Nomawethu Moyo, Yale SOM MBA Class of 2021
Age: 28
Hometown: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Undergraduate School and Major: Colby College, Environmental Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 years as a Senior Research Analyst at Industrial Economics, Inc., a small environmental economics consulting firm in Cambridge, MA.
Why business school? Why now?
I am enthusiastic about creating more circular economies. My ultimate goal is to contribute to building innovative business models that decouple growth from environmental degradation. In my previous job in environmental economics consulting where my clients were public agencies, I learned that public policies often take long to make a notable impact in the sustainability space.
I believe environmental-related business risks and opportunities are driving more efficient sustainability strategies within the private sector. The SOM MBA will help me pivot into working with or within corporations, to move towards more sustainable practices.
Why Yale? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First, Yale is a fascinating hub of intellectuals, practitioners, researchers, and diverse students with challenging questions and creative ideas. I so badly wanted to be a part of it! I saw Yale as a place where I would be challenged to grow, supported, and a school where I could make incredible personal and professional connections.
Second, Yale’s joint MBA/MEM program especially appealed to me as a way to combine my interests in the environment and business toward an impactful career in sustainability. This is important to me because I have a strong sense of social responsibility. I am committed to exploring ideas and opportunities that enable me to serve society while furthering my own career.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
My little sister is the most important human in my life. We were born nine years apart, and sometimes I’m more of a parent to her. She is talkative, hilarious (as in, she could give a career in comedy a serious shot), so considerate, beautiful, and very resilient.
Post-MBA career interests?
I have limited work experience, especially in the corporate space. In the short term, I hope to explore roles in consulting or other environments where I can get exposure to a variety of business problems and work with teams in coming up with multifaceted solutions to those challenges. In about a decade, I would love to be an executive in a cool company that has a sustainability-driven business model.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talking to current students about their SOM experiences – what’s great and what can be improved.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I’d take my GRE sooner than the Monday after Thanksgiving.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Taking the GRE – and my accountability buddies helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of Yale’s students/culture/community?
Diversity of thought is appreciated here!
One thing you have learned about Yale that has surprised you?
None yet.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Figuring out how to balance readings, assignments, actually learning, recruiting events, social events, and my mental health!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about Voices on Monday evenings, where students share a personal story, experience, or perspective. I’ve lived away from home since I was twelve and I tend to seek support in my immediate community, of which Voices helps build that.
