The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is the cream of the crop of elite business school programs worldwide and is considered go-to institution for building “an entrepreneurial mindset, a spirit of innovation, and effective personal leadership skills.” While you may have already seen our Real Humans of the Stanford GSB MBA Class of 2021, we also wanted to introduce you to members of their MSx program, a full-time, one-year degree tailored to experienced mid-career professionals seeking an accelerated MBA.
As MSx candidates come to Stanford GSB mid-career, they enter with far more professional experience than those students who took the traditional MBA route. With an average of nearly 13 years of career experience, the 85 members of the incoming Class of 2020 also averaged 7.6 years of managing others. Nearly half had also attained an advanced degree. Altogether, they averaged 696 on the GMAT; the median landed at 700. Thirty-six percent of the latest class are women—a 10 percent increase over last year. Nearly 62 percent of the MSx Class of 2020 are international, with students holding citizenship in 30 different countries. Thirty-eight percent of the class are U.S. citizens, and overall, 22 percent are U.S. minorities.
Coming to GSB with more than a decade of career experience, the Class of 2020 has much to offer to the program and one another. In addition to noting their wealth of industry-specific insights, candidates also bring valuable life experience from both “in and out of the professional world.” Post-MBA career plans include moves into entrepreneurship, venture capital within cybersecurity, consulting in the social sector, product innovation in tech, and interest in joining or supporting start-ups. With the MSx motto “reflect, connect, refine, and transform,” incoming candidates are certainly right at home in this program. When asked why they chose to pursue a business management degree at this stage in their careers, some candidates cited their desire to either pause or pivot from their current trajectory, while others sought to enhance their industry-specific leadership skills. MSx students highlight a desire to actively engage peer collaboration, fill knowledge gaps, and renew their knowledge base to prepare for “tidal shifts” in industry.
It may not be surprising that several candidates chose Stanford GSB for its well-known focus on entrepreneurship and personal skills. Read on for what else drove the latest MSx students to the program, their advice for the admissions process, and more.
Liza Mash Levin, Stanford GSB’s MSx Class of 2020
Age: 31
Hometown: Tel Aviv, Israel
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University
Pre-MSx Work Experience (years, industry): Senior Product Manager Lead at Microsoft; 12 years of experience in both product and engineering roles, focused on cybersecurity and cloud.
Why business school? Why now?
I believe that we must always be in a state in which we are learning. I love learning and felt that this would be an incredible opportunity to learn about areas I felt I lack knowledge, to get exposure to new industries and to enhance my management and personal skills. In addition, Stanford is known for its focus on entrepreneurship and personal skills – both are areas I’m highly interested in developing and taking to the next step.
Why Stanford MSx? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
There two key factors why I chose Stanford MSx:
- Stanford is located in the midst of Silicon Valley. Coming from the tech industry, I know that Stanford’s location would be a great base for me to learn and make meaningful connections.
- I loved the idea of a condensed year of classes. I loved the fact that the program offered a combination of highlight of the core classes in business school, which I wanted to learn, and a lot of electives, which gave me the opportunity to focus on entrepreneurship, management, and personal growth.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think I bring different perspectives to the class based on my experience and background. I served as an officer in the Israeli Intelligence Unit and I bring years of experience in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m a big foodie. I love everything about food and love exploring different type of cuisines. My husband and I have so many restaurant recommendations and locations, and we often plan our trips based on the culinary experiences the country has to offer. We often have dinners at home where we cook for our friends.
Post-MSx career interests?
I’m very focused on entrepreneurship as my next career. Post start my own venture or join an early stage startup.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Honesty and authenticity. I wrote what I really felt and believed in, and didn’t think What would the school want to hear?
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I didn’t correctly estimate the volume and intensity as part of the application process. Working on the application along with a high-paced full-time job. In retrospect, I would have started the application process earlier.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The online application process is so long; I would love to have a shorter version of it. What helped me go through it is that I document everything, so it was fairly easy to trace back my entire employment timeline.
What is your initial impression of Stanford’s students/culture/community?
