Alonso Arzola, UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2028
Age: 31
Hometown: Mexico City
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Tecnológico de Monterrey – Bachelor of Art in Architecture
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Project Architect, Commercial Real Estate, Serrano Plus, 10 years (2016-2026)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After working 10 years in one of the leading architecture firms in Mexico, I learnt about the importance of the built environment in our everyday lives. Spaces can contribute in making our lives better. The main focus of my job was designing and leading workplace projects for multinational companies. As an architect there are certain constraints that are independent from our field. I discovered I could do a broader impact if I could develop projects from the business evaluation to the construction. I decided to found my own real estate development firm in the long-term. In order to achieve this, I needed the required tools to properly lead a business and collaborate with other industries and other countries. An MBA was the right choice for me, allowing me to bridge design teams and investors to deliver projects that are financially secure, environmentally responsible, and socially meaningful
Why did you choose UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
After I decided to pursue a global MBA, my first choice was doing it in the U.S., home of some of the most important real estate hubs and ultimately, a leader in business related fields. I was awarded with the Fulbright scholarship in 2025. They guided me into choosing a school that was the best fit for my personal and professional goals. I chose UNC Kenan-Flagler because of its prestige and its position as a top business school in the world. The collaboration culture and tight-knit community were other factors I took in consideration. The most important for me, was the Real Estate concentration which is one of the top MBA Real Estate programs in the country. I would have access to the Wood Center for Real Estate Studies the Real Estate Club, career treks to different Real Estate hubs and other resources that would impulse my professional development.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
As an architect, I was trained to think in terms of space, structures and wellbeing. I consider this set of attributes brings a different perspective to my class. Leading fast paced projects with multiple stakeholders from different backgrounds, has developed my leadership, learning and communication skills. I am also Mexican and part of the LGBTQ+ community which not only brings diversity to the class, it also allows me to share my experiences and promote inclusion both in class and in the industry.
Additionally, I speak four languages, something helpful when I want to interact in a different level with people from other countries. Academically, I consider myself an organized and structured individual who is always eager to learn and collaborate.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have lived in three different countries and visited 27. I don’t have a number I want to achieve; I just want to keep traveling and getting to know and eat as much as life allows me to. From officiating a wedding in the Danube River in Budapest to watching wildlife in Australia or eating insects in Southeast Asia, these experiences have opened my eyes (and stomach) in several ways. I still keep the friendships I have made in those journeys and I’m sure I’ll make more in my time here.
Post-MBA career interests:
Short-term my goal is to work in a Real Estate Development firm in New York City or Chicago. I want to learn first-hand how the whole life of a project is developed, the process of evaluation and execution. Long-term I want to found my own firm. I aim to develop projects locally and globally. Taking part in the decisions that build up a city’s character and urban fabric towards a sustainable future. It is something I am passionate about.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be authentic in my essays. While they are a fundamental part of the application process, they also an exercise of introspection and evaluation of the reasons I wanted to do an MBA. It was also encouraging to see all the things I have accomplished and the challenges I have overcome in the past years to get to where I am today.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Coming to Chapel Hill and getting to know the campus during my application process would’ve been helpful for me to take a more informed decision and to decide where to live and how is life here. Something I had to do in my first week here during orientation.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think all parts brought me here and ultimately become part of my professional and personal development, both mistakes and achievements.
What is your initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community?
It is a united community, everyone, including your peers want to see you succeed. The program and the school are designed for people to achieve their goals. All the resources, events, classes and curriculum are well integrated for you to build your own path.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am joining the Real Estate Club, the Pride Club and the International Business Association. I aim to connect with people with similar interests. It would also be a great opportunity to share my experiences and also to learn from other people of those particular communities. These organizations are a facilitator for students to also reach out alumni and companies that are aligned with similar values and aspirations.
What is one thing you have learned about UNC Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
All the staff is very supportive from day one. They let you know their roles and they are in constant communication with you. As an architect it was a pleasing surprise to see the relatively new building, Bell Hall. It is well designed; surrounded by nature and has all the work settings you could need.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Building up my business acumen. Learning about finance and marketing and how are these fields related to Real Estate. This will help me become a more prepared and competitive architect and business manager.
