Aneeqa Mobashir, Johnson MBA Class of 2021
Hometown: I have lived in multiple cities across Asia, Europe, and North America so I think of myself as a Global Citizen.
Undergraduate Institution and Major: B.A. Economics from McGill University.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):
Prior to pursuing an MBA, I worked in the Financial Services industry in various roles ranging from Financial Analyst to Client Manager of Technology Services in Toronto, Canada. I also founded ladiesinfintech.com, which is an editorial platform and digital community for anyone interested in all things at the intersection of Finance and Technology.
Why Business School? Why now?
I have always wanted to pursue an MBA. For me, it was a matter of timing against the backdrop of other competing priorities and milestones in life.
One of the topics we read regularly in the news is about the ultimate value of an MBA education. However, I strongly believe that an MBA education is more relevant today than ever before for a multitude of reasons.
First, the MBA gives you a unique opportunity to discover and develop your leadership style to lead teams more effectively.
Secondly, the MBA curriculum is more valuable and holistic than people may realize. At Johnson we have the option to complement the core curriculum with courses in Computer Programming, Data Analytics, Law, and Hotel Management to meet our unique career interests.
Third, the MBA gives you the unique opportunity to connect with and grow alongside likeminded individuals who are driven to make an impact in their chosen fields.
Why Johnson at Cornell University? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
As an international student, I felt I would be best served by a small U.S. program. Johnson really stood out among its peers for several reasons.
First, it offers unique immersion programs, which give you the opportunity to really dive deep into your area of interest so you can hit the ground running at your summer internship.
Secondly, Johnson’s curriculum is best suited to the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I am energized by taking classes at the Cornell Tech campus, especially the Fintech Intensive founded by Drew Pascarella. This unique program gives students the opportunity to work on real pain points of actual companies.
Third, I care deeply about Corporate Social Responsibility and Gender Equality. Cornell has always been on the right side of history when it comes to social issues such as inclusion. Cornell was founded in 1868 and the first female students enrolled shortly after in 1870. This was unprecedented at the time.
This tradition of inclusion still runs strong on campus. For me, gender equality is the bigger story than the raw numbers. It is about the opportunities afforded to women and how supported they feel on campus. Johnson’s administration is committed to attracting, developing, and empowering women.
Most critically, Johnson includes men in the conversation by helping them unpack unconscious bias and strive to act as better allies to women. Top business schools serve as talent feeders for C-suite roles and I’m proud to attend a program that takes this responsibility seriously.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to Class of 2021?
I am very humbled to be a part of a very accomplished group of people. We have among us a professional swimmer, a former NSA employee, a scientist, identical twins with a penchant for organizing get-togethers, military veterans, and a healthy number of former consultants and bankers.
I think my most valuable contribution is as a cultural broker for my class. I am multilingual and I have lived in multiple cities across Asia, Europe, and North America. This international experience has enabled me to develop an appreciation for diversity of thought and empathy for others. I can easily act as a cultural broker when needed.
Fun fact that you didn’t get included on your application?
I am an art enthusiast! In fact, I formally studied Art History while on an exchange program in Europe during my undergraduate studies.
Post-MBA career interests?
It is still early days so I’m trying to stay open to possibilities. However, I’m passionate about Finance and Technology so I would like to pursue a role that helps me explore these interest areas further.
Advice to current prospective applicants?
Think beyond rankings!
It’s tempting to use business-school rankings as the singular filter to narrow down your list of schools. However, rankings do not fully convey the complexity of a program as it pertains to your unique personality, circumstance, and goals. You must take the time to reflect and identify what kind of environment and program will best enable you to achieve your goals.
The Top 20 business schools have unique personalities and value systems. It is critical to research these on a deeper level before you commit.
At Johnson, for example, the culture places a high premium on compassion, intellectual humility, and collaboration. We believe that teams and organizations run best when we pursue collective well-being as opposed to individual glory. If this is not aligned with your value system, you might not thrive in this environment.
One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Take time to conduct research on relevant strengths of business schools by industry and by geography. This is critical! For example, if your goal is to work in Finance, then focus on schools that are top feeders for Finance roles instead of looking at the overall school rank.
One thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had started the application process earlier than I did!
Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT! I consumed inordinate amounts of coffee and sugary treats to keep me going!
What is your initial impression of Johnson’s students/culture/community?
Community is a nine-letter word that you read about on every top business school’s website. However, very few programs have successfully managed to truly cultivate and sustain a culture that embraces community.
For me, community is a feeling. It is the visceral knowledge that everyone who carries the Johnson and Cornell name has my back. It is the sense of belonging you feel when you find yourself standing alone in a long queue in New York City and someone taps you on the shoulder and strikes up a conversation because they noticed your school swag from across the room and want to keep you company. It is having one of your classmates drop off soup at your apartment when you are too sick to cook. These are examples I have experienced with my Johnson colleagues.
One thing you have learned about Johnson that has surprised you?
The faculty is incredibly passionate about teaching! I expected Johnson to have world-renowned faculty, but I presumed they would be more focused on their research work than on teaching. I was wrong. They are remarkably good at balancing demands of both with great gusto.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t anxious about finding the summer internship best suited for me!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to get to know my classmates and learn about their hidden talents!
