Yosr Hassayoun, University of St. Gallen MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27 years old
Hometown: Tunis, Tunisia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Geneva: Bachelor and Master of Pharmacy, followed by the Swiss Federal Examination in Pharmacy
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Pharmacist : Retail Pharmacy, Galenica Group (Sunstore & Amavita) – 3 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
During my years as a pharmacist, I realized that while I was improving outcomes at the patient level, I wanted to influence decisions at the system level, where strategic, financial, and organizational choices determine which therapies ultimately reach patients. I began to crave a broader impact: not only dispensing treatments and advising patients, but influencing how innovations are developed, positioned, and made accessible.
After my years of practice, I felt I had built enough maturity to understand the realities of healthcare on the ground, and enough curiosity to explore its business side. The MBA was a natural inflection point: the moment to pivot from operational execution to strategic leadership, and to develop the mindset and toolkit to make that transition meaningful and lasting.
Why did you choose University of St. Gallen? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When I discovered the University of St. Gallen, it immediately felt like a place that understood my duality, the scientist who loves evidence and structure, and the humanist who cares deeply about people and impact. I wasn’t looking for a program that only teaches strategy; I wanted one that challenges how we think, decide, and lead.
I was also drawn to its size and diversity, an intimate class of people from all over the world, each with a unique story yet united by curiosity and ambition. That environment felt deeply aligned with how I learn best: through genuine dialogue, perspective, and connection. And being based in Switzerland, at the crossroads of the European life-science and consulting industries, makes it the ideal place to bridge my pharmaceutical background with strategic business roles. St. Gallen’s reputation in the DACH region adds an additional layer of credibility and reach, respected and discreet, which resonates with my own way of approaching leadership.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I think my value to the class comes from how I connect people and ideas. My pharmacy background taught me to keep things clear and practical, to listen first, understand what matters, and make complexity simple. That mindset carries naturally into teamwork.
I’ve also learned to move comfortably between worlds, between science and strategy, and between Tunisian warmth and Swiss precision. That mix taught me to adapt quickly and read people with nuance. I enjoy bringing together people who think differently, finding alignment through logic, empathy, or sometimes just a good espresso and a laugh.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
During COVID, two friends and I co-founded The Headlines®, a digital media project that turned world news into bite-sized, visual posts on Instagram. We had no background in journalism or design, so we learned everything the hard way: how to build a brand, write with clarity, and keep people interested. It was the most fun crash course in creativity and teamwork I’ve ever had.
Outside of work, I’m either on a tennis court or discovering new music, both are my ways of resetting and finding rhythm again.
Post-MBA career interests:
After the MBA, I aim to work in strategy consulting or venture capital within the healthcare and biotech sectors. I want to help innovative therapies move from the lab to the market, translating scientific potential into business impact that improves patients’ lives.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I’d take the time again to really sit with my “why.” I remember journaling, trying to understand what I was looking for beyond the degree. That reflection made the application feel less like a performance and more like a conversation with myself.
If I had one piece of advice, it would be to stay bold: trust your story, don’t over-edit yourself, and just go for it. Authenticity reads louder than perfection.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I’d start talking to alumni much earlier. I waited until late in the process to reach out because I thought I needed to have all my questions perfectly prepared. At first, I hesitated because I didn’t want to bother anyone, but I quickly learned that people actually enjoy helping when you approach them with genuine curiosity. So next time, I’d be less hesitant and start those conversations right away, they make the journey feel real.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I’d probably skip the part where I questioned whether I was “MBA material.” Coming from a pharmacy background, I sometimes felt like my path didn’t fit the traditional mold. What helped me was realizing that this difference was actually my strength, it gave me a unique way of seeing business and leadership. Once I embraced that, the whole process felt lighter, more authentic, and a lot more me.
What is your initial impression of the St. Gallen students/culture/community?
My first impression was how genuine people are. Everyone here is ambitious, but in a grounded way, success feels shared, not competitive. There’s a strong sense of community, where people truly show up for each other. I was surprised by how quickly the class felt like a team rather than a collection of individuals. It’s an environment where curiosity, kindness, and drive naturally coexist. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to give your best, not to compete, but to contribute.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I haven’t joined any clubs yet, but I’m considering it once things settle a bit in the second semester.
What is one thing you have learned about St. Gallen that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how open and approachable everyone is. Whether it’s a professor, an alum, or a guest speaker, everyone is willing to share advice and take the time to connect. It makes the environment feel much more personal than I expected.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
What excites me most is how fast everything moves, how much we’re learning, changing, and growing in such a short time. It’s a rare opportunity to step out of routine and be completely immersed in growth. Every week feels different; you can feel yourself evolving, both personally and professionally. I’m looking forward to seeing how this experience reshapes the way I think, lead, and make decisions.
