Fatima Albassam, HBS MBA Class of 2021

Age: 26
Hometown: Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Richmond, Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, business development and investments; 2 years (part-time), non-profit; 1.5 years (part-time), social enterprise.

Why business school? Why now?
After organizing and leading several volunteering trips and co-founding a social enterprise, I was able to fully confirm that social impact and innovation is where I wanted my career to move towards to. I realized, however, that in order to create something even more impactful and scalable in the future, I would need to further develop my leadership skills and gain a broader global outlook. And though hands-on experience is a great way to do that, I wanted to be in an environment that facilitated those learnings while being surrounded by some of the brightest and most driven individuals I could encounter in one place.

Why HBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Talking to several students and alumni, I realized that the skills and knowledge that are gained through the case method are unparalleled. During my two years, I would read over 500 cases enabling me to learn about different industries and geographies. The method also teaches valuable skills such as managing uncertainty and both being open to and defending different viewpoints.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I am a Saudi Arabian woman that has had a rich experience since graduating from undergrad. I have engaged and collaborated with some of the best companies in the world and simultaneously served and learned from some of the most vulnerable communities in the world. I also have built a strong track record of not only participating in my communities but also actively working on taking them to the next level.

Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I taught myself how to make high quality pizza from scratch and eventually opened a pizza place in my hometown with my brother.

Post-MBA career interests? 
I am using these two years to learn more about social impact and what I would like my contribution to be, but I am currently leaning towards economic and community development.

Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be genuine and true to myself in everything that I did and wrote down.

–One thing you would change or do differently?
I can be a perfectionist sometimes. Looking back, I realize I stressed way too much about the essay.

–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Definitely the GMAT. What helped me get through it is giving myself enough time to prepare for the test without needing to overwhelm myself in a short amount of time.

What is your initial impression of HBS’s students/culture/community? 
In terms of the students, everyone I have met so far has been open, easy to talk to and has had a rich experience to share. As for the school, it has created a supportive environment that wants to see its students grow and flourish during their two years and beyond.

One thing you have learned about HBS that has surprised you?
That it promotes well-being, spending time with family, and other important activities over schoolwork. It is a school that is in touch with reality and realizes that while discipline and focus are important, studying should not take you away from other equally important things.

Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I tend to stretch myself thin committing to too many activities. There’s so much going on every day that I hope I will be able to properly prioritize and choose wisely.

Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Learning about different industries and experiences from both the cases I will be reading and my classmates.