Farah Shazlin, OSU Fisher’s MBA Class of 2025
Farah Shazlin, OSU Fisher’s MBA Class of 2025Age: 27
Hometown: Shah Alam, Malaysia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Bachelor of Accounting (Honors)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Strategy/Portfolio Management Analyst, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending more than three years in corporate strategic planning and portfolio analysis, I felt the need to enhance my skill set and broaden my perspectives. Coming to the United States for my MBA means immersing myself in a new business environment and gaining a global perspective. This decision aligns with my goal, as an MBA provides the platform and opportunity to delve into different industries and career paths. Given my long-standing desire to pursue an MBA, it feels like the perfect moment for me to take the leap!
Why did you choose OSU Fisher? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Selecting OSU Fisher wasn’t merely a choice; it was a recognition of the unique qualities that set it apart. The STEM-designated MBA program perfectly aligns with my Finance major and Sustainability focus. Beyond that, it’s the emphasis on experiential learning, the warmth of the Midwest community, and the strategic location in Columbus – sealed the deal. Despite a more intimate class size, the program offers resources and high-quality faculty akin to that of a larger university, a crucial factor for someone like me seeking full engagement and meaningful connections.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to The Ohio State Fisher College of Business Class of 2025?
My background in corporate strategic planning and portfolio analysis brings a unique blend of finance and analytical skills to the cohort. Being the only one in my class from Malaysia, I bring a unique perspective from both a Malaysian and Southeast Asian standpoint. It’s interesting when I share with my class how certain business practices work differently in Malaysia. It often elicits raised eyebrows from the whole class and piques their curiosity!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
In just three months, I’ve unleashed my inner chef, experimenting with more dishes than I ever did in my entire life! Cooking has unexpectedly become a therapeutic escape, especially amidst the whirlwind of student life.
Post-MBA career interests:
I aspire to leverage my expertise as well as delve into new functional areas. Therefore, if I were to pinpoint three specific things, it would be strategy, finance, and human resources management.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If there’s one thing I would do again, it’s dedicating time to discover my ‘why’ even before I began writing my personal statement. This is important because the MBA journey is incredibly hectic, and having this ‘why’ is essential to power and guide you through the most intense, fun, challenging, rewarding, and humbling two years of your life. Additionally, I’m glad I invested time in understanding the skillset I lacked in my toolbox and aligned it with what the school offers.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have reached out more to alumni or current students for first-hand information about the program experience. This really helps to assess whether the college is a good fit for you.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Frankly, I wouldn’t skip any part of the application journey. The process was seamless, allowing me to better understand myself and recognize that past experiences have shaped who I am today.
What is your initial impression of the OSU Fisher students/culture/community?
The Fisher community is remarkably diverse and supportive. Students, alumni, professors, career coaches, and faculty members are always willing to help and grow together. It’s a vibrant and inclusive community.
What is one thing you have learned about OSU Fisher that has surprised you?
The workload is challenging, with numerous extracurricular activities (career management sessions, case competