We head to New Haven, Connecticut, to meet some of the newest members of the Yale School of Management’s Class of 2020 in this edition of Real Humans: MBA Students.
350 students matriculated at Yale SOM in the fall of 2020. Thirty-nine percent of the new class are women and 40 percent are international passport holders. Of the total class, 32 percent are U.S. students of color and 11 percent are underrepresented U.S. students of color. Eight percent identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Ten percent are first-generation college students and 13 percent are joint-degree students.
The median undergraduate GPA for the class landed at 3.65. Nearly 30 percent had studied the humanities/social sciences during their undergraduate years. STEM majors covered 28.6 percent of the class’s undergraduate choices. Roughly 22 percent had majored in business and just shy of 20 percent had pursued economics.
Yale SOM MBAs matriculated with an average of 4.5 years of work experience. Roughly 23 percent came from financial services and 19 percent from consulting. Just over 11 percent had worked in the non-profit sector before joining Yale. Nearly 10 percent had worked in tech and 8 percent in government. Seven percent earned pre-MBA work experience in media/entertainment and nearly 6 percent in consumer goods. The rest of the class spread out across other industries, including healthcare, energy, manufacturing and more.
When it came time for graduate testing, 65 percent chose to take the GMAT and 35 percent took the GRE. The median GMAT score landed at 720 with an 80 percent range of 680 to 760. The median score was 164 for both the Quant and Verbal sections of the GRE.
In the following pages, see what drew this diverse class to the Yale School of Management, what applicants learned during the admissions process and more.
Emily H. Averna, Yale SOM MBA Class of 2022
Age: 30
Hometown: Duxbury, MA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Washington University in St. Louis, Environmental Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years, nonprofit sector
Why business school? Why now?
I am looking to pivot from the nonprofit sector to corporate sustainability efforts. Before coming to Yale SOM I was fortunate to spend eight years working on sustainable development at a nonprofit organization. Through that work, I caught glimpses of the power and potential of the private sector–both big companies and small businesses–to be engines of inclusive, green growth. I’m eager to build the foundational business knowledge, skills, and networks that will allow me to tackle sustainability issues from within the private sector. An MBA will help me make this shift.
Why Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
A number of factors led me to choose Yale SOM. I wanted to join a program that had a genuine, substantive focus on environmental sustainability. SOM has a longstanding track record of work on sustainability issues, including work done in conjunction with the Yale School of the Environment. It was also important to me to have a strong international focus, both in everyday classroom discussions and in our projects and partnerships. International students make up about half of each SOM class. Yale is a founding partner of the Global Network for Advanced Management, which means that SOM is linked to a global network of universities and research partners who we can collaborate with. I also appreciated the integrated nature of Yale SOM’s curriculum; there is lots of flexibility to study outside of SOM and to participate in multidisciplinary centers like the Center for Customer Insights.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
My work in international development allowed me to collaborate with people from all around the world. I have been privileged to meet, build relationships, and learn with and from people from many different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. This experience strengthened my facilitative leadership skills and ability to orient people around a shared goal. More importantly, my past work experience taught me to recognize and value leadership styles that differ from my own, be aware of power dynamics and “positionality,” and lead with an attitude of respect and humility. I hope I can contribute these perspectives to the Class of 2022.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’ve been a vegetarian since age nine when I read “Charlotte’s Web” and realized where meat came from!
Post-MBA career interests?
I am interested in applying marketing disciplines in new ways to change behavior and influence decision-making on sustainability issues. Initially, I plan to work on consumer analytics for a sustainable CPG brand. In the longer-term, I aim to develop corporate sustainability strategies that “green” supply chains and deliver social, environmental, and economic benefits.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Clear space to make the GMAT a priority. Like many applicants, I struggled to balance GMAT preparation with my regular workload. I took the test two times and got poor results. I ultimately made a decision to stop all work travel for three months so that I could focus on studying. I stayed grounded in DC, took a fantastic course at Griffon Prep, and finally got the score I was working for on my third attempt.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I applied twice. The first year I applied to 4 schools, struggled to make my applications a top priority, and got rejected from three schools including Yale SOM. I didn’t feel that I’d put my best effort forward in those applications so couldn’t make peace with the outcome. I decided to apply a second time, prioritized my GMAT and applications, and was accepted into three schools the next year.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The disappointing GMAT scores and rejections were hard! I am fortunate to have a truly amazing group of family, friends, and professional mentors who supported me, built me up after each setback, and eventually were there with me to celebrate our shared success.
