fka Cambridge Innovation Center), a flexible workspace for entrepreneurs and startups, in Cambridge and Boston, MA. I hopped back and forth as an event coordinator and then landed in Cambridge as a relationship manager on the sales team. Most recently, I spent a year in Florida working for GL Homes.
I chose Simon because of the warm, friendly environment. During my first visit, I saw how alumni were welcomed back with open arms, and I was surprised to be known by name. I hadn’t considered small class sizes a must-have at that point, but I realized I wanted to be on a first-name basis with professors and staff, friendly with my classmates, and known by the career center. Business school is hard enough without feeling lost in the crowd!
I know the name of every person in my class, and I am slowly getting to know the second years—I realize that isn’t something I would be lucky enough to do in a class of 600+ people. On top of that, my classmates are incredibly supportive—from life to classes to job searching, everyone is open and encouraging.
There are so many quirky coffee shops to spend time in; if you study at Boulder on Wednesday nights, you can catch Open Mic Night, and if you spend an afternoon at Village Bakery, you can transition to the rooftop deck at Trata. It’s also really nice to be within driving distance to family again.
Simon Women in Business, Simon Marketing Association, Simon Data Analytics, Simon Real Estate Club, UNCorked
The sense of community is palpable. Students, alumni, and staff are here to help you reach the best version of yourself.
Q&A
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Undergraduate School Major: Universidad Anahuac, International Business
Academic Focus: Finance and Accounting
Finance, relationship & credit structure manager and COO of an asset management startup.
As a finance specialist and knowing that I wanted to continue the same path, Simon’s strong finance credentials were the reason why I decided to apply. Once I visited campus, I fell in love with the city, the school, and the people.
The sense of community is palpable. Students, alumni, and staff are here to help you reach the best version of yourself.
I love all the outdoor activities you can do in Rochester and its surroundings, from running along the Erie Canal to skiing in Bristol during winter.
Latin American Students of Simon (LASOS), Simon Finance & Investment Club, Simon Sports
Simon was the only place where I felt at home, where people went out of their way to support me.
Q&A
Hometown: Columbia, SC
Undergraduate School Major: Howard University, Business Administration
Academic Focus: Strategy and Marketing
Marketing Research, Nielsen
I got a chance to visit multiple schools while considering where I wanted to pursue my MBA. Simon was the only place where I felt at home, where people went out of their way to support me. Simon believed in my potential and has been a partner throughout the way to help me realize these goals.
Getting to know my classmates.
Lake Ontario.
National Black Associate, Simon Marketing Association, Simon Data Analytics, Simon Volunteers, Simon Says.
I wanted a school that would foster an entrepreneurial mindset.
Q&A
Hometown: Pottstown, PA
Undergraduate School Major: University of Virginia, English Language and Literature
Academic Focus: Marketing (Brand Management) and Entrepreneurship
I spent a decade working in the non-profit sector at Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Upon leaving, I was the director of financial aid and associate director of admission. In addition, I was the head houseparent of a 10th grade girls’ dormitory, and I coached squash and lacrosse. It was much more than a career—it was a lifestyle.
The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship was a major 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. Entrepreneurship at Simon has exceeded my expectations. Since I’ve arrived, I have had the opportunity to seek counsel from several faculty members in the Ain Center, and I have joined the Ain Team to promote entrepreneurship throughout the entire University of Rochester community. In addition, I’ve connected with Simon business owners from across the country to discuss their paths and share ideas about my own.
Rochester has a little bit of everything and something for everyone: a vibrant arts scene, museums, running and bike trails, restaurants of every cuisine, breweries and vineyards, hiking trails, an incredible (and famous!) farmers’ market, and the list goes on. You won’t have too much free time at Simon, but when you find it, you certainly will be able to fill it!
Rochester has a little bit of everything and something for everyone: a vibrant arts scene, museums, running and bike trails, restaurants of every cuisine, breweries and vineyards, hiking trails, an incredible (and famous!) farmers’ market, and the list goes on. You won’t have too much free time at Simon, but when you find it, you certainly will be able to fill it!
