Zipho Tunyiswa, Esade MBA Class of 2028
Age: 29
Hometown: East London, South Africa
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Business Analyst, Management Consulting, Kearney, 2.7yrs
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I have worked primarily in financial services for most of my career, and while I have enjoyed the various projects I’ve had the privilege of being part of, I realised that it was not where my passion ultimately lay.
I took some time to reflect on my long-term career goals and the areas I am genuinely passionate about. Through that process, I identified a few gaps in my skill set, which ultimately led me to pursue business school. I also wanted an international experience where I could learn not only in the classroom, but also from my everyday surroundings and fellow MBA classmates.
This felt like the perfect time because the renewable energy industry is growing rapidly in South Africa. If I want to contribute meaningfully to this emerging industry, I believe it is important to develop the skills and broader perspective required to do so.
Why did you choose Esade? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Esade because of its collaborative spirit. Initially, “collaboration” sounded like a fun buzzword when I was researching different business schools, but through my interactions with alumni and the admissions team, I realised that it is genuinely part of the school’s ethos and way of life.
Everyone has been incredibly kind and generous with their time, which reinforced my decision. It also helps that Esade is located in one of the most beautiful cities, with one of the best climates in the world!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I would say my most valuable quality is my curiosity. I genuinely enjoy problem-solving, learning new concepts, and understanding how things work from different perspectives. My experience in consulting has strengthened this curiosity by constantly exposing me to new industries, challenges, and ways of thinking.
I also believe that learning is most valuable when it is shared. I look forward to bringing my own experiences and perspective to classroom discussions, while remaining open to having my assumptions challenged by my classmates. With such a diverse cohort, I am excited to learn from people whose backgrounds and experiences are very different from my own and, in turn, contribute my perspective.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love trying new things and challenging myself. At the beginning of this year, I challenged myself to complete HYROX Cape Town in April, and just a week ago, I spontaneously signed up for boxing classes. I’m always looking for a new challenge or experience that pushes me outside my comfort zone.
Post-MBA career interests:
I have been fortunate enough to be sponsored by my company, so I look forward to returning to Kearney after my MBA and contributing to our sustainability initiatives across the MEA region.
I also hope to pursue volunteer opportunities that will give me greater exposure to the different areas within sustainability and allow me to continue developing my knowledge and experience in the field.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Just start your application. Focus less on perfection and more on self-discovery. I learned a lot about myself, my motivations, and my long-term goals simply by working through the essay prompts during the application process.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I knew that one day I’d be living in Spain, I would’ve probably started learning the language a lot sooner!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The visa application process was probably the longest and most administratively demanding part of the process. What helped me was using AI, keeping a clear spreadsheet of all the requirements, and speaking to people who had already gone through the process.
For example, as part of the South African application process, you need to obtain a medical certificate and have it apostilled. I had no idea about this requirement and initially thought a doctor’s note would be sufficient. Speaking to someone who had already completed the process helped me understand exactly what was required.
What is your initial impression of the Esade students/culture/community?
It has been a really warm and fun environment. It has been an incredibly warm and fun environment. I love that people do not take themselves too seriously. We are here to study, learn, and grow, but we haven’t lost the human element of connection and community.
One of the things I appreciate most is that, regardless of the type of person you are or where you come from, you can find a community at Esade. That is something I have truly been grateful for.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m hoping to join the Sustainability Club, Family Business Club and all the affinity groups to get to know different cultures.
What is one thing you have learned about Esade that has surprised you?
I have been surprised by the amount of hands-on support we have received in shaping and refining our career goals. It was not something I expected before starting the MBA, but it has already been incredibly helpful.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the opportunity to grow and experience life outside my comfort zone. I’m also looking forward to the classes, particularly the interactive case studies, and learning from the diverse experiences and perspectives of my classmates.