I’m amazed by the amount of diversity at Stanford. I think that especially in the MSx program with 60% international students. It’s amazing that I’m able to meet different people and cultures around the world. It is fascinating to learn about different countries—both in culture and business perspective.
One thing you have learned about Stanford that has surprised you?
The approachability and openness of the professors. The ability to have coffee or even do a research with such highly accomplished professors who are world leaders in their research is an incredible experience to learn and develop in the areas you want.
In addition, I love the sense of community that has quickly formed. People are open, welcoming and kind, which makes the relocation process much easier.
Thing you are most anxious about this year?
I’m most anxious of how I should spend my time here in terms of focus and balance between classes, business meetings, and social activities. There are so many opportunities out here.
Thing you are most excited about this year?
I’m excited to create meaningful personal and professional relationships. In addition, I’m excited from the variety of courses GSB has to offer to open my mind and gain knowledge—focused on entrepreneurship and personal skills, which I believe the latter is key for any business relationship.
Prathiba Shah, Stanford GSB’s MSx Class of 2020
Age: 37
Hometown: Chennai, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Madras University, Information Technology
Pre-MSx Work Experience (years, industry): 11 years in Cybersecurity across New York, London and San Francisco working for Dropbox, Morgan Stanley and EY.
Why business school? Why now?
I believe that leaders in my industry (Cybersecurity) are at the cusp of transforming from a pure technical role to a business-focused role, solving business problems. According to a NASDAQ article, $655 billion is expected to be spent on cybersecurity initiatives by 2020 across multiple industries. There is an urgent need for cybersecurity leaders who are also good business leaders to lead this market. I want to be a lead my industry into the future, enabling Silicon Valley technology companies to innovate, while protecting every-day humans.
Why Stanford MSx? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When I attended the Stanford MSx tour when trying to make a decision on the school, one of the other ladies also attending the tour had a career organizing Olympic events and I thought to myself, “I never thought that a career path like Olympic events organizer existed!”
One of the key factors for me was the diversity of experiences in the class. My classmates include people who have negotiated the TPP, worked on Brexit, have been diplomats, ran for political office, CEOs of successful sustainable companies, Venture Capitalists, Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, and so on, who bring such valuable perspectives to the classroom.
Some other factors include exposure to business leaders and the GSB alumni network. And, of course, the Stanford brand name is unparalleled.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I would like to believe that I bring unique perspectives during class as I am the only student who has done cybersecurity in Silicon Valley. Other than that, I am also very active in the outside classroom experience: I launched a Talk series called ‘MSx Talks’ along with a classmate to get students together to discuss perspectives on interesting topics, such as ‘Tech-enabled surveillance – how much is too much?’ and ‘Political correctness – a force for good?’ We also bring in industry thought leaders on occasion to discuss a specific topic. I also organized our Halloween party with a couple of friends, and the feedback was that it was one of the most rocking parties that the MSx cohort has had. 🙂
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
Before joining Stanford, I went to Machu Pichu on a 4-day grueling hike up the mountains on the Inca trail. While surrounded by mountains and rivers with no modern life comforts around, I felt very content that I considered giving everything up and living a simple life in the mountains. 🙂
Post-MSx career interests?
I would like to join the Venture capital industry with a focus on cybersecurity and emerging technology space. Another option would be to join an early stage start-up in an executive role.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Look inward and think deeply about what drives me, makes me happy, and what I would like to do 5-10 years from now.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Before starting, I would prioritize what I want to focus on at Stanford: academic learning, external networking, getting to know your MSx cohort (~85) or getting to know the MBAs (~400). You need to do all of the above at some level, but you need to be able to understand how to prioritize. This informs how you would allocate your short time here.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I am not sure I could have skipped this, but delving back into academics (the readings, the rigor required, the exams) after many years in the working world was a tough transition. What helped immensely was sharing the sense of anxiety with the cohort and understanding that everyone is also facing the same challenge and that I was not alone.
What is your initial impression of Stanford’s students/culture/community?
I am blown away every day by the caliber of students I meet and get to work with. There may be some students who are not great at Accounting but are stellar at Strategy. Everyone comes with their own set of strengths and is here for a reason.
