Kristen Alcazaren (Simon, ’22) was working as a process improvement engineer at an industrial gas company before deciding that she wanted to broaden her business acumen through an MBA degree. After navigating the MBA application process, Kristen enrolled at the University of Rochester (Simon) MBA Program where she recently finished her first semester. Now, as an MBA Student Ambassador, Kristen helps many prospective MBA applicants as they navigate the MBA search, and in this interview, shared her journey to Simon, and her advice to help prospective MBA students choose the right MBA program.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to apply?
Before I went to business school I was a process improvement engineer at the largest vertically integrated industrial gas company. I absolutely loved working with the operations team and developing a barcode asset tracking system, but I began to realize that to make actionable differences as a leader, I needed to gain a different set of tools. Going to business school is helping me achieve new perspectives and more sophisticated understandings of quantitative and qualitative analysis, so that I can show that companies can be both profitable and equitable for employees.
MBASchooled: When did you find out when you got admitted? How did you navigate your decision process if you were evaluating multiple schools? (You don’t need to mention the schools, just how you were able to ultimately decide on Simon)
I applied second-round for Simon and was accepted late January. I was honored with a Forte scholarship and was also invited to participate in Simon’s Scholarship Weekend. This was a weekend event in which admitted students who have demonstrated the key qualities of a Simon student were placed in teams and competed for a chance to earn more scholarships. It was an amazing teamwork experience and through demonstrating my leadership and dedication, I was recognized as a Fielding Fellow and was offered a full scholarship!
MBASchooled: What were the most important questions you asked in order to help make your admissions decision?
The most important questions I had to ask myself when deciding which school to choose were what tools do I need to succeed after my two years and which school can teach me these skills. Once I defined what I needed, I went to as many webinars and events as I could. I quickly learned that Simon had all the key aspects: strong emphasis on data analytics, STEM designation, experiential learning, robust career preparation, diversity, and a welcoming environment. They weren’t just a name or flash, they had the metrics and the experience to help me achieve my goals.
MBASchooled: Who did you talk to that was most helpful in learning information to help you make a decision? What questions did you ask?
During the admissions process, I connected with ambassadors and alumni from across the MBA world and learned what the school provided and what the school experience was like. However, the most important people I talked to were my potential classmates – the ones who I would grow and develop with for the next two years. Who did I want on my team? What diverse experiences could they teach me? Did their goals and aspirations align with my values? This is actually how I made the ultimate decision to go to Simon – I had had several scholarship opportunities at other schools, but after meeting all of the potential teams, I knew Simon Class of 2022 was a Superbowl winning team.
MBASchooled: What’s something you’ve learned about Simon this semester, that you didn’t know when you made your admissions decision last year?
One thing I’ve learned about Simon that was a delightful surprise is just how beautiful the surroundings of the campus are. Not only is there an open green quad with the statuesque library at one end and the encompassing buildings covered in vines, but also the Genesee River runs along the campus. It’s a very bikeable, nature rich area and I was pleasantly surprised by these hidden gems.
MBASchooled: Now that you’ve been at Simon for a semester, what’s been your favorite experience, and why?
My absolute favorite experience at Simon so far was our virtual Diwali festival celebration! First years and seconds years made two teams and presented to us choreographed dance videos. Another classmate did a remote cooking demonstration of how to make the dessert “carrot halwa”. There was also a lot of laughter and collusion conspiracies thrown around while playing the Indian version of bingo called “Tambola”. It was an amazingly heartwarming celebration and is definitely a highlight for many of us.
MBASchooled: Oftentimes, the word “culture” gets thrown around when talking about MBA programs. Can you characterize the culture at Simon?, and share an example of an experience that you think personifies this?
This is a tough question because Simon’s culture is unlike any other I have experienced. It is the most warm and supportive community that simultaneously highlights quantitative analysis like it’s candy. It is a diverse and unique culture that fosters collaboration and team success.
The two main experiences that exemplify this are: (1) During the summer’s resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement, the school sent out routine emails acknowledging the pain people were going through and offered methods of coping via hosting educational events, creating the Courageous Conversations in which people shared their true lived experiences as a person of color, and offering avenues to seek mental health assistance. (2) When the previous administration made the directive that international students could not come to America for virtual learning, the school immediately hired lawyers and joined the fight to rescind that order.
These two events blew me away because it demonstrated that Simon is not performative – the Simon community is making strong, actionable differences to level the playing field within the business world.
MBASchooled: Obviously, it’s a little more challenging to find out what a school or program is like as a result of COVID-19. What advice do you have, or what specific actions would you recommend admitted students take, to really get to know a school before selecting a school?
The pandemic has certainly put a monkey wrench in visiting the school, but it has also made it easier to (virtually) connect face-to-face with the Simon community! Simon hosts a plethora of virtual admissions events and participates in Inside the MBA and Forte events. Simon also has a fleet of MBA Ambassadors, composed of first and second years, ready to answer any of your questions! I am fortunate enough to be on this team and love being able to share my excitement for the Simon community.
MBASchooled: As an MBA Ambassador, what are some of the most common questions that you get from prospective students? What are some questions you wish more prospective students would ask?
One of the questions I get most often is “How can I stand out in an interview?”. My advice is two-fold: (1) Do your school research! Interested in consulting? Talk about Simon’s Vision Consulting Club that specializes in providing local Rochester businesses with professional business solutions. Interested in starting your own business? Talk about Simon’s Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and the fun shark tank pitch competitions they host. (2) Be you! Show us your authentic self. Tell us what makes you amazing and unique.
The question I wish I was asked more often is how does Simon prepare students for internships and careers. This is one of Simon’s greatest attributes – they are dedicated to preparing us for our futures. As soon as you sign your acceptance letter, our Benet Career Center reaches out to you and begins to develop your professional skills: interviewing, pitching, resume writing, preparing for virtual conferences. Simon significantly supports their students to achieve their highest potential.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have for admitted students on how they can make the best decision?
It may sound cliche, but follow your gut! You know what you need to live to your full potential – you know what is best. As a top tier quantitative and qualitative school, Simon was the choice for me. It is a place that I am growing and excelling in – and there’s a spot open for you.