Graduate Business Council, Women in Business, Marketing Association, Entrepreneurship Club, Foodies Unite
As someone who is culturally curious and enjoys interacting with people, Simon was a great fit for me.
Q&A
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Undergraduate School Major: SIES (Nerul) College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mass Media and Advertising
Academic Focus: Marketing and Analytics
Content and marketing at India’s largest radio network, created primetime radio shows that were heard across the city of Mumbai.
Simon felt like the right business school for me because of its quantitative focus. We follow an analytically rigorous curriculum and the courses here are giving me the skills required to excel in business. I was also impressed by the diversity of the MBA program. We have a very large international-student body—18 countries represented in the MBA 2020 class alone. As someone who is culturally curious and enjoys interacting with people, Simon was a great fit for me.
The people! Everyone at Simon is invested in your success and makes sure that you have the right tools to get to where you’re going.
The large student population is my favorite thing about Rochester. I appreciate the fact that everyone here is so ambitious and is continuously striving to do great things.
Board Representative, Simon Pricing Club; VP of Logistics and Operations, Graduate Business Council
The power of analytics is shaping the business world, and Simon’s curriculum is a pioneer in teaching B-School students with analytics.
Q&A
Hometown: Jaipur, India
Undergraduate School Major: Nirma University, Instrumentation Engineering
Academic Focus: Pricing and Strategy
Engineering and sales, electrical switchgear manufacturing and market penetration strategies, generating sales, analyzing business requirements, and building a customer base in international markets.
Strong focus on data and analytics—Simon’s focus on data and analytics was the primary thing that attracted me towards Simon. The power of analytics is shaping the business world, and Simon’s curriculum is a pioneer in teaching B-School students with analytics. Another reason to come to Simon for international students is STEM!
The people—Simon has a very close-knit community providing a highly collaborative environment. Simon has a smaller class size where students get a lot of face time and personalized advice from professors and career counsellors. We eat, play, study, and party together!
Amazing restaurants, great craft breweries, incredible vineyards, and, of course, Wegmans!
Vice President, Simon Pricing Club; UNCorked; Simon Dance Club
The choice to join Simon was an easy one.
Q&A
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa
Undergraduate School Major: University of Cape Town, Finance
Academic Focus: Finance and Entrepreneurship
Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank in South Africa.
Simon has world-class faculty and staff that surround me with career support and advice. As a highly rated finance school with a strong alumni network at top firms across the world, the choice to join Simon was an easy one.
Fantastic mix of career focus and friendly people.
Lots to do with great food and culture.
Simon Finance & Investment Club, Simon School Venture Fund.
Simon has a reputation for having a quant-heavy, analytics-focused coursework, which was exactly what I was looking for. It has lived up to all of my expectations.
Q&A
Hometown: Yorktown Heights, NY
Undergraduate School Major: University of Delaware, Political Science and English
Academic Focus: Brand Management, Minor: Data Analytics
I spent the last five and a half years working at various NYC advertising agencies in an account management role. I led accounts for brands such as Hasbro, Puma, Google Play, YouTube Music, Jägermeister, and AARP.
Simon has a reputation for having a quant-heavy, analytics-focused coursework, which was exactly what I was looking for. It has lived up to all of my expectations.
The tight-knit community.
The people, the great outdoor activities, and, of course, Wegmans.
Simon Marketing Association, Simon Data Analytics, Simon Volunteers
My classmates and the Simon community are my favorite things about Simon.
Q&A
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Undergraduate School Major: Oberlin College; Major: Sociology, Minor: Art History
Academic Focus: Consulting and Finance
I've spent the last eight years in real estate and banking. I worked on a two-person development team to launch the largest craft marketplace in Southern California, Crafted, at the Port of Los Angeles. Most recently I drove digital transformation as an internal consultant and marketing manager for the largest housing Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in the country, Community Preservation Corporation.
