MBA Program

Student Voices

Ariel Santos, MBA ’10

Giving back

Before coming to MIT Sloan I had a job with a non-profit called Year Up, which did workforce development with at-risk urban young adults, ages 18-24. I spent almost three years in that role both in a fundraising capacity and then as a program director. So I was very involved the non-profit sector.

I immigrated to the United States from Brazil at the age of twelve and our family had a lot of people supporting us so that I could get through high school and go on to college. Once I graduated I realized it was my time to give back since so many people had helped me.

Justified optimism

I have always been very interested in the intersection between the private sector and the public sector. I came to MIT Sloan to really understand more about the business sector and it has made me realize that the ability to have an impact and make the world a better place doesn't only lie in the non-profit sector. The private sector plays a big role in that as well.

I came to MIT Sloan knowing that I wanted to try something different and I am really enjoying it. I was optimistic about the corporate world before I went to business school, but I don't think that was based on anything beyond what I hoped it would be. Now, after spending a year at MIT Sloan and a summer at a great tech company, I know that you can have a business that isn't only thinking about the bottom line. That has been a reaffirmation for me.

I know that my ability to continue to have an impact on the community and the world around me will only be enhanced by my ability to understand the private sector.

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