Somayina Boardman, Rochester Simon MBA Class of 2020
Age: 24
Hometown: South Burlington, VT
Undergraduate Institution and Major: American University, International Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): I spent three years in the legal services industry in a program management role.
Why business school? Why now?
I really wanted to become a data driven decision maker. I felt like I’d reached a point in my career where it made sense to pause and go back to school to improve my skill set, and transition to a different industry.
Why Simon? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
In making a decision I was looking for a school with a strong analytical reputation but also a small collaborative culture. Location was also important as I was looking to move back closer to home. Simon felt like best fit. When I visited campus, I attended a sample class taught by core faculty Avi Seidmann and from my interactions with faculty, and prospective students in a classroom setting, I left feeling like I truly belonged at Simon.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
My sense of humor. We all work very hard, but I also think balance is important so when I see fit I try to make my classmates laugh even in very stressful times.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have seen Drake perform 5 times in 6 years.
Post-MBA career interests?
Post MBA I’m looking to transition into a marketing role at a company with a strong leadership development program.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely visit schools I was interested in. School visits give so much insight to the culture of the community and I wanted to be a place where I knew I could be my authentic self.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I believe everything happens for a reason so if I could go back the only thing I would change is trying to stress a lot less than I did during the process.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT and GRE! Tutors helped me get through and my friends and family were very supportive. They understood my goals and helped me remain sane on days I felt I couldn’t do it.
What is your initial impression of Simon’s students/culture/community?
The community is very close, and the alumni are dedicated to helping current students. I was surprised by the amount of support I received from current students and alumni before even stepping foot on campus.
One thing you have learned about Simon that has surprised you?
For very analytical school, there is a big priority on developing soft skills. There is a huge emphasis on understanding and improving your communication style to better facilitate team work. I really like that about Simon.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
In addition to having time to balance academics, a social life and my job search I’m very concerned about surviving the winter in Rochester.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to keep getting to know more of my classmates past surface level. The class of 2020 from my observations so far is very dynamic. We all come from very diverse backgrounds and I’m excited to immerse myself in the community and learn more about the gems each classmate has to offer. I am looking forward to exploring Rochester, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and trying things I never have before.
