Alexandra Goldstein (Simon, ‘22) is an MBA Candidate at the University of Rochester (Simon) and President of the Simon Graduate Business Council. Learn more about her journey to Simon, and who Alexandra goes to for career advice.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to get an MBA?
Before business school – I was an English teacher in Prague! After spending two years living in Prague, immersing myself in a different culture and gaining a more global experience, I decided I was ready to come back to America and join the corporate world. I think it is important for business leaders to have empathy and patience, skills I developed as a teacher. To succeed in the business world, I knew an MBA program would expand my technical skills.
MBASchooled: What’s one goal you have for yourself that you want to achieve before you graduate from business school?
A goal I have, that I want to achieve before I graduate from business school, is to broaden the Wellness programming Simon provides to the students. One of the ways I have done this already is add Wellness Wednesday programming every week that continues to grow. As our Graduate Business Council (GBC) President I also plan on adding a new position to the GBC board: VP of Student Wellness to further help our students!
MBASchooled: What is the most important lesson that you’ve learned in your career so far?
That rarely is anything that is ever labeled an emergency truly an emergency (unless you are an ER doctor or the President of the United States — then it’s a different story).
In this digital age we except people to be always on and answer our emails, slacks, texts, etc. at the drop of a dime (especially being in a leadership position). However, 9/10 times, whatever it is, can wait! Not only is it better for your own personal sanity, but giving time to think about your answer -instead of saying something immediately – allows you to say something more thought-out and helpful.
MBASchooled: What is a career or personal development related podcast or book that you recommend for other MBA students?
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
MBASchooled: Who is someone who you admire or look up to for career guidance or advice, and why?
My parents! Not only have they both had their own very successful careers, that I admire, but they sometimes know me better than I know myself and I can always trust them to give me honest (and sometimes blunt) advice.