Sebastian Galindo, UNC Kenan-Flagler’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 27
Hometown: Mexico City
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico (ITAM). Major in economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years of experience. In my last role, I was a senior consultant at Deloitte Mexico.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I have always wanted to pursue an MBA as part of my career plan. One of my life goals is to positively impact many people in different fields in the short and long term. Having an MBA is the best way to combine that positive impact with something I want to do professionally: I am passionate about finance.
In addition, I am a person who believes in the potential of what people with different perspectives can achieve when they work together. I have always sought to learn from people who are different than me. The idea applies, among other areas, to being an excellent professional. From my perspective, a great leader who solves complex problems needs a global vision. In this sense, it seemed like a great idea to try to study outside my home country.
I came to a point in my career where I felt that I was not reaching the full potential of my learning. Many of the activities I did in my previous position were managerial, so I already knew my impact was limited, even with a promotion. So, I decided to apply for an MBA
Why did you choose UNC Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted to be part of a tight knit community and a collaborative environment, where I would give the best of myself, knowing that my classmates are looking to achieve common goals, but from different perspectives. I really identify with UNC Kenan-Flagler’s core values: Excellence, Leadership, Integrity, Inclusion, Community, and Teamwork. When I talked to the UNC Kenan-Flagler community through the recruiting process, I always found kind and responsive people aligned with helping me achieve my goals. The importance that UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School is putting on inclusion was crucial for me. Also, Chapel Hill is a great place to live.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I love staying at airports and having connecting flights. There, I can watch the interaction of different people and cultures.
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to transition into Investment Banking, focusing on Latin America.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Believe in yourself. The process itself is very stressful. All the time, questions arise in your mind: Are your essays good enough? How will your application look compared to others? How good or bad is your GMAT score? To avoid worrying those questions, keep in mind what you have done and your goals. There are no good or bad stories; everyone has something important to bring to the table.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Finish and apply one or two days before the deadline. Waiting until the last day is very stressful.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The time between the interview and the day the decisions are released. For me, it was a little bit more than a month. However, there is no way to skip it.
What is your initial impression of the UNC Kenan-Flagler students/culture/community?
Great people. I am amazed at the dynamics of teamwork and how quickly each person, under the guidance of the teachers, has been able to find their strengths and create a more efficient environment to complete the different tasks to be carried out. I am thrilled to have seen very open people willing to get involved and commit.
What is one thing you have learned about UNC Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
The support and guidance I have received to follow my goals, academically and professionally. I knew I would find that support by deciding to attend this program, so I am not surprised it exists. What does surprise me is that it is so tailor-made. Many resources are available.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how? Despite hearing many good references from virtual classes, I wanted my MBA experience to be face-to-face or hybrid. Fortunately, and thanks to the efforts of different people from all university levels, my face-to-face experience has been excellent. I am confident that I can attend classes without posing a significant risk to my health.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Keeping up with the fast pace and the academic rigor of the program. It is a significant challenge, but I’m sure that I can overcome it by leveraging the UNC Kenan-Flagler community.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Keep getting to know all my colleagues, both academically and socially. Secure my internship for the summer and support whoever needs it in whatever way I can. Also, attend sports events.
