I came to the Full-time MBA at Smith School of Business because ...

Prior to starting my MBA journey, I worked at a consulting firm before taking on a leadership role in my family business. This experience highlighted the importance of gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business ecosystem, developing strong leadership skills, and thriving in a multicultural environment. Recognizing these needs, I chose Smith not only for its strong reputation, supportive alumni network, and rigorous curriculum, but also for its team-based learning approach. Successfully working in or leading a team requires both knowledge and soft skills, and this approach cultivates them effectively.

One piece of advice I would offer to MBA applicants is to conduct a thorough self-evaluation to identify gaps in their personal and professional skills. Understanding where you want to be in the next few years will help you appreciate the value of leading and collaborating within a multicultural team—an essential skill in today’s globalized world. Additionally, as I often heard during my time at Smith, MBA students should "squeeze the orange"—maximizing every opportunity the program offers. This means not only excelling in coursework, but also actively engaging in extracurricular activities, networking with peers, and contributing to the community.

After completing my MBA, I plan to return to my consulting career in Canada. The knowledge, experiences, and strong alumni support I have gained at Smith will be instrumental in helping me achieve my post-MBA goals.

• Hometown: Sao Jose do Rio Preto
• Country of Origin: Brazil
• Prior Industry: Entrepreneur
• Career Focus: Management Consulting