What is your initial impression of Yale’s students/culture/community?
I have met so many kind, smart, and interesting people in my first month at Yale SOM. Classmates are encouraging of one another and have routinely offered to help with homework or to explain concepts that are confusing. I really appreciate this collaborative, caring dynamic.
One thing you have learned about Yale that has surprised you?
I didn’t realize that Yale is home to the Good Life Center, which helps people pursue holistic wellbeing and happiness.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time is already going by so quickly–it feels like we only just started the program yet finals are next week and recruiting has kicked off. I hope time slows down as we get further into the semester.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to get to know more classmates! COVID-19 and (needed, important) social distancing have slowed down the process of meeting people. I’m looking forward to meeting more people as time goes on.
Ethan E. Boswell, Yale SOM MBA Class of 2022
Age: 29
Hometown: East Cobb, GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Southern California; BA in International Relations & Art History; John Hopkins University; MA in International Relations & International Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & International Monetary Fund (4 years collectively)
Why business school? Why now?
When I reflect upon the arc of my life, I hope to leave a legacy that improves the welfare of others while concomitantly nurturing my own mind, body, and soul. The MBA experience constitutes the ideal incubator for the actualization of my dreams due to its emphasis on stakeholders, analytical rigor, and supportive community. I also consider myself a life-long student, so the decision to formally enroll in an institution of higher learning again was not difficult.
Why Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Yale SOM’s integration with the broader Yale community was a critical selling point for me. As a person with interdisciplinary interests, the ability to take electives ranging from creative writing to computer science really excites me. Also, the copious amounts of apizza (New Haven-style pizza) are pretty compelling as well!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Undoubtedly my exposure to economic policymakers as I got to work with Christine Lagarde on her Global Policy Agenda presentations to finance ministers and central bank governors such as Jerome Powell at the IMF. I am also proudly co-authoring an empirical paper with colleagues from the Fund on drivers behind reserve currency configurations and the future of dollar dominance in the international monetary system.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have visited what was at the time the northernmost McDonalds in the world in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Post-MBA career interests?
I actually did some research for the Argentine G20 Presidency on the future of work, and what I learned is that I need to continuously expand my horizons and enhance my skill set in order to grow personally and professionally.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Enjoy the journey of reflection and wholeheartedly embrace your authentic self!
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I’m very content with the outcome, so I wouldn’t do anything differently. But I would recommend practicing your story with others for the interviews.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Indubitably the GRE as I am very over standardized tests at this point in my life. But I took it the year before I applied, so it was great not having to worry about it during the actual application process.
What is your initial impression of Yale’s students/culture/community?
Generous. With their time. With their knowledge. With their words of encouragement.
One thing you have learned about Yale that has surprised you?
Just how tight-knit of a community it is.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I think 2020 has given me more than enough to be anxious about!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to be on campus in the flesh and meet my fellow classmates!
Peiran Jing, Yale SOM MBA Class of 2022
Age: 26
Hometown: Beijing, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Nanjing University, majoring in journalism
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3years, Fashion & Consulting
Why business school? Why now?
I hope to build the systematic knowledge and framework of the business world to make up for my lack of financial knowledge, improve my cross-cultural leadership and global perspective, seek entrepreneurial opportunities, and more possibilities to transform into different industries before I stepping into age 30.
Why Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First, it is Yale! Absolutely one of the best universities in the world. Second, the natural entrepreneurship environment such as the Entrepreneurship Program and its diverse student bodies at Yale will help me develop my global client network. And the tailored Yale GNAM, GSE program, and international week will broaden my horizon and test out my renewing strategy and accumulate field experience working on women’s issues in developing countries. Third, Yale’s MBA will not restrict the course selection, where students can take electives in any school including undergrad college. The diversity of the curriculum is also attractive to me a lot.
