Oliver Montas Rodriguez, HEC MBA Class of 2020
Age: 31
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Undergraduate Institution and Major: PUCMM, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 9 years of work experience in Corporate Finance, Quantitative Finance, and Capital Markets Infrastructure.
Why business school? Why now?
I feel that at this point in my career I have achieved the correct balance of technical expertise, work experience, maturity, and perspective in life to understand and develop productive and positive relationships. Hence why B-School is the perfect place to interact with high-performing individuals from diverse backgrounds and realize my potential.
Why HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
HEC Paris has a global recognition of academic excellence, knowledge production, and cross-industry innovation in the fields of engineering, business and public service. All these facets fit perfectly with my interests. Also, it has a proven track record of career services and grants exposure to world-class faculty. Lastly, the Admissions team was very forthcoming and gave a pleasant human touch to the process.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think that I bring very specific industry knowledge, with yet-to-be-discovered transversal application.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
As child I dreamed of becoming a scientist.
Post-MBA career interests?
I believe that the development of markets allows a more efficient trade of goods and services, which in turn fosters a more proper distribution of wealth. Furthermore, I am interested in deploying my knowledge in the rising wave of digital transformation in the industry.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Discuss with mentors and relatives the aspirations of an MBA, as part of a bigger picture of career and personal objectives.
One thing you would change or do differently?
Have a more focused school search.
Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The standardized tests. Plan ahead. It is fun ride next to work responsibilities.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris culture/community?
The diversity in professional and geographical background of the alumnus.
One thing you have learned about HEC Paris that has surprised you?
The French touch despite the international presence.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Not being able to take advantage of ALL the resource available at HEC Paris and also absorb the magic of Paris.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited about complementing my professional profile with knowledge gleaned from classmates about topics horizontal to my career.
