Maria Tokarska, IMD’s MBA Class of 2023
Maria Tokarska, IMD’s MBA Class of 2023Age: 26
Hometown: New York City, New York
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Princeton University – Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Major
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Company: Qvest.US (formerly known as OnPrem Solution Partners); Roles: Analyst, Consultant, Senior Consultant; Years: 3.5
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
During my undergrad, I studied Biology and never got a formal business education, so towards the end of university, I decided in a couple of years I would go to business school (I even took the GMAT my senior year in preparation). Less than a year after graduating, Covid hit, and it’s safe to say I was going a bit stir-crazy at home, so I decided it would be time for a change of work and scenery!
Why did you choose IMD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When researching business schools in Europe, IMD was the #1 ranked program by Bloomberg, so I began a deep dive into the school. The focus on leadership was enticing to me, as was living somewhere as beautiful as Switzerland. IMD provided me with a scholarship that sealed the deal for me.
My main decision criteria were program prestige, location, length of the program, and financial aid opportunities.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
As one of the youngest members of the class, I can bring a slightly different perspective to conversations with my classmates. I’ve definitely taught quite a few of them how to use TikTok 🙂
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I made a cameo appearance on an MTV show when I was younger!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’d love to work in the Tech industry, either in a Product or Strategy role.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
-What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Highlight my multi-culturality! Even though I was born and raised in NYC, I grew up in a very Ukrainian household.
-What is one thing you would change or do differently?
In terms of the application process, I would speak to more current students and recent alumni before moving to Switzerland! In terms of being here, I would have established relationships with alumni at companies of interest sooner in the year.
-What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
It’s been difficult being so far away from friends/family, especially with a 6–9-hour time difference with various parts of the US. Thankfully, I’ve made some great connections at IMD and have been able to feel the closeness of home even when I am so far away from my real home.
What is your initial impression of the IMD students/culture/community?
The culture is definitely very personal and intense, in a good way! I’ve gotten to know not only students on a deeper level, but faculty and members of the administration as well.
What is one thing you have learned about IMD that has surprised you?
10 months into the program I discovered a shortcut on my walk from my flat to the IMD café. It’s been a game-changer.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was definitely anxious about establishing relationships with people in the program, and whether I’d find classmates with common interests. Safe to say, I did.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to explore Switzerland (which I’ve never visited before IMD) and the surrounding countries. As an American, it still blows my mind that in the same time it takes to travel from NYC to LA, I can travel from Switzerland to countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
