Maximiliano Olivares, UCLA Anderson MBA Class of 2021
Age: 26
Hometown: Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Cornell University, BSc. Applied Economics & Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Cloud Technology Sales
Why business school? Why now?
I believe business school is the perfect opportunity to make a transition to a role you could otherwise not obtain if you are not in that specific function. Over time working in technology sales, I realized that I really enjoyed the client-facing aspect of my role, but I lacked a more technical skill set that this role could not provide. I enjoyed working in the Technology industry, but I wanted to focus more on the financial advisory of impacting growth companies rather than simply selling software/hardware.
After spending almost 4 years with the same company and in the same function, I felt that it was time to make a career switch sooner rather than later. With my experience working with enterprise clients in sales and obtaining a skillset in negotiation and market research, I think now is the perfect time to be in business school to make a transition.
Why UCLA Anderson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was always considering going back to the east coast after having spent 4 years in San Francisco, especially since most finance jobs are in NY, but I felt at ease after spending almost an entire week on campus when I attended Embracing Diversity Weekend. Overall, I felt that current students at Anderson always encouraged me throughout the application process and referred me to others who had successfully pivoted to my careers of interest, so I had a chance to get a better understanding of Anderson’s career resources.
The Parker Career Center is very supportive with any career moves we are looking to make, and they have the resources/connections necessary to guide you in that process. Given my interest in tech banking, I discovered that the Parker Center has great relationships with investment banks in San Francisco where most Tech groups are located, which made it easier to finalize my decision.
From an educational point of view, I ultimately wanted to gain new perspectives and experiences from different topics in technology, entrepreneurship, and finance that would allow me to succeed in my future endeavors.
I believe UCLA Anderson has the necessary resources in finance, tech and entrepreneurship that encouraged me to apply, such as the Fink Center for Finance & Investments, the Easton Technology Management Center, and the Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Compared to other business programs, UCLA Anderson’s class size of 350 is a lot more manageable to get to know people at a deeper level. Coming from a small high school and later going to a large university, I noticed that I enjoyed being part of a smaller and more tight-knit group.
I still have access to the larger city of LA if I ever want to venture out, so I find it to be the best of both worlds. Additionally, I am only about 4 hours away from my hometown in Mexico, so I always have a chance to go back and visit my family.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I was fortunate to grow up in a border town between Mexico and the US with different cultures that shaped my worldview. This has put me in a unique position where I can be the mediator between different groups of people. I’ve always had great rapport both with people who only speak Spanish and with those who only speak English, and I enjoy connecting groups together.
Additionally, through my involvement in Latin-American identity clubs in college and at work, I found an appreciation for creating a strong sense of community given the under-representation of minority leaders in the workplace. As a Consortium Fellow, I look forward to working with UCLA Anderson on D&I initiatives for both underrepresented minorities and women.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’ve always lived in areas that are close to wine regions, which has attracted me to the industry and beverage. Living in Baja California, Ithaca, and San Francisco, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Valle De Guadalupe, the Finger Lakes, Napa and Sonoma.
Additionally, I took a Wine Class at Cornell that allowed me to learn more about the different varieties and regions across the world. I’m excited to live in LA and be part of the Anderson Wine Club, where we recently had the chance to enjoy a nice sunset with some wine at our Yacht Party.
Post-MBA career interests?
Technology Investment Banking
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely attend as many coffee chat events in your area to get to know current students or Alumni. I felt that I was able to get a better sense of what each MBA program offers, along with details on the student life. You want to make sure you get the real scoop on the campus that you can’t get from just looking at a school’s website.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently is focus more on a few applications and not try to feel rushed about applying to every school in the first round. I applied to about 8 schools in the first round, which can be very time consuming and you may not have great ideas for certain essays if you don’t start on time. Make sure you have your thoughts and ideas for your essays early on if you are going to attempt to apply to all your schools in one round.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped dropping money on so many GMAT prep materials and flight tickets to visit schools if I could. Realistically, it is worth it to visit schools and attend a class to get an idea of what it’s like, so you most likely don’t want to skip on that. For the GMAT, I definitely think it’s worth to invest in certain prep materials, but I would have focused on a select few rather than try out several different products. Not all of them are created equally. My paycheck and my vision of a new career helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of UCLA Anderson’s students/culture/community?
I admire how open people are, whether it’s socially, culturally, or academically. People are willing to share success and be accessible for any kind of help. I am also impressed by how laid-back students are, but at the same time deceptively smart. I’ve seen people be able to balance many things at the same time and still get the best grades, which I envy. Additionally, sections are very inclusive all around and we always co-mingle for any kind of social event. Being in LA also allows us to have access to more employers and events outside of Anderson that we can take advantage of.
One thing you have learned about UCLA Anderson that has surprised you?
I am surprised by how invested Anderson and its students are in entrepreneurship. I expected that the majority of people would be recruiting for traditional careers, such as Investment Banking, Consulting, and Tech. We definitely have a large amount of people in that boat, but we have a good group of people focused on working in startups, being a founder, or joining VC. The UCLA Anderson Venture Accelerator allows many students to leverage UCLA’s resources to enable the success of their startups.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The hardest thing so far has been balancing schoolwork, recruiting, and social activities. Traveling to recruit has been time consuming so I have to make sure to stay on top of everything outside of that. Hopefully once I find the right fit for my internship, I’ll be able to relax and everything else should fall into place. I’ve found it easier to be at peace with myself knowing that I won’t be able to go to every event I want to, but that things will pay off.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Having more free time to explore new hobbies is something that’s on my list. UCLA offers many resources outside of business school to try out different activities. Once recruiting is done, there are a number of trips and treks that I am interested in going to that are out of the country. I am also excited to continue meeting new people from different background and interests as well explore what LA has to offer. There are many opportunities that LA and UCLA offer in the entertainment space, and I am looking forward to my time here these next two years.
