Pablo Naze, Rotman MBA Class of 2020
Age: 25
Hometown: Belém, Pará (Brazil)
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of São Paulo (USP), Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3.5 years, tech start-up
Why business school? Why now?
I really wanted to have a rigorous business education. My background is in economics so I didn’t have exposure to managerial disciplines such as leadership or strategy, so I felt that was a gap that needed to be filled in my professional life.
I was also curious to understand how current business research and concepts apply to my past experiences. Finally, I also felt that it was a good personal moment to join school, as I enjoy studying and was ready to live abroad for the first time in my life.
Why Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Rotman has a rigorous academic program, a lot of opportunities to develop myself outside the classroom (the Self Development Lab and the Creative Destruction lab, for example) and a multi-diverse classroom. Lastly, it has a privileged location in Canada and in Toronto, a welcoming city for immigrants and a technology and artificial intelligence hub.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think my background and past experiences can provide a lot of different perspectives to my colleagues. Coming from Brazil, being part of the LGBT community and seeing a start-up grow from almost inception to acquisition are all part of my identity and how I see the world, so I’m excited to share that with my classmates.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m a big opera fan: I usually buy tickets for the season and also attended Wagner’s Bayreuth festival in 2015.
Post-MBA career interests?
Being a Product Manager in a technology company. I’m particularly interested in the Artificial Intelligence sector.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Engage in self-knowledge. The application is a great, although busy, time to connect with yourself and understand the next steps in your life. Taking all the essay’s reflection questions seriously gave me the clarity and confidence necessary to put on a good application.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
A different study strategy for the GMAT. I believe each person learns differently so if studying by yourself is not giving the results you want, don’t be afraid to join a course or have private classes with a tutor.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting! It’s the hardest part because there’s nothing you can do about it! Trying to envision how my life would be different in a couple of months and keeping that vision alive really helped me to get through it.
What is your initial impression of Rotman’s students/culture/community?
We can feel from the beginning that Rotman has a strong community and inclusive culture, all my colleagues are approachable and eager to help each other, definitely an asset for the school and its students.
One thing you have learned about Rotman that has surprised you?
The amount of events and high profile speakers that come in every day. It’s amazing the opportunities you have to learn outside the classroom just from listening to these experienced executives and researchers that come to the school to share their knowledge with the community.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I consider myself mostly an introvert, so continuous participation in classroom discussions and the high amount of interactions with colleagues are going to be a challenge and a chance to grow.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited about the Self Development Lab. It is composed by a series of modules to help you improve your soft skills, such as giving presentations and interviewing.
Clear Admit Resources
Thank you for reading about Toronto Rotman’s Class of 2020! Before you start your Toronto / Rotman application, check out some of our Rotman resources:
- Toronto / Rotman Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to Rotman
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Rotman
