Gur Agci, Rotman MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Brown University, Chemical & Biochemical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Business Analyst, Digital Transformation Consulting, Zifo, 2022-2025; Growth Strategy Analyst, Technology Start-up, Clora, 2019-2022
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After six years of professional experience, I felt that the scale of impact I could make was plateauing. I wanted to broaden my skill set, gain a holistic understanding of how businesses operate, and learn to think more strategically. I was also eager to build a diverse network and learn from people with different cultural and professional backgrounds and understand how they approach business and life. Pursuing an MBA felt like the best way to combine these goals and prepare myself for solving larger, organization-wide challenges in a leadership capacity.
Why did you choose Toronto Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Most MBA programs offer similar core curricula and electives. Therefore, I based my decision on what happens beyond the classroom, which is where Rotman stood out. I’ve always enjoyed the agile, innovative environment of start-ups, so being selected as a Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Fellow was particularly exciting. The opportunity to work with scientists and VCs to help scale science-backed ventures aligned perfectly with my background and interests. I was also drawn to the Self-Development Lab (SDL), which focuses on leadership and communication. In an era where technical skills are increasingly automated, I believe the differentiator for great leaders will be strong soft skills and SDL is uniquely designed to help students develop them.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My most valuable contribution is the breadth of perspective I bring. I’ve lived and worked in three countries, Turkey, the U.S., and Canada and across very different environments, from a seed-stage start-up to a global consulting firm. These experiences have shaped how I approach problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability. I’ve learned to navigate ambiguity, balance agility with structure, and communicate across cultures, lessons I’m eager to share with my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love traveling and experiencing the local culture through food and art. I’ve been to more than 20 countries, and each trip has taught me something new about how people express themselves and choose to live.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m keeping an open mind, but I’m particularly drawn to consulting, entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation, areas where I can combine strategic thinking with tangible impact.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Starting early. It gave me the time to reflect deeply on why I wanted an MBA and what I hoped to gain from it. I also made a point of attending every in-person event hosted by the schools I was interested in, which helped me understand the culture and subtle differences between programs.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have considered my post-MBA goals, both professional and geographic, more carefully when selecting schools. My advice for future applicants is to focus on programs best positioned to help you achieve your long-term goals.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Filling out repetitive application forms! I underestimated how much time the administrative details would take. Staying organized and setting small daily targets helped me get through it efficiently.
What is your initial impression of the Toronto Rotman students/culture/community?
Rotman has a demanding program, but the culture is highly collaborative. Students genuinely want each other to succeed, and the faculty are supportive and accessible. I’ve already learned a tremendous amount from both my professors and peers; it’s a community that challenges you but also uplifts you.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I joined three industry clubs: Management Consulting Association (MCA), Healthcare Management Association (HMA), and Rotman Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Association (REVCA), and a social club: Rotman Wine Society (RWS). With my background in chemical engineering and consulting, I’ve always been drawn to life sciences and entrepreneurship. These clubs let me explore those interests while developing my consulting toolkit and expanding my professional network. The Wine Society is my way of balancing the intensity of MBA life with something social and relaxing.
What is one thing you have learned about Toronto Rotman that has surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised by how much emphasis Rotman places on soft skills and networking, even in quantitative courses. Professors consistently connect technical content to communication, leadership, and teamwork, reinforcing how integrated these skills are in real business settings.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the personal growth that’s already beginning to happen. Even in the first few months, I can see how much I’m learning, not just in terms of business knowledge, but also in how I think, communicate, and collaborate. I’m eager to continue developing both my hard and soft skills and to keep learning from the diverse experiences of my peers.