Stanford has a very unique student culture. It is not just about growing, but growing together. There is a lot of emphasis on self-awareness and personal growth, but also on helping each other succeed. The quote ‘If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself’ describes the culture that Stanford GSB encourages.
One thing you have learned about Stanford that has surprised you?
I always knew that Stanford has great access to some of the world’s greatest leaders, but I was surprised by the degree of access. We had the CEO of Blackstone, the Chairman of the New York Times, the CEO of JP Morgan, and General H.R. McMaster, among others, talk to our class. There are influential people who pass by me and walk around campus every day. I also was surprised by the power of the stanford.edu email address and how responsive people are.
Thing you are most anxious about this year?
I am most anxious about not being able to accommodate everything that I want to do at Stanford, like attend educational events, get to know my classmates more, make industry connections, academic progress. FOMO is a very real thing here at the GSB.
Thing you are most excited about this year?
I am excited about a couple of really interesting courses that I have taken next quarter (nerd!), but also about an upcoming trip with my classmates to Japan. I am excited about all the learning and memories that I will be creating during this very special year of my life.
Lauren Boros, Stanford GSB’s MSx Class of 2020
Age: (um, excuse me?) 33
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Columbia University, Philosophy
Pre-MSx Work Experience (years, industry): 11, Education
Why business school? Why now?
I never thought that as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal I would develop a skill set that would qualify me for a seat at Stanford, let alone any b-school. Throughout my decade in urban education, I’ve learned each of my skills through trial and error, looking up to mentors, and simply figuring it out, because I had to.
First, I learned to manage a classroom and plan an impactful lesson. As I transitioned into leadership, I drank from a communication firehose. In a single day, I could talk to a donor about our most recent accomplishment, a freshman about attending office hours to make-up his Unit 2 test, a prospective parent about choosing our school for her daughter, and a teacher who saw tremendous growth in one of his toughest classes.
My communication skills were honed by necessity, not by training. When I founded The Noble Academy, I set an ambitious and innovative vision, strategically planning to build a unique public institution devoted to student-led, discussion-based learning. It was the first of its kind. I hired an entire founding team without any HR experience. This innovation was grueling and one of the best experiences of my life.
I then looked to take the next step in my journey to create a more just world. I’m excited to sit on the other side of the desk, as a student again to fill my skill gaps and build a stronger foundation from which I’ll spring into the next leg of my journey. Through its diverse community and philosophy of active engagement and collaboration, Stanford’s MSx Program is giving me the tools to expand my influence exponentially.
Why Stanford MSx? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was eager to learn with a cohort of like-minded people from different backgrounds and fields of work. After working in education for a decade, I was looking to engage with different professional perspectives to broaden my own. Stanford’s emphasis on changing lives and the world around us melds harmoniously with what’s driven me my whole life. It excites me as a uniting force for MSx students.
I have two incredibly inquisitive daughters and spending a year of our lives in such a rich community is a life-changing experience, leading to a greater understanding of the world, a deepened appreciation for multiculturalism, and lifelong friendships. I see my daughters making dumplings with my Chinese classmates, and folding origami with my Japanese classmates’ kids and tasting Southern Indian cuisine with my studymate.
My husband who recently graduated from University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business nerds out about impact investing with my classmates in the Center for Social Innovation. I was raised in a family that values community, diversity of thought and experience, and compassionate perspective and engagement; Stanford allows me to continue to promote these ideals with my own children.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
As an educator, I see the world differently that someone who’s been in Finance for a decade. Both of these perspectives are important and valued here. You need the two to get into wild back-and-forth in MicroEcon about the value of business.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
Even before visiting the offices on our East Coast Study Trip this fall, I loved the NYTimes. In fact, my high school ‘senior most-likely’ predicted that I’d be Will Shortz’s successor. (He’s still the crossword editor and I still do the puzzle every day.)
Post-MSx career interests?
