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.

Karina Vasquez, MS in Marketing Analytics Class of 2022

Simon is the place where I believe I can holistically develop as a professional and improve my networking and leadership skills.

  • Karina Vasquez, MS in Marketing Analytics Class of 2022

Q&A

Hometown: Lima, Peru
Undergraduate School Major: University of Rochester, Major: Psychology, Minor: Business

Market Research  

Branding/Marketing Manager

In terms of academics, Simon is evidently one of the best marketing analytics programs in the market. Additionally, its STEM designation made it a very attractive program. However, that was just a part of it; Simon is the place where I believe I can holistically develop as a professional and improve my networking and leadership skills. After attending the U of R for four years, Rochester feels close to home, and continuing my education as a part of the Simon community was without a doubt the best choice for me.  

The Simon experience and the school's diversity. They take pride in being a tight-knit community, and I can already attest to it. The faculty and staff are supportive and inspiring.

The Rochester community, Park Avenue, festivals.

Simon Marketing Association

 

Parshva Vakharia, MS in Business Analytics Class of 2022

I chose Simon for the unique combination of an analytically rigorous curriculum and the corporate-world preparation.

  • Parshva Vakharia, MS in Business Analytics Class of 2022

Q&A

Hometown: Mumbai, India
Undergraduate School Major: Tulane University, Majors: Economics, Environmental Studies, Minors: Spanish, Management

Although I've had no full-time work experience as a fresh graduate, I have pursued summer internships throughout my undergraduate experience in fields such as education-travel, wealth management, and healthcare operations. These diverse experiences have allowed me to understand the interdisciplinary nature of various fields—an ability that will benefit my future career as a management consultant.

I hope to enter the management consultant industry as a generalist and work on a variety of projects in different fields before being able to specialize in a field that piques a passion in me.

I chose Simon for the unique combination of an analytically rigorous curriculum and the corporate-world preparation, whether via the Benet Career Center, the experiential learning opportunities, or the industry engagements.

I highly appreciate the supportive and close-knit community we have here at Simon. Despite a large class size, the cohort systems and team assignments have truly allowed me to build strong relationships with my classmates, Simon staff, and faculty.

Park Avenue, hands down! It's a beautiful street with many restaurants, bars, and several beautiful houses and shops.

Simon Consulting Club

 

GeeGee Pressley, MS in Accountancy Class of 2022

I chose Simon because it will help me prepare to sit for the CPA exam and earn my license. I believe Simon will help me achieve my post-graduate goals.

  • GeeGee Pressley, MS in Accountancy Class of 2022

Q&A

Hometown: Milford, CT
Undergraduate School Major: Concordia College, Business Administration

Internships to gain accounting experience.

To land a job at one of the Big Four companies.

I chose Simon because it will help me prepare to sit for the CPA exam and earn my license. I believe Simon will help me achieve my post-graduate goals. The professors and staff want to see their students succeed. 

The professors.

Amazing food from all cultures!!!

Simon Accounting Association

 

Jillan Gunawan, MS in Finance Class of 2022

I chose Simon because of its sheer strength in the finance program, its alumni network, and the attention it puts towards international students.

  • Jillan Gunawan, MS in Finance Class of 2022

Q&A

Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business, Management Information Systems

Deals Strategy

Investment Banking

I chose Simon because of its sheer strength in the finance program, its alumni network, and the attention it puts towards international students. Not only is the MS in Finance a top-ranked program, but Simon sends a great amount of its finance alumni to New York City (where I want to be!). Additionally, as an international student, having guidance in terms of recruiting and networking is critical—the Benet Career Management Center does a great job at that. 

The active collaboration between the students—international and local—makes the experience feel as if you are at the epicenter of the world!

Park Avenue! There are so many restaurants, bars, and mom-and-pop shops to go to for young adults like ourselves.

Simon Finance and Investment Club

 

Kelvin Chen, MS in Marketing Analytics Class of 2022

Simon business school provides the specialist edge needed for me to confidently commit to my career goals.

  • Kelvin Chen, MS in Marketing Analytics Class of 2022

Q&A

Hometown: Shenzhen, China
Undergraduate School and Major: Rochester Institute of Technology, BS: Advertising and Public Relations, MS: Entrepreneurship and Innovative Ventures

I have deeply reflected on what industries would provide the most significant societal impact. I am aiming for a company in digital health or technology. While my marketing experience and background in entrepreneurship prepares me to obtain a marketing associate position after graduating, I am aiming for an analyst role.

Simon Business School provides the specialist edge needed for me to confidently commit to my career goals. The wealth of integrated student experiences offered by Simon will strengthen my practical exposure in the professional field while connecting me to companies and start-ups with high-impact missions.

The team-based culture is my favorite thing here at Simon. In today's business landscape, everything is about teamwork, so getting a taste of working in a team setting will prepare me for future jobs.

Rochester is the perfect-sized city, and it is small enough to be a 15-20 minute drive from most places you'd need to get to, but big enough to have many distinct neighborhoods and public gathering areas. Outside of the city, there are fun things one hour in every direction, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.

Master’s Advisory Council; Simon VISION Consulting

 

Wendy Zhang, MS in Finance Class of 2022

I reached out to Simon students on LinkedIn before I applied. All of them responded and set up time with me to talk about their involvement on campus. I want to be part of a community that values giving back to the new students.

  • Wendy Zhang, MS in Finance Class of 2022

Q&A

Hometown: Hunan, China
Undergraduate School and Major: Grand Canyon University, Business Administration and Psychology

Credit analyst at Bank of the West and licensed financial advisor.

Investment Banking/Portfolio Management

I reached out to Simon students on LinkedIn before I applied. All of them responded and set up time with me to talk about their involvement on campus. I want to be part of a community that values giving back to the new students. Hopefully, I get to do the same thing for the next year’s incoming students.

The Khani-de Silva Investment Lab. Your IQ will go up two standard deviations just by sitting in there.

Ski resorts and the unending snow.

Simon School Venture Fund (Analyst); Simon Meliora Fund (Analyst, Real Estate Sector)