Educational background: Wellesley College, Economics
Prior work experience: Lehman Brothers, Analyst; Loudcloud and Marimba, Software/Services
Current or most recent position: SanDisk Corporation, Product Manager
I chose MIT Sloan because of the huge breadth of entrepreneurship and innovation-related opportunities, both academic and extracurricular. I felt naturally at home with the MIT Sloan culture. I also like close-knit environments, so the relatively small class size was important. All the top business schools have great peer groups, networks, and opportunities. You have to find what fits you best and decide for yourself. People at MIT Sloan were genuine, straightforward and very motivated to make a difference in the world via entrepreneurship (in all fields, not just technology). It’s great to have a critical mass of peers who like to talk about startup ideas, new businesses and the latest technologies. This continues to happen as we get together as alums in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Some of my most memorable experiences at MIT Sloan were the treks. I traveled to London, L.A., New York, Dubai, India, and the Silicon Valley. Visiting other areas and experiencing different cultures, especially with classmates from these areas, really opens your mind. I’m glad I had the opportunity to visit so many different companies and hear various management viewpoints during my two years at MIT Sloan. That’s something you can’t do as a tourist. I also went on “non-work” treks to Peru, Brazil and the British Virgin Islands. You really get to know people in a different context when you hike to Machu Picchu for four days or sail a catamaran together for ten days in the British Virgin Islands.
I literally would not be where I am without the benefit of the MIT Sloan network. Alumni were generous mentors, and several classmates helped me significantly in making career decisions. I found out about my current position from a classmate. The coaching I received from numerous alums and classmates also helped me land my summer internship at Microsoft. I couldn’t have done it without them. I have to say my overall experience has been fantastic!
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