Feroz Shah, Florida Warrington MBA Class of 2028
Age: 23
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Toronto, Mining Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Corporate Development Analyst, Mining and Metals, Vox Royalty, 2 Years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The choice to attend business school is always dependent on an individual’s needs. For me, that need arose from the realization that I wanted a means of transitioning from an operations-based role to one that was more financially focused. As a mining engineer by trade, my traditional career path was relatively linear: I would work in operational roles and progress through the ranks, potentially reaching the position of mine manager. However, my experience working in corporate development, combined with my interest in the intersection of mining, finance, and business, led me to envision my career progressing along a more commercial path, one where I could combine my technical and financial skills within a single role. The question of “why now?” can be answered simply: I wanted to make this transition early in my career so that I could maximize the time I spend developing and progressing within a commercial role.
Why did you choose Florida Warrington? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When deciding where to attend business school, the factors that figured most prominently into my decision were cost, return on investment, academic quality, and the ability of the program to help me achieve my career goals. In looking for a program that offered the best combination of these factors, the University of Florida’s Warrington MBA quickly stood out as the clear choice. Having already been a graduate student at the University of Florida through the Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, Warrington was also a natural option for me. I was already familiar with the university, its academic environment, and the resources available to students. The ability to transition directly from my master’s program into the MBA also provided a level of academic continuity that was attractive to me. Ultimately, Warrington offered the strongest combination of educational quality, value, and career opportunity, while also allowing me to continue my education at a university where I had already established myself academically.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2028 would be my background in the mining and natural resources industry. I believe that the strength of an MBA program, beyond the curriculum itself, comes from the diversity of experiences and perspectives within its student body. Students coming from different industries and career paths are able to expose one another to areas they may never have previously considered, creating an environment where iron truly sharpens iron.
This is a dynamic that I believe I can meaningfully contribute to. My background in engineering, particularly within the natural resources sector, is relatively uncommon within the state of Florida and within a traditional MBA classroom, yet it is an industry that plays a critical role in supplying the materials needed to power and develop the world. Through my experiences in mining operations, corporate development, and engineering, I can bring a perspective that is different from many of my classmates while also learning from the distinct experiences and industries represented across the class.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
One fun fact that I did not get the chance to share in my application is that I was a coxswain for the University of Toronto’s rowing team. In other words, I was the one person in the boat who did not have to row but still got to tell everyone else what to do.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA career goal is to transition into commodities trading or sales, particularly within the copper and broader metals space.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
I would advise any applicant to clearly evaluate their post-MBA goals and understand the purpose the degree serves in achieving them. An MBA should be a tool to support a specific career objective, not simply a degree to collect for its namesake. Having clear, realistic, and actionable goals allows you to make better decisions about the courses you take, the opportunities you pursue, and the network you build throughout the program.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would do as part of my application would to be self-record myself practicing potential interview questions.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I think one thing I would change about my application process would have been to speak with current students earlier to get a better understanding of the program, student experience, and opportunities available outside of the classroom.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could skip one part of the application process, it would be spending too much time worrying about quantitative measures such as test scores and GPA. While they are important, I learned that the strength of an application ultimately comes from the story you tell and how clearly you explain why you are a good fit for the program. What helped me get through it was speaking with the admissions team and gaining a better understanding of what they actually look for in a strong application.
What is your initial impression of the Florida Warrington students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Warrington culture can be summarized as tight-knit, supportive, and collaborative.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
The main student organization I’m hoping to join is the MBA Association (MBAA), with the goal of providing future classes with the same level of support and community that current students have provided to me.
What is one thing you have learned about Florida Warrington that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me is how close-knit the Warrington community is. Despite the size and reputation of the University of Florida, the MBA program still feels very personal, with strong relationships between students, faculty, and staff.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to build my network with other students while taking courses that I know will directly support my future career goals. I’m looking forward to learning from classmates with different professional backgrounds while also building the financial and commercial skill set I want to carry into my career after the MBA.
