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Full-Time MBA Admissions 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.
As the 29th overall MBA school, Simon not only offers a STEM-designated degree but also a supportive community to foster growth and future careers.
Q&A
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Undergraduate School and Major: University of Buffalo, Industrial and Systems Engineering
Academic Focus: Consulting
Process Improvement Engineer
As the 29th overall MBA school, Simon not only offers a STEM-designated degree but also a supportive community to foster growth and future careers.
The community.
Fall is Western New York is the best.
Data Analytics; Simon VISION Consulting; Consulting Club; Simon Women in Business; Forté
Leadership and analytics were two areas I identified as essential toward taking the next step in my career. Rooted in collaboration, the MBA program offered the most robust opportunities to learn to lead and excel in team-based settings.
Q&A
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate School and Major: Colgate University, Psychology
Academic Focus: Marketing Strategy and Analytics
I worked at M&T Bank in Commercial Planning & Analytics and joined the bank through the Management Development Program.
Leadership and analytics were two areas I identified as essential toward taking the next step in my career. Rooted in collaboration, the MBA program offered the most robust opportunities to learn to lead and excel in team-based settings. Additionally, Simon was the nation’s first program to offer the STEM MBA designation regardless of specialization. Analytics is an integral aspect of the program, and that was a differentiator from other programs.
How team-oriented the MBA program is. Simon seeks out individuals who believe we can accomplish more together, and it shows in the collaborative spirit of the school.
How accessible everything is. There is a wide range of things to do, from hiking trails to museums to great restaurants. Although Rochester is a smaller city, there is no shortage of places to go to keep you busy.
Simon Marketing Association; Simon Product Management Club; 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
I wanted to focus on my quantitative skills and was very interested in STEM.
Q&A
Hometown: Great Falls, VA
Undergraduate School and Major: Virginia Commonwealth University, Mass Communications
Academic Focus: Marketing
Marketing
I wanted to focus on my quantitative skills and was very interested in STEM.
The people—best people ever!
There are so many different activities! Beautiful hikes, wineries, and very unique restaurants.
Graduate Business Council; Simon Volunteers; Simon Marketing Association; Latin American Students of Simon; Consortium board member; Forté.
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 chose Simon because of the close-knit community and diversity of the student population.
Q&A
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Undergraduate School and Major: Binghamton University, Management Information Systems and Spanish
Academic Focus: Strategy and Management
KPMG, Risk Consulting for Financial Services; Navigant, Management Consulting for Banking, Insurance, and Capital Markets
Diversity of the student population.
The close-knit community.
Finger Lakes
Forté; Simon VISION Consulting; Latin American Students of Simon; I also participate in PIECES, an educational partnership with Rochester City Schools.
I knew I wanted to come to Simon after Women’s Weekend in 2019, when not one but TWO current students reached out after the weekend was over. I wanted to surround myself with people who cared like that.
Q&A
Hometown: Niagara Falls, NY
Undergraduate School Major: Fordham University, American Studies
Academic Focus: Strategy Consulting
I worked in higher education, arts administration, and public policy. I also just completed my MS in Urban Studies!
I knew I wanted to come to Simon after Women’s Weekend in 2019, when not one but TWO current students reached out after the weekend was over. I wanted to surround myself with people who cared like that.
The diversity. Simonites go out of their way to engage with difference.
The vernacular architecture! So many houses are decades—if not centuries—old and are absolutely beautiful to look at. I also love being within a two-hour drive of my family for the first time in over a decade.
Consulting Club; Simon VISION Consulting; Simon Women in Business; Simon UNCorked
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
I chose Simon absolutely because of the academic rigor and the STEM-designated degree. I feel so prepared for the workplace, and I was able to add significant value during my internship because of Simon’s preparation.
Q&A
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Undergraduate School and Major: University of Rochester, History and Japanese Language/Culture
Academic Focus: Product Management
Middle/High School English Teacher, Welder, Welding Supply Sales, and Machine Repair.
I chose Simon absolutely because of the academic rigor and the STEM-designated degree. I feel so prepared for the workplace, and I was able to add significant value during my internship because of Simon's preparation.
The sense of community. These aren't just my peers, but lifelong friends.
The food. We have so many great restaurants!
Net Impact (current VP of Corporate Social Responsibility and Net Impact Liaison)
I love how diverse and inclusive Simon is. As a Black woman, I value the fact that I am never the only person of color in a room.
Q&A
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Undergraduate School and Major: Valdosta State University, Office Administration and Technology
Academic Focus: Strategy and Marketing
Retail and E-Commerce Management.
The community! I love how diverse and inclusive Simon is. As a Black woman, I value the fact that I am never the only person of color in a room.
My classmates. I loved spending my first year building relationships I know will last a lifetime. Also the ability to create the change you want to see very early on at Simon.
The weekend Farmer’s Market! You can find everything and anything there.
Consortium Liaison; Simon Marketing Association; Simon Women in Business
I chose Simon because every time I visited the campus, the staff, faculty, students, and alumni always made me feel like I was “at home.”
Q&A
Hometown: Inwood, NY
Undergraduate School and Major: Dartmouth College, Religion and Psychological and Brain Sciences
Academic Focus: Strategy Consulting
Before Simon, I was the survivorship and young adult program coordinator at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY, for seven years.
I chose Simon because every time I visited the campus, the staff, faculty, students, and alumni always made me feel like I was “at home.” From my very first correspondence with the Admissions Team over email and text (yes, they are that cool that they offer to text you) to meeting my future classmates at Scholarship Weekend, it always felt like Simon was the right fit for me.
I love Simon’s idyllic location on the University of Rochester campus. Tucked perfectly between the Interfaith Chapel and Rush Rhees Library, Simon sits in the most charming nook on campus. The best part of this is all the impromptu scenic photoshoots we get to take “for the ’gram.”
The bustling culinary scene. I’m a huge foodie, so having so many restaurants to check out while exploring the city is extremely exciting!
Simon Black Student Alliance; Simon Life Sciences; Simon Africa Business Club; Simon UNCorked
The diverse body of Simon resonates the drive to be “ever better.” Everyone is cheering, encouraging, and paving the way––not just for themselves but for everyone around them too. The support system, especially for international students, is impeccable.
Q&A
Hometown: Bangalore, India
Undergraduate School and Major: National Institute of Technology Karnataka Surathkal, Bachelor of Technology
Academic Focus: Investment Banking
Nomura, Equity Structuring (Global Markets)
The diverse body of Simon resonates the drive to be “ever better.” Everyone is cheering, encouraging, and paving the way––not just for themselves but for everyone around them too. The support system, especially for international students, is impeccable.
Faces fast became family. A home away from home!
The hues of fall.
Simon School Venture Fund; Meliora Fund; UNCorked
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