Takunda Ndoro, Tuck’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 25
Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Maryland, College Park, B.A. Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Financial Services
Why business school? Why now?
Business school (especially at Tuck) is a great opportunity to experiment professionally. I chose to attend now because I knew what I wanted to try next, and I wanted to strike while the iron was hot.
Why Dartmouth/Tuck School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
In the infancy of my MBA preparations, I spoke to several top MBA grads about their respective programs to get an idea of where I’d best fit.
Out of the entire group, Tuck’s alumni were the only ones who spoke about the kind of tight-knit, empathetic, and collaborative environment that I thrive in. This piqued my interest and I was then hooked after my first in-person visit, as I got to see firsthand just how involved and open Tuckies are.
My biggest grad school fear was just being a statistic. Tuck showed me early I would not be one.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I am a self-described cultural chameleon who has lived and traveled pretty much everywhere. I’ve had to bridge a lot of social gaps in my life, so I’m familiar with being outside of my comfort zone and sharing unusual perspectives in unusual places.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
In the two years before Tuck, I took acting classes in New York City. Last Fall, I was cast in an American Express commercial. Don’t ask me which one, ha!
Post-MBA career interests?
I am interested in Marketing and Sales, in either an in-house or a consulting capacity. I love the idea of helping a business optimize their consumer strategy.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Being vulnerable. I believe I was successful because I put my whole self into my Tuck application.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have applied only to the schools where I knew I’d be a good personal fit, as opposed to casting a wide net for the sake of optionality. I am at Tuck, so my strategy worked—but it did so at the expense of a lot of time and energy.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Visiting each school I applied to. It is a necessity—but it’s not easy when balancing a full-time workload. Imagining myself a year from then, doing something like this, gave me the energy to continue.
What is your initial impression of Tuck’s students/culture/community?
Walking through Tuck Hall for the first time brought about a sense of history and pedigree. It is intimidating, but when you start talking to people here you realize there is a lot more to this place than meets the eye. There really is something for everyone here.
One thing you have learned about Tuck that has surprised you?
The academic thoroughness. I was an Economics major who worked at an investment bank for four years, so I was familiar with the topics in our core curriculum. However, I did not realize just how deep into the material we would go. Tuck’s academics can be a challenge, but they will make you more competitive in the long run.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about having to decide where to go for my summer internship. We have access to so many great places to work and build a network this summer, having to pick just one will be difficult.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Skiing! I am going to be the first of my very southern African family to put on a ski jacket and hit the slopes. I’m thinking of asking one of my videographer classmates to document the experience, falls, and all.
