Maria Teresa Zarate, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2019
Age: 30
Hometown: Trujillo, Peru/ Virginia Beach, Virginia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: College of William and Mary, Business, with a concentration in Marketing, and Chinese
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Four years doing marketing for an FDA consulting firm and one year with the U.S. Peace Corps Response working for Movimiento Manuela Ramos (an NGO) in Peru
Why business school? Why now?
I stopped working in 2015 to gain a better understanding of the world around me. I moved to China and backpacked to many countries. After making friends from around the world, I decided that I wanted to go back to my original goal of using my business skills to make a social impact.
That is when I joined the Peace Corps. I am a lifelong student and believe in continuously taking classes and improving myself. It was always my plan to get a Masters (or two). After my service with the Peace Corps, I was ready to return to school.
Why Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? Selecting a school was an incredibly hard decision for me. When choosing a school, you not only have to think about the education you are receiving but also the community you are joining. Since my focus has always been on building an international community and listening to diverse perspectives, Judge was the ideal choice.
The two-day interview allowed me to talk to current and prospective students who were just as interested on making an impact as I was. Additional factors included the benefits of a one-year degree and the costs associated with the program.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I would like to contribute my experience in traversing cultures and building communities. As an immigrant to the USA, I had to quickly learn how to communicate with a new culture and help my parents do so. I have traveled to 30 countries to enhance my communication skills and better understand various points of views.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love to dance. I gained a better appreciation for salsa dancing in China and have danced around the world, including on the Great Wall, in Monkey Island (Iquitos, Peru), and in Malaysian Caves.
Post-MBA career interests?
Digital transformation blends my interests in communication, innovation and social impact. I am not certain what type of company I will work for, but I do know that I want to help people use technology to improve their lives.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reaching out to current and prospective students. It gave me a better feel for the school and its community. I also would travel to the schools again. It was worth the investment.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
The GMAT. It is an intense test and you should give yourself plenty of time to study. I took on too much trying to do my service, connect with my family, learn more about Peruvian culture and study for the GMAT.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. It was the bane of my existence for several months.
What is your initial impression of Judge’s students/culture/community?
This is what sold me to Judge. During the two-day interview process, I had the chance to have a formal dinner at one of the oldest colleges at Cambridge, Queens’ College, with current and prospective students.
Everyone was very friendly and supportive. I was able to reach out and get responses from current and past students on LinkedIn. Judge provides a collaborative community interested in helping each other advance.
One thing you have learned about Judge that has surprised you?
The library is 100% set up for the students. There are multiple types of chairs, blankets and all the chargers you may need.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Economics and finance classes…I haven’t studied math in a long time.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The traditions. Cambridge is full of traditions. I can’t wait to take part in that. I have already gone punting and attended a formal dinner. I can’t wait for the balls, MBATs and other traditions.