The small cohort size and analytical approach. Simon averages roughly 100 students per graduating class, so students get unparalleled support from professors, career coaches, and alumni and are able to build stronger relationships with classmates. And the analytics-based curriculum provides tangible skills needed in the working world. As a manager, you're expected to back up decisions with data. With a Simon education, I will have a skillset not found in all MBA programs.
The people, Simon offers a very supportive environment - every single person here wants to see you succeed. Because of the small class size, you get tons of individual support from career counselors and alumni and are able to form deeper relationships with classmates. From sharing internship search resources to helping each other conduct mock interviews, the collaborative environment cannot be beat.
I love the music and food scene. Rochester is going through a very cool revitalization period. Coming from real estate, I love seeing communities embrace historic buildings to 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 cocktail and meal set to live music, courtesy of University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music.
Vice President of Strategy, Real Estate Association at Simon; Consulting Club; Simon Finance & Investing Club; Simon Women in Business; Simon Volunteers; Simon Spectrum; Simon Foodies Unite.
I love how welcoming and supportive the Simon community is. Everyone cares for each other and pride themselves on selflessly ensuring that everyone succeeds.
Q&A
Hometown: Pretoria, South Africa
Undergraduate School Major: University of Pretoria, Bachelor’s in Accounting, Master’s in Finance
Academic Focus: Finance and Analytics
Investment analyst in the asset management industry.
I see Simon’s MBA as the nexus between deep theoretical knowledge and crucial soft skills, such as leadership skills and communication skills. Simon’s STEM designation is testament to the analytical lens that they use to teach all facets of business education. This makes it the ideal program to cultivate my analytical aptitude and refine my existing skillset. Technology is the primary driving force behind global growth and has created a massive demand for leaders who can manage people in this industry. Simon’s smaller class sizes, rich diversity, and strong culture of inclusivity fosters the development of the soft skills required to be a leader in a digitally-driven world.
I love how welcoming and supportive the Simon community is. Everyone cares for each other and pride themselves on selflessly ensuring that everyone succeeds.
Rochester provides the best of small town and big city living. There is a lot to do, indoors and outdoors. However, it has a more relaxed pace and a low cost of living.
Simon Finance & Investment Club, Simon School Venture Fund, Simon Volunteers
The highly collaborative environment fosters both intellectual and personal growth—key development points for a successful post-MBA career.
Q&A
Hometown: Jamaica, NY
Undergraduate School Major: Middlebury College, Economics
Academic Focus: Entrepreneurship
Operational & Enterprise Risk Management, MUFG Investment Bank.
The small class sizes, close-knit community, and the ability to take my analytical ability to the next level.
The community. Simon attracts some of the most genuine people I’ve met in my life. The highly collaborative environment fosters both intellectual and personal growth—key development points for a successful post-MBA career.
As a NYC native, being a foodie is in my genes. Rochester has some great restaurants and Wegmans!
Simon School Venture Fund, Simon Entrepreneurs Association
From Admissions to staff to students, I felt a warm welcome and feeling of belonging. I found that the things that I felt were different about me, Simon would find valuable.
Q&A
Hometown: Atlanta, GA (lived in Brooklyn, NY, for five years prior to Simon)
Undergraduate School Major: Valdosta State University, Office Administration and Technology
Academic Focus: Strategy and Marketing
Retail/E-commerce General Management.
Hands down the people! I came for the Diversity Conference and met some amazing people who made me feel like I could find likeminded people in the Simon Community. From Admissions to staff to students, I felt a warm welcome and feeling of belonging. I found that the things that I felt were different about me, Simon would find valuable.
The diversity of the class and how much work Simon puts in to ensure students feel represented and celebrated.
The food scene here in Rochester is pretty robust; you can find most cuisines, and as a foodie, I appreciate that. Also, the farmers market downtown is AMAZING.
Consulting Club, Simon Marketing Association, Simon Women in Business (SWiB), and Simon National Black. I am also a first-year Consortium Liaison.
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