Suttyn Simon, Chicago Booth MiM Class of 2026
Age: 22
Hometown: Hollywood, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Art History and Political Science, University of Chicago
Pre-MiM Work Experience: Ballerina at the Art of Classical Ballet and Trainee at Ruth Page Civic Ballet Theater, UChicago Undergraduate Admissions Office – Student Visit Coordinator
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In undergrad, I was drawn to art history having been immersed in the arts through pre professional ballet. I held several internships at museums and galleries, and between my third and fourth year, I had the opportunity to intern at Sotheby’s. As part of an intern speaker series, I was introduced to Sotheby’s Financial Services. Learning about the financial infrastructure behind the art world shifted my perspective. It was the first time I’d ever heard words like capital markets, lending, or asset valuation, and I was fascinated. I applied to Booth’s MIm to build a foundation in finance and better understand the intersection between art and finance.
Why did you choose Chicago Booth? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I can’t express enough how thoroughly I changed as a human and an academic at UChicago. I approach every challenge with intellectual humility and precision. I’m beyond grateful to UChicago, and the opportunity to learn from the best for another year wasn’t something I could pass up.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
Through my professional experience, as a tour guide for UChicago, a communications intern at Sotheby’s, and a professional ballerina, I’ve gained highly tuned soft skills that have made me comfortable translating complex ideas and reading group dynamics. I apply these interpersonal skills to being an organizer and a mediator in academic and social settings.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I can hip thrust nearly twice my body weight!
Post-MiM career interests:
Private wealth management, investor relations, art lending
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
When I received the email inviting me to interview, it was optional, but I would choose to interview every time. Meeting in person (or over zoom) not only gives me extra dimension as an applicant, but it also insight into the structure of the program and the attitudes of the people who run it. It made Booth and the MIM program feel more tangible.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent more time clarifying my professional goals beyond a general interest in finance. My first meeting with my Booth career advisor gave me excellent guidance into what I would enjoy and what’s a good fit for me professionally (shout out Joshua), but a bit more research beforehand would have allowed me to be more specific and intentional in my application.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Initially, I would have skipped the video introduction. I had myself so stressed about lighting and how I sounded on video that I got a bit distracted from the fact Booth asked for this video to get a sense of who I am outside of the four corners of the paper. The final video had no natural light (thank you 4:00pm Chicago sunsets) and it looked a bit grainy (my desk lamp isn’t a super effective ring light), but what I said and how I came across felt honest to who I am.
What is your initial impression of the Chicago Booth students/culture/community?
It feels very similar to undergrad: people who care deeply about something and want to understand what you care about. I’ve spent hours discussing ethical dilemmas, which was a strong suit for me, but also bond pricing and interest rate sensitivity, which I didn’t initially understand a word of, but was thoroughly excited to learn more about.
What is one thing you have learned about Chicago Booth that has surprised you?
It’s genuinely difficult. There’s a long-standing joke that business school is easy, but I’m putting in the hours and the effort to keep up. Of course, while challenging, it’s also rewarding to see how much I’m understanding in such a short period of time. But, of course, what did I expect from UChicago.
