Aysan Rafiei, Carroll MBA Class of 2022
Age: 28
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Undergraduate Institution and Major: My undergraduate was in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tehran and I have a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from Northeastern University.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years in the consulting industry.
Why business school? Why now?
I wanted to learn how businesses are run and how I can capitalize on the resources to create valuable products and services for society. This is the right time because I have the technical and academic background as well as the work experience. Given that information technology is changing so quickly, I want to be part of creating the future.
Why Carroll? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Carroll School like some other schools has a diverse community. However, the diverse students at Carroll School of Management unify to make the strongest community which is the main differentiating factor between Carroll school and the other schools.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
My cultural background, work training, and knowledge of consulting give me a unique perspective.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
According to my friends, I have a good singing voice.
Post-MBA career interests?
My goal is to become a management consultant.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely speak with current students and alumni. The students are the best representatives of the culture and values of any school.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have attended as many events as possible at Carroll School before starting school.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
There isn’t really anything that I would have skipped.
What is your initial impression of Carroll’s students/culture/community?
It took no time to make new friends and feel welcomed.
One thing you have learned about Carroll that has surprised you?
I was surprised about how quickly the school is helping me find my internship in the exact right industry.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Ever since I entered the Carroll School, I’m no longer anxious because I know that I have made the best choice of investment, choosing Carroll School of Management.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to apply my learning to my internship and apply the learning from the internship to my future courses.
