Maria Theodore, Johns Hopkins Carey MBA Class of 2028
Age: 25
Hometown: Boston, MA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Harvard College (Class of 2023) with a concentration in Classics and Biology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Biopharma Investment Banking Analyst
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After two years in biopharma investment banking, I wanted to broaden my perspective beyond the financial and transactional lens and into the strategic and innovative side. I felt that an MBA would give me the business toolkit and interdisciplinary exposure to pursue those interests more intentionally. The timing felt right to step back, explore different areas of the life sciences, and build the skills to ultimately contribute to the biopharma/biotech industry in a more meaningful way.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Johns Hopkins Carey stood out because it is seated at the intersection of business, healthcare, and global public health – all of which are interests of mine. I was particularly drawn to the opportunity given the ability to engage with students and faculty across all disciplines and schools. For instance, I definitely was drawn by the ability to pursue research and or electives at Bloomberg as well! Carey also offers a Health, Technology, and Innovation MBA Specialization which I found compelling. Finally, my partner is studying at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, making Baltimore a new home for us both. Carey was uniquely aligned with my professional interests, where I am personally, and the financial generosity made the choice even clearer. It offered exactly what I needed at the right time, which made the decision feel like a natural next step.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
Through my experience in biopharma investment banking, I developed an understanding of how investors and strategic partners evaluate opportunities, as well as the communication skills to translate complex ideas into actionable business decisions. I hope to share this perspective with my classmates while also learning from the diverse experiences and viewpoints they bring to the Carey community.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was a Division I and Team USA fencer! Fencing taught me to be comfortable thinking on my feet, to adapt quickly, be agile, be disciplined, and stay calm when things don’t go according to plan.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I hope to pursue a career focused on healthcare, innovation, and business strategy, with a particular interest in global health and emerging technologies. I am excited to apply my biopharma experience while developing the strategic toolkit to help innovative companies scale and improve patient outcomes.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would spend time talking to current students and alumni. Hearing candid perspectives about their experiences helped me understand the culture and opportunities at Carey far better than simply reading program websites, and ultimately played a major role in helping me determine where I felt I would thrive, alongside my partner’s path as well.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I initially felt that I needed to have every aspect of my post-MBA career figured out before applying. What did I want to do with this degree? Two years can fly by, and I want to make sure I utilize my time most efficiently. However, I came to realize that the value of business school is having the space to explore different paths, to expand on existing interests, and to redefine and refine one’s direction.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I probably would have skipped some of the overthinking that comes with the process! There are so many decisions and so much uncertainty that it can be easy to second-guess yourself. Talking with people I trusted, focusing on what I genuinely wanted from business school, and reminding myself that there isn’t one “perfect” path helped me stay grounded.
What is your initial impression of the JH Carey students/culture/community?
My initial impression is that Carey students are collaborative, curious, and genuinely supportive of one another. The refreshing diversity of professional backgrounds and interests allows for conversations outside the classroom just as valuable as those inside it.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have my own innovative project that I am looking to expand here at Hopkins. I am most enthusiastic to become involved in the Pava Center for Entrepreneurship, which was nationally ranked in the top 10 in TIME’s 2026 list of America’s Best Incubators and Accelerators. I also see myself integrated in venture programs and the JHU Center for Global Health.
What is one thing you have learned about JH Carey that has surprised you?
While I knew Carey was part of a larger ecosystem spanning medicine, public health, research, and innovation, I didn’t expect how naturally those connections would extend into my day-to-day experience. Having peers from the MD, MPH, and JD programs in the classroom has made the interdisciplinary environment feel much more integrated than I anticipated. It has been interesting to see how often conversations extend beyond traditional business perspectives and into questions of healthcare, policy, science, and impact.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about getting to know my cohort, professors, and mentors, and building meaningful relationships with people. I am also intrigued by the Global Immersion programs Hopkins offers that explores international health systems firsthand.