I hope to help leaders and organizations in the social sector have greater impact through design thinking. This might look like a couple different things, but at the heart of it, I want to design with people who want to make the world a better place.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Spend months on my essays. Sorry, but it’s true. Write them, then leave them be for a week. Pick them up again, and you’ll see a million ways to make them better reflective of who you are. Leave plenty of time to rinse and repeat.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would come to campus and spend some more time meeting students, sit in on a class, chat with the admissions office and get to know the lay of the land more intimately.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Everyone probably says the GMAT, so I’ll give a different headache. Gathering all the transcripts from each school I attended can be a pain. I sent requests, emails, faxes, carrier pigeons very early so I had plenty of time to procure all the required documents.
What is your initial impression of Stanford’s students/culture/community?
“I’d be happy to connect you” is everyone’s go-to line. It’s amazing how people here want to connect people in ways that would benefit either. Whether you’re interested in venture capital or Thai food, someone will always offer to connect you to someone with whom you will surely enjoy.
One thing you have learned about Stanford that has surprised you?
The access here is unreal. When a distinguished speaker comes to class, he/she will often entertain questions individually after the group. Every time I’ve expressed interest in their work, I’ve been invited to connect by phone again, grab coffee or even visit their offices (I’m headed to Google next week). It’s surreal.
Thing you are most anxious about this year?
It’s going by too quickly! I’m anxious that I won’t finish everything I intend to do. But that’s ok because everyone fears this. So we all run around like crazy people all the time—it connects us.
Thing you are most excited about this year?
I am most thrilled to have already developed lifelong friends. And it’s not only my friendships that will transform who I am, but my children’s friendships, with my classmates’ kids, will instill a global acceptance, empathy and kindness that our world needs more of. I’m excited that Stanford is giving it to both me and my kids.
Maya Dhir, Stanford GSB’s MSx Class of 2020
Age: 45+
Hometown: Boston
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Western Australia, Electrical Engineering; University of Pennsylvania, MS, Electrical Engineering. After completing graduate work at Carnegie Mellon University in Computer Engineering, I started my career on Wall Street working on a Fixed Income analytics tool, The Yield Book. I then went on to work as a Fixed Income trader and a Derivatives Salesperson at Credit Suisse helping banks and pension funds manage their interest rate risk.
Why business school? Why now?
I wanted to pivot from Finance to Social Impact and Entrepreneurship. The rich, generous, and generative atmosphere at Stanford is providing me with the tools that I need to make this transition.
Why Stanford MSx? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Stanford’s strong culture of reinvention was the single most important factor in my decision. The length of the program and the opportunity to learn from other highly experienced professionals were also compelling reasons for choosing MSx. Stanford’s stunning campus and the California climate didn’t hurt either!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
My history as a bi-lingual, internationally-educated career woman who took a pause in her career to raise her children differentiates me from most of my classmates. I’ve spent more time both in and out of the professional world, and these experiences have left me with a certain wisdom and perspective.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I ride my Peloton everyday (almost).
Post-MSx career interests?
I’d love to have a definitive answer, but I am still in the exploration process. My future will definitely be in start-ups, with one already underway or on my own.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
I would advise prospective applicants to take the Stanford admissions question of what matters most and why to heart, as answering this is an invaluable way to determine your motivations and aspirations. By figuring out what you hope to gain from the experience, you will arrive with a game plan (although be open to the possibility of that evolving in unanticipated ways).
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I was glad that I spent the requisite time and energy articulating why I wanted to be a part of this experience. I was able to distill what was truly important to me and how the GSB would help me achieve it. I glanced at my application the other day and was shocked at how on track I was in terms of accomplishing what I had envisioned on paper!
One thing you would change or do differently?
I’m not sure that I would do anything differently.
Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The MSx application is long and asks for highly detailed information on previous employment experiences. This was a laborious and tedious, and so I filled out a portion of the form each day over the course of a month, giving myself time and space for this exacting process.
What is your initial impression of Stanford’s students/culture/community?
