Rebecca Gatto, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2024
Rebecca Gatto, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2024Age: 31
Hometown: Troy, New York
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Emerson College, Boston, MA — MS in Print and Multimedia Journalism
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): I’ve had a lot of different roles in a variety of industries. The highlights have been my experience working as a reporter in print news, a producer for a morning news show at Spectrum News Albany, helping run campaigns for state politicians, and of course, starting my own wedding photography business in 2015.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak—when I was in elementary school, I used to sell handmade crafts at our neighborhood garage sales—so business school has always interested me. Then, in 2020, I was laid off from a marketing role I loved due to COVID-related disruption at the company. I was seven months pregnant at the time, and I decided I could either feel bad for myself or start working toward my goals. That’s when I started studying for the GMAT! Then, this past year, I lived in Bologna, Italy, while my husband earned his postgraduate degree. He loved it, and his success inspired me to send out my scores.
Why did you choose Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Cambridge Judge is unique in so many ways, but what attracted me most at first was the ability to concentrate on specific business areas, particularly the opportunity to think intentionally about business in a climate-focused context. Then, I realized that Judge also offers the rare combination of a one-year program with tons of hands-on experience.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
My experience is very broad, which means I have institutional knowledge about media and politics that gives me a unique perspective. I can help explain how news stations choose their stories, how lawmakers get elected, and what influences their actions once they’re in office—all things that business decision-makers need to understand.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
One of my photographs, made during a 2018 trip to Iceland, was exhibited at PH21 Gallery in Budapest, Hungary last year—my first international show!
Post-MBA career interests:
Climate technology and entrepreneurship. Anything that makes the world a better place for the next generation.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I reached out to some current and former students on LinkedIn, and they gave me helpful advice. I could also tell by talking to them that the culture at Judge would be a good fit for me, which gave me confidence during my interview.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I applied in the fourth round out of five, and I wish I had applied a little earlier. It was hard watching others get their acceptances and wondering if I would be lucky enough to join them!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
For me, the biggest academic hurdle was that I hadn’t used my GMAT math skills in a decade. I took a virtual Manhattan Prep course at night, and that absolutely made the difference in my scores. I could not have done it alone.
What is your initial impression of the Cambridge Judge students/culture/community?
Everyone I’ve encountered so far seems friendly, kind, and excited to get to work. People are already organizing meetups, planning events, and recruiting for everything from special interest groups to the rugby team via WhatsApp.
What is one thing you have learned about Cambridge Judge that has surprised you?
Every year Cambridge Judge competes in the MBA Tournament at HEC Paris. I’d never heard of it until after I started chatting with my classmates, but now I’m determined to be part of the team that finally beats Oxford.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m a parent, so I’m anxious about making sure my son feels comfortable and safe here—and balancing his needs with my academic workload.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
It’s extremely difficult to pick just one thing! But more than anything, I’m excited to get to know and collaborate with the other students in my cohort.