Last but not least, I highly value Yale SOM’s mission to educate leaders for business and society, which accords with my original intention of entrepreneurship, establishing a company that can make a contribution to society rather than simply pursuing profits.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I can share my insight and experiences focused on the female-based and digital-driven marketing practice especially in emerging markets with the Class of 2022.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I only applied to one MBA program in the U.S., which is Yale SOM, though my admission interviewer seemed to not quite believe that lol.
Post-MBA career interests?
Entrepreneurship & consulting
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Make comprehensive research about the official website of Yale SOM, explore the Yale MBA’s curriculum syllabus and professors, and be specific about what resources you want to acquire at Yale in your essay.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started my application earlier rather than wait until Round 3.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The video questions during the application! The deadline is the ultimate productivity motivator to push me to get through it!
What is your initial impression of Yale’s students/culture/community?
Diversity of thought is truly appreciated here! The admission committee and professors are very responsible, who always reply to your email as soon as possible within 10 minutes! What I appreciate most is that everyone here is conscientious and supportive and always willing to help with anything you need.
One thing you have learned about Yale that has surprised you?
The course load at Yale MBA is super heavy, which is way beyond my expectation. There are tons of assignments due almost every day, and we are going to finish five cores and take finals within one and a half months. The emphasis on academics at Yale MBA is so different from the MBA program that I had imagined before.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
How to balance the heavy coursework load, recruitment, social events, and my sleep, especially when I take classes remotely in China for the whole semester in a different time zone. Things will get more challenging.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about getting to know my classmates. I can’t wait to move to New Haven next year after the Visa restrictions end and prepare to go on over spring break for my Global Studies Program.
Sravani Potturi, Yale SOM MBA Class of 2022
Age: 26
Hometown: Vijayawada, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: National Institute of Technology Calicut, Computer Science, and Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Prior to SOM, I worked for 5 years at Goldman Sachs in Product and Business roles
Why business school? Why now?
My long-term goal is to effectively lead an entire organization. Through my professional experience prior to SOM, I got the opportunity to work in different stages of the Product Cycle and develop my Product and Strategy skills, but there is a long way to go. So, for me, business school was the most efficient way to complement my existing skills, deepen my business knowledge, get exposure to diverse perspectives, and develop myself as a well-rounded leader.
Why Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First, Yale SOM’s mission to educate leaders for business and society resonated well with me. I want to be part of a community that cares deeply about the problems in the world and about the kind of impact they have on society through the solutions they build. Second, the diversity of the SOM community and the breadth of perspectives I will be exposed to, as a result. Third, Yale SOM’s Integrated curriculum and how it helps me develop the skills to analyze and understand problems from the different points of views of the different stakeholders involved. And lastly, Yale’s commitment to the International student body and the support SOM provided us in navigating the uncertainties and difficulties with travel and visa restrictions due to Covid.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I think my most valuable contribution will be my desire to be fully committed to the SOM community in an authentic way, to listen to my peers, help them and support them in any way I can.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I didn’t get to talk about my ability to binge watch TV shows for hours and days on end.
Post-MBA career interests?
I want to continue to work at the intersection of Technology, Product, and Business, at a fast-paced Technology firm. I am hoping to recruit for Product Management or Business Strategy and Operations roles in Tech.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talking to current students about their business school experiences.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I don’t think that I have spoken with as many current students at different business schools as I wanted to. So, I would spend more time talking to current students, alumni, and other prospective students and understanding my fit with different b-schools. This would have helped me make my decision sooner.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Stressing about the whole application process. Support from my family and friends helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of Yale’s students/culture/community?
My classmates and everyone in the SOM community are so down-to-earth, kind, conscientious, and passionate about the kind of leader they want to be and the kind of impact they want to have in this world.
One thing you have learned about Yale that has surprised you?
I knew that our class is going to be very diverse but I am still blown away by the breadth of experiences and backgrounds of my classmates.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
About balancing academics, recruiting, social activities, and other learning experiences. About not being able to do everything I want to. About the prospect of missing some great learning opportunities.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about learning new things and developing meaningful relationships with my classmates. I am also very excited about the opportunity to serve as a (Y-AID) Yale Accelerator for Innovation Development Fellow to help advance a high potential technology towards commercialization and about the skills I will be able to develop as a result of this engagement
