Laura Cansanção Cruz, Rochester Simon MBA Class of 2024
Age: 30
Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Civil Engineering, Santa Ursula University
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Over 6 years in Supply Chain
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Having international experience was always a dream for me. After a one-year exchange program in the USA that I thoroughly enjoyed, I was certain that this was the place I wanted to earn my MBA. Working in an innovative and diverse market would bring numerous benefits for me as a professional, and all this starts with an MBA. The MBA is the natural step for leadership and professional development, accelerating my career and providing global exposure.
Why did you choose Rochester Simon? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
After researching Simon and talking to alumni about the program, I felt that Simon would be a perfect fit for my career’s goals for multiple reasons. First, the analytical and finance-driven mindset would prepare me to face industry challenges. I look forward to immersing myself in the quantitative rigor of the program. Additionally, Simon would provide me opportunities to network with my target companies. Besides that, from a personal perspective, I have been part of the Simon community even before applying to the program, given that my husband and brother-in-law have both been a part of the same program, and I could see first-hand the impact of this small and tight community and how it has helped foster close bonds. The sense of belonging is exceptionally high, and members strengthen each other and collaborate to achieve their career goals. Lastly, the diverse backgrounds of the Simon cohort will not only give me perspective on different cultures but also equip me with the knowledge and skills to navigate a post-MBA career at a company with a global presence and diverse workforce.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
Simon is excellent at picking the right candidates for the MBA program, making sure that all MBA candidates have strong work experiences, leadership skills, and can positively contribute to the Simon community. I believe my discipline, my teamwork skills, and my strong commitment to my career will make a positive contribution to the Class of 2024. Additionally, I have a lot to share with my Simon colleagues, not only about my relevant work experience but also my journey as an athlete, which taught me a lot about the value of building a team-friendly environment. 
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I used to be a professional water-polo player as a goalkeeper. I was an athlete on the Brazilian National team, and I had the opportunity to compete in international championships, such as the world championship in Russia. As a professional, I developed teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership skills, which have been essential in my professional career.
Post-MBA career interests:
I plan on pursuing my career in Operations and Supply-Chain
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
During my application process, I was able to actively interact with current students, who had gone through the same application process and then I could get a better understanding of all important aspects of the recruiting process and what I should focus on while choosing the best school for me. Therefore, I would recommend getting in touch with people to hear about their experiences and try to visualize yourself from a similar perspective.
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I decided to apply for the MBA quite late, and because of that, my process was under a tight deadline. Having started my application process earlier would have enabled me to showcase my experience and abilities better. The sooner you apply, the greater the chances of getting a higher scholarship.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Writing the essays was the toughest part for me. While researching the ideal format for the MBA essays and how to write the perfect essay, you end up reading multiple examples from other people who are very different from you in terms of experience and background and while it gives great insights, it can also be time-consuming without any value addition. What I would recommend is to focus on your own story and keep in mind that the school is looking for candidates with a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds.
What is your initial impression of the Rochester Simon students/culture/community?
Because I have two family members who went to Simon (Classes of ’18and ’23), I had the opportunity to get a lot of insights and great recommendations about the program and the community even before the classes started. Nonetheless, I can confirm that every positive aspect of the program that I heard about is true. The culture is unique, and the small community quickly brings a sense of belonging.
What is one thing you have learned about Rochester Simon that has surprised you?
Something that stood out for me since my first interaction was that Simon’s community is collaborative, diverse, and provides an open and friendly environment/culture where you can pursue leadership positions to improve your skill set, give back to Simon, and be part of the community.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Before starting the pre-fall courses and getting back to the class routine, I was anxious about the language barrier. Being a non-native English speaker made me think I would have a hard time following the rigorous curriculum at Simon, but the collaborative and inclusive environment at the school has been extremely helpful and helped me work on this barrier.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Besides the expectation of learning and acquiring business knowledge at Simon, I was also excited about the recruiting process and leveraging the Simon platform and alumni to get the summer internship offer. Fortunately, at this point, I already have a summer offer from a Fortune 500 company. Having Simon people advise and help me prepare for the interview was crucial for my success in the process.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Because of COVID-19 the visa process became more complex, and it took more time to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy. Therefore, it took me more time than expected to go over the visa process, and because of that, I recommend the process be started as soon as possible in case it still impacts any specific country.
