Cristina Margarita Diaz Corrada, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2021
Age: 28
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Boston University Questrom School of Business, B.S.B.A. in Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Upon graduating from Boston University, I joined Staples in the Supply Chain and Logistics Rotational Program. Throughout my 6 years with the company, I ascended to various roles in operations, logistics and automation, which afforded me the privilege of understanding the complexities and interrelationships of a multinational end-to-end global supply chain.
Why business school? Why now?
I loved my role at Staples, but pursuing an MBA has always been part of my 10-year post-undergrad plan. It was a good time to sharpen my toolset.
Why Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
McDonough’s pragmatic approach toward ethical and principled leadership captivated my curiosity – this was a top reason why I chose to pursue an MBA at McDonough. Other factors that influenced my decision were the depth and reach of the alumni network, expertise of Career Center advisors, and class employment rates post-MBA.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
In addition to my in-depth supply chain expertise, I am an inquisitive individual who seeks to understand different points of view to synthesize a compromise.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I was the captain of my high school’s varsity basketball team – Go Blue Bees!
Post-MBA career interests?
I’d like to go back to the supply chain field with a focus in logistics and transportation management.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
—One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit my top MBA programs. Taking time off work can be difficult, but I can’t emphasize enough the importance of visiting target programs. I knew right away when I stepped into a classroom that McDonough was the right fit for me.
—One thing you would change or do differently?
Leveraging more resources in the community to help me prepare for MBA applications. For example, MBA preparation programs such as the Forté Foundation’s MBA Launch or MLT’s MBA Prep Accelerated could have streamlined the application process.
—Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I could have gone without taking the GRE, but chocolate-covered almonds and a positive attitude kept me going!
What is your initial impression of Georgetown McDonough’s students/culture/community?
My initial impression of Georgetown McDonough students is of true camaraderie; we leverage each other’s strengths to arrive at the goal together. There have been numerous times when my cohort peers or team members have taken the time to explain a concept I could not grasp, even when it meant they would take longer to finish the assignment. As for the community, I am impressed with the frequent and diverse events going on around campus all the time.
One thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
Everyone in the administrative staff knows your name and your background. Expect a very personalized experience with folks who truly care about your success. We even have a professor who will call out student birthdays during class.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Finding time to do everything that I want to accomplish. In the midst of studying for 5 classes, attending interesting events like the 2020 Climate Change Forum, taking part in 7 different clubs, and competing in 2 case competitions, time is flying by too fast.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting one step closer to understanding my intrinsic motivators and concretely identifying the impact I wish to pursue in this world.
