Jimena Martinez, OSU Fisher’s MBA Class of 2024
Age: 23
Hometown: Mexico City
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign / Agricultural Consumer Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):1 year of work experience in the security industry
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After talking to people within my target companies and roles, I realized I wanted to elevate my business acumen and explore the areas of consulting and brand management. It was the right time for me since I felt I needed the knowledge to continue progressing in my career.
Why did you choose OSU Fisher? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
During my recruiting process, the admissions team was very welcoming and helpful. Besides that, the program organization and emphasis on experiential learning drew my attention and eventually lead me toward applying for the full-time program.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I think my experience of having worked and lived in very different environments and countries allows me to bring in a different perspective on problems and their solutions. As well as having the ability to transfer my resiliency skill into a business setting and learning from every opportunity I encounter.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
The first job I wanted coming out of high school was event planning.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am interested in strategy and brand management roles within the food and beverage CPG industry
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would engage in recruiting programs like webinars and workshops that Fisher College of Business offers its prospective students.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently? 
At Fisher we have an event called Red Carpet weekend which serves as an engagement opportunity for incoming first-years to get to know faculty and some of their future classmates. If I had the chance, I would attend the event and get to know faculty and other students sooner.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The hardest part for me was balancing MBA program applications and work. It seemed that for a period of time, I was doing it all at once: writing and proofing essays, studying for admission exams, and implementing projects at work. The idea that all my efforts were going to eventually pay off is what helped me push through the busy times, as well as being organized and prioritizing my tasks.
What is your initial impression of the OSU Fisher students/culture/community?
The community here at Fisher and Ohio State is very welcoming. As a first year I can confidently say that all the resources to succeed have been made available to me, as well as a very strong support system composed of my fellow classmates, second-year MBAs, alumni, and faculty.
What is one thing you have learned about OSU Fisher that has surprised you?
The thing that has surprised me the most is the emphasis that professors and other faculty put on connecting every class, lesson, and workshop to a concept we will be using once we graduate. Overall, the class content is very-hands on and focused on the long- and short-term impact it will have on the student. As well as the different student organizations and how they can benefit and enhance our experience here a Fisher.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The thing that I consider a stressor as of now is, the expectation and need to have an internship for summer of 2023. During my undergraduate time there was enough time to dedicate solely to job search. Here at Fisher, it all seems to be happening at the same time and very fast.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about connecting with other fellow students and getting the chance to hear their professional and personal experiences. As well as, gaining a different perspective on best business practices and having the opportunity to apply them in an environment that is conducive to learning.
