Steve DeSandis, MIT Sloan MBA Class of 2021
Age: 30
Hometown: Emmaus, PA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Penn State University, BS Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 years in industrial manufacturing equipment, mostly focused in the steel Industry; 5 years in international development/public health/vaccine cold chain
Why business school? Why now?
Business school was on my radar since undergrad, but the “why” was unclear beyond some general goals of making more money and the opportunity for upward mobility. After a few years of working, I was tempted to apply to b-school, but was reluctant to walk away from the impact-oriented work my company provided, including the opportunity to manage my team.
I also hadn’t answered my own “why” for taking a two-year hiatus from a paycheck. I decided to stay on longer than expected to further my company’s mission and gain management experience, as I believed gaining this real-world experience would provide a solid foundation prior to formal schooling through an MBA.
Ultimately, the “why” became clear, in that I wanted to sharpen the skills I had learned on the job while taking a step back to investigate other industries, assessing where I wanted to find purpose in my work.
Why Sloan? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Sloan offers the right mix of b-school rigor with opportunities to be flexible in exploring entrepreneurship and innovation at one of the world’s greatest technology universities. Sloan’s proximity to leading scientists and engineers makes the prospect of creating a new venture, or simply learning about cutting-edge technology, a reality and not just a dream.
Additionally, the numerous classes and clubs focused on social impact and technologies for global development are well aligned with my post-MBA goals. The caliber of students at many top-tier business schools is impressive, but Sloanies stood out to me in their humility and willingness to help fellow and prospective students. Speaking with current students and exploring campus, I felt inspired and sense that this is where I could thrive during an MBA.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
My grounding in private sector engineering with years of experience in non-profit global development provides perspective into the essential role that both types of organizations play in improving people’s lives and the planet.
I hope to bring this balanced point of view to discussions surrounding the role of technology and its use in the advancement of commercial and social outcomes.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
After a conference in Kigali, Rwanda, a friend and I took a bus to the border town of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where we hiked the active volcano Mt. Nyiragongo. With us on the hike was a CNN film crew shooting a story about the beautiful, yet troubled, aspects of the DRC.
Beyond the mesmerizing lake of churning lava and friendly stories shared, I was taken by the kindness of our Congolese guides and the realities of life in DRC. They were both kind and thankful that we were visiting their country and learning about what it has to offer the world. This experience highlighted how country borders are often arbitrary lines, but our common humanity must unite us.
Post-MBA career interests?
I am inspired to continue working at the intersection of technology, business and social impact. Having worked on the non-profit, programmatic side of development, I wish to pivot back into the private sector to help build and grow companies that are creating value responsibly and sustainably for their customers and the planet. I would like to do this through a role at a socially conscious investment firm or by joining a startup.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Highlight what makes you unique/original. Every person has their own unique story that leads them to apply to an MBA. Reflect on yours and weave it together in a way that is memorable to admissions. As with most common advice from admission offices, just be yourself. Let the application reflect your drive and values.
When it came to Sloan’s video application, I found this “memorable” advice particularly relevant. Think creatively and out of the box, but don’t go overboard. Show the human-side of your application and how that personality will complement the next class of MBA students.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
As with most things in life, timing is everything. I waited longer than I expected to apply (8 years of work experience). While gaining more work experience may often help a business school application, the longer you wait, the harder it can be to make a life altering change.
In retrospect, I would have been more conscious of the implications and set expectations with myself and those closest to me. Going back to school requires a lot of support from your significant other, family and friends. Don’t forget who you are and who has helped you get to this point.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Working long hours and traveling internationally 50% of the time made studying for the GMAT miserable – I would have done just about anything to skip it.
After failing (3 times) to break the 700 ceiling with online courses, I finally got the score I wanted by taking an in-person class while living in Delhi, India. I should have better understood my preferred way of learning to avoid the repeated headache. Know your learning style, set a study routine, pick a test date and just get it done.
What is your initial impression of Sloan’s students/culture/community?
Humility and passion. Since my first campus visit, I have been struck by the personable, down-to-earth nature of every Sloanie I meet.
This humble vibe paired with a myriad of passions and “wicked” smarts sets Sloan apart. In the limited interactions I’ve had to date with my future classmates, I have seen this shine through, especially when it comes to “Sloanies helping Sloanies.”
Current students I had only met briefly, or just through email, were instrumental in helping me complete my application. I know this culture of mutual support will only continue and grow through my two years at Sloan and beyond.
One thing you have learned about Sloan that has surprised you?
When thinking about MIT, the world’s greatest engineers and scientists come to mind. However, I was fascinated to learn about the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, which draws some of the smartest minds and leaders in sports management today.
While I’m not angling to enter the sports industry, the fact that so many of my classmates have this passion, and MIT Sloan as an institution has such breadth of expertise, is both inspiring and impressive.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about balancing the plethora of opportunities and demands the Sloan program has to offer while staying true to my life and commitments outside of school. I’m doing my best to prepare for the b-school “fire hose,” and hope by planning ahead and setting realistic expectations I can keep my head above water.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the opportunity to pull-back from my focused work of the last few years and explore new industries and organizations. I am eager to seize the opportunity to learn from the wealth of knowledge and experiences my fellow Sloanies and faculty have to offer. Beyond this professional exploration, the core schoolwork will be a major focus.
Given my formal education is in engineering, this opportunity to sharpen my skill set in areas like finance and accounting will be invaluable. But most of all, I expect the network and personal connections to be a source of professional growth and personal fulfillment long after graduating from Sloan.