I was surprised and happy to discover that my fellow students were down-to-earth, friendly, and genuinely as interested as I was in the collaborative nature of this experience. The culture of Stanford feels similarly welcoming and supportive: It’s an interesting dynamic–we all recognize that we are surrounded by hugely intelligent and highly competitive people–but this plays itself out as mutual enthusiasm for the process of learning. We are grateful and glad to be here, and hoping to find ways large and small to contribute to the overall success of the program.
One thing you have learned about Stanford that has surprised you?
I think I am most gratified and surprised by the fact that all of my classmates seek to make time for fun and community. Weekly dinners, TGIF, and in impromptu bike rides keep us energized in different ways.
Thing you are most anxious about this year?
Course selection is anxiety provoking. There are so many good courses and they are not always easy to get into. There is certainly an art to the enrollment process that I haven’t quite mastered.
Thing you are most excited about this year?
Without a doubt, my Stanford MSx cohort and the courses I’ve been able to take and will be taking including Touchy Feely and Startup Garage.
Rick Zhuang, Stanford GSB’s MSx Class of 2020
Age: 38
Hometown: Guangzhou, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Fudan University in Shanghai, Computer Science
Pre-MSx Work Experience (years, industry): 12 years, Internet
Why business school? Why now?
I have been working tirelessly in a highly dynamic industry for over a decade and I would appreciate a break to reflect and recharge before moving on to the next stage of life. The timing also coincides with industry tidal shifts that I know I need to arm myself with new skills and way of thinking in order to make more profound impacts. Educated and worked in both US and China, I believe I have a unique perspective to lead people and organizations to make profound impact in a global context.
Why Stanford MSx? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Stanford and GSB are no stranger to me. During my work in Silicon Valley and China, I have come to bond with quite a few GSB MBAs and Sloan Fellows. I find that they all share an inspiring personality: live every moment to its fullest with a sense of purpose. I identify with these people passionately, and that is how the idea to apply for MSx first came to me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
A unique perspective on business, organization, and technology innovation. I had been extremely fortunate to be at the right place at the right time: witnessing first-hand and riding the waves of the incredible growth of mobile Internet in China. Reflecting upon and sharing that unique personal experience would be my humble way to contribute to the collective learning experience of the Class.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love nature and landscape photography. I even had photos appeared in productions of NBC and HBO, and print media such as the National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Post-MSx career interests?
My long-term objective is to make a profound impact with technology and product innovation, with an emphasis on helping traditional business transform how they operate in the digital world. To achieve that I will explore the entrepreneurial path.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Don’t worry too much about your GMAT. I spent about 14 days in total to prepare for it and I can’t say I’m satisfied with my score. But it’s just a box to check off. For mid-career experienced leaders applying to the MSx program, you have so much more to say about yourself than a standardized test report.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would consider applying in earlier rounds. I did it last minute: I decided to apply when it was about a month before the 3rd round deadline. Scrambling through the application process while dealing with the heavy workload in an Internet business definitely created quite a bit of stress.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
None. I learned more about myself by reflecting deeply upon my experience, goals, and values. And I got to share and discuss those with the people I held dear. Wonderful experience.
What is your initial impression of Stanford’s students/culture/community?
The cohorts are amazing. They bring in truly international and diverse perspective. Although many of them are super accomplished individuals with lots of legacy, they are such a humble, open, and curious bunch. I learn something new from them every day.
One thing you have learned about Stanford that has surprised you?
The pace is fast and the workload is, well, considerable. Before coming to GSB I had never imagined myself working hard with my classmates until past midnight. Definitely *NOT* the stereotype of drinking/partying/socializing b-school experience.
Thing you are most anxious about this year?
How time flies. As MSxers we are always joking about counting months if not days of our time left to be here at Stanford. With so many activities and opportunities on almost every corner of the campus, I need to stay laser focused on my goals and always prioritize how I spend my time wisely.
Thing you are most excited about this year?
The probability of this being the last full-time student experience in my life is 99.99999%. And the freedom to reflect, to recharge, and to do in mid-career is priceless. With that in mind, I wake up every morning eager to embrace the MSx experience. I have hand-picked many of my courses to intentionally push myself out of my comfort zone and experiment on the unknown. This is exactly what keeps me excited.
