Real Humans of Rochester Simon’s MBA Class of 2025

Corey D. Radzyminski, Rochester Simon Business School MBA Class of 2025

Age: 27
Hometown: Albany, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: SUNY Geneseo – B.S. in Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Six years of work experience in banking. I started as a bank teller and call center employee at KeyBank. After graduating undergrad, I completed KeyBank’s corporate rotational analyst program in technology and operations. After my rotations, I spent the next three years implementing projects/solutions as a lead business systems analyst, project manager and scrum master in the fraud, digital, operations and commercial banking spaces. My last year of professional experience was with FinTech Laurel Road where I was a Technical Product Manager.

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now? 
Pursuing an MBA has been a goal of mine since I was in undergrad. I am a planner and always thought I would get my MBA after five years of working. I waited a bit longer because I loved the work I was doing and the company I was working for. Part-time and online programs were not the best fit for me. Personally, I felt it was now or never to attend a full-time program and really wanted to get back into a classroom to further develop myself.

Why did you choose Simon Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
There are two main features that drew me to Simon – the focus on data and analytics through its highly-ranked STEM-designated program; as well as the School’s relatively small class size with top-ranked diversity. I was also impressed with every interaction I had with admissions and current students. Compared to other schools I had applied to, I felt such a personal touch with Simon that I continue to feel as a student.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025? 
My most valuable contribution is my positivity. Every classmate or colleague I pass on campus I try and say hello and brighten their day. Additionally, I use positivity to enhance interpersonal relationships and solve complex problems.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application.
I love freshwater and saltwater fishing. In my family, fishing is what we do together in the summer or when we go on vacations. What I love about fishing is being on the water, never knowing what you will catch, and the conversations with family and friends. My favorite place I’ve gone fishing is Ketchikan, Alaska – I even caught a few salmon! Over the past years while living in St. Petersburg, Florida, I fished in an incredible fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Pictured here is a 20-pound gag grouper that I caught.

Post-MBA career interests
Consulting, sales, and pricing.

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Visit the schools that you are seriously considering attending. I am so glad I took the time to visit campuses – it’s a great opportunity to interact with admissions and current students, plus you get to familiarize yourself with the school community and surrounding areas. 

–What is one thing you would change or do differently? 
If I could go back, I would start the application process sooner! My recommendation is to make connections with the admissions office, students and alumni and get the application started. Submitting an application starts the process and allows you to really understand the different options that are available from each school.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? 
I wish I didn’t spend so much time researching different essays for MBA applications. Application essays should showcase who you are as a candidate. It helped me to realize that there is no perfect format, and it is better to be as authentic as possible in these essays.

What is your initial impression of the Simon students/culture/community? 
Simon is top-rated for its diversity and it truly shows. I have been blown away by my classmates’ cultural and professional backgrounds. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis at Simon on being there for one another – which I felt during the application process and now as a student. 

What is one thing you have learned about Simon that has surprised you? 
The fact that everyone is so willing to help one another! For example, my girlfriend and I moved to Rochester from St. Petersburg, Florida. Simon staff took time out of their days to tell us about the different school districts in the area since my girlfriend is an elementary school teacher, as well recommend great places to live. Also, The Simon Partners Club is a great way for students’ spouses and children to network, socialize, and integrate into the MBA program.

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year? 
After being out of the classroom for six years, I am most anxious about tapping into skills I have not used in a long time. Additionally, there is a lot to balance while pursuing an MBA, including academics, recruitment, and personal life.

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year? 
I am so excited to see where I end up for my summer internship. I feel like the MBA program has allowed me to hit the reset button and start fresh. I get so excited when researching companies that I might end up joining. I look forward to attending different career conferences, as well as meeting with companies that come to campus.