Oscar Donet, Rotman MBA Class of 2025
Oscar Donet, Rotman MBA Class of 2025Age: 32
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) – Economics and International Business
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Investors FX & Derivatives Associate Sales Trader at Interbank for 6 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I made the decision to apply for an MBA program because, after working for 6 years in FX Sales, it will complement my current background and experience in finance in a more holistic way. Given that I currently have senior experience in certain types of financial assets and commercial skills with institutional and corporate banking, having an MBA will encompass and reinforce my current abilities to the furthest potential, making me more competitive in local and international job markets. Also, the potential of meeting new people from different cultural and professional backgrounds was another main point in my decision-making. Having the MBA experience truly covers every aspect of your development.
Why did you choose Toronto Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Toronto because it’s one of the most diverse cities in the world. Having the possibility of meeting new people with different life experiences, cultural, and professional backgrounds is one of the main attractions of living in Toronto. Also, Toronto is one of the main financial capitals of North America and the potential to develop a career in finance is vastly strong. I chose Rotman School of Management because it offered me a full array of courses and workshops that can help me get to the next level professionally. For example, it has a Self-Development Laboratory (SDL) program built into the MBA program that teaches students techniques in decision-making strategies, and communicative and interpersonal skills. This type of uniqueness is what made me attend the program.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I believe that my current experience in FX markets gives me a distinct perspective on business cases and strategic solutions.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included in your application:
I love wine, knowing about it, and trying new types of wine from different parts of the world.
Post-MBA career interests:
I would like to pivot into the buy side (Asset/Wealth Management.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Always have a holistic focus on the application, not just on the academic/professional background. Be aware of the leadership qualities and soft skills that make you stand out.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would not get so worried about having the perfect application.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Applying for “big name” programs that actually were not aligned with where I wanted to be in the future.
What is your initial impression of the Toronto Rotman students/culture/community?
I am very pleased with my current Rotman experience so far. I had high expectations and they were actually met. The students are great people, with different experiences and backgrounds, who are always there to help you and to learn from one another. The Rotman culture is pretty fun and dynamic and entails a great community sense for students as well.
What is one thing you have learned about Toronto Rotman that has surprised you?
The positive disposition of the faculty, students, and alumni to help one another.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Trying to do great academically, without losing focus on the club’s main events and networking activities.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know new people from different backgrounds, cultures, and professional experiences. Being involved in clubs, learning new experiences, and discovering new likings.
