Alexandra Wassink, Chicago Booth’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 25
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: I went to the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business, where I had emphases in Finance and Accounting.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): I spent 3 years in Wealth Management at J.P. Morgan (Private Bank).
Why business school? Why now?
I loved the advisory and relationship management aspect of my prior role in Wealth Management, but wanted to apply these in a more technical environment. Working within Wealth Management for three years gave me enough time to explore the financial industry as a whole and confirm that I am interested in pivoting into investment banking. I decided to apply to business school to tone up my quantitative skills and fill in the gaps in my experience.
Why Chicago Booth? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
There were a few main points that drew me to Booth over other schools. The predominant factor was its flexible curriculum. Going into the MBA program, there were certain skills that I wanted to strengthen, and the flexible curriculum allows me to build a heavily quantitative course load to meet my future career goals. Additionally, Booth is well-known in the finance industry for its data-driven approach to learning. This paired well with my desire to further develop my analytical mindset.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Often, I think empathy gets overlooked and underappreciated in the business world, and especially finance. But every job in finance is ultimately a “sales” job and emotional intelligence can get you far. I’m empathetic – and it not only affects how I interact with others but also my work product. Recognizing how others feel, i.e. clients, managers, peers, propels me to consistently deliver my work quickly and accurately.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I geek out over music and love collecting vinyl records. All of my friends make fun of me for somehow bringing up music into far too many conversations. Once upon a time, I stole all of my dad’s classic rock records and my vinyl obsession began. More than happy to debate you on the best albums of all time (hint: they’re almost all from the 60s and 70s!).
Post-MBA career interests?
Following my MBA, I would love to work as an investment banking associate.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Throughout the application process, I tried to let my true personality show through, when appropriate. This came across in some of my essays, interviews, and overall interactions with the school. Instead of trying to fit into a mold of what I thought a school wanted, I tried to showcase how I would enhance the community.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
If I could do anything differently, I would have reached out to more existing students during the application process to hear their stories and reflections.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think the hardest part of the application process is the time in between your application drop, your interviews, and then decisions. It’s hard to wait, especially when you’re so excited about knowing whether you got in. Running and spin classes helped me decompress and get my mind off the admissions process.
What is your initial impression of Chicago Booth’s students/culture/community?
I am continually humbled by how impressive, genuine, and kind everyone is. During orientation and the first few weeks of classes, I have met countless groups of new people and have enjoyed every single conversation I’ve had – truly.
One thing you have learned about Chicago Booth that has surprised you?
That I learn something new during every interaction that I have – whether it be with a professor during class, a co-chair of the many clubs, or a peer in a casual conversation. Every touchpoint brings new knowledge and I’m trying to soak it all in.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about doing everything that I want to do, whether that be academically, socially, or professionally. You have a finite time in the program and there is always an opportunity cost when you decide how to use your time. But it’s exhilarating!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about both building relationships with my classmates and recruiting. There are so many clubs on campus, and I joined, admittedly, far too many. I can’t wait to fully immerse myself into the Booth community.
