Alissa Del Toro, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 30 years old
Hometown: Margate, FL, USA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Cornell University, Biological Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 8 years, Tech
Why did you make the decision to attend business school?
Why now? I come from an engineering background and had limited insights into the business world. After these last few years in Tech (especially in leadership roles), I realized I wanted to scale my impact, but in a more global and sustainable way, and came to the conclusion that an MBA with the right faculty, students and culture would enable me to do so.
Why did you choose LBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Social issues, such as health and education, are not restricted to one region, country or community. It was of utmost importance for me to select a business school that would discuss and tackle these global challenges using a variety of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. London Business School (LBS) has not only the diversity, curriculum and the connections needed to become a trailblazer in my respective industry, it is a trailblazer itself!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
LBS has a track record of bringing diverse people with deep expertise together. My contribution to the MBA 2023 class is being the catalyst for innovation and “out of the box” thinking. I have had broad exposure to a multitude of industries, geographies, roles and systems, allowing me to bridge folks, create collaborations, and surface revolutionary ideas. From teaching algebra to transforming supply chains for government agencies, I’m able to see the connections needed to get from point A to point B, and I will dedicate the next two years to enable my classmates to reach their goals.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
In my spare time, I enjoy getting creative. I have a dream of building an immersive art installation here in the UK before I graduate.
Post-MBA career interests:
Venture Capital, Entrepreneurship
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely talk to everyone and anyone from the prospective school – regardless of if they have similar interests or not. You’d be surprised about how much you learn about new and exciting activities that you’d not think of from said people, especially those who are hailing from completely different industries and such. This allows you to get a good idea of who would be in your class and better envision what your two years would look like.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I probably would have involved my support system (e.g. family, friends, mentors) sooner. It is important to craft your story, to know yourself, and get as much feedback throughout the application process. Doing it sooner gives you more time to get comfortable with storytelling and discussing your MBA vision.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have loved to skip the waiting for decisions! Ha. It’s bizarre and unsettling. Get through it by staying active! For example, pick up a new hobby, immerse yourself in a great book series or, if you can, go on an amazing vacation. To keep myself distracted, I explored my new city of Berlin, including parks, museums and restaurants. Fun fact: Berlin has delicious burgers.
What is your initial impression of LBS’ students/culture/community?
I felt at home here. Shout out to the 2022 Student Ambassadors for making me feel welcomed!
What is one thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
The access. Access to companies, events, knowledge, people, ideas, cultures… the list is endless. As an LBS MBA, I knew I would be able to do a lot, but you feel like you can do anything and everything.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Yes, in that I wasn’t able to do my interview in person or go visit the school. However, LBS did a wonderful job of adapting to this structure to make us have the best virtual experience possible.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Being able to timebox. As I mentioned, there are so many events and activities that you can get involved in. You really have to prioritize your time. Never have I used my Google Calendar as much as I do now.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
To learn! I am most excited when I can have a lively debate about real world problems and how to solve them; that is what you get in the LBS classroom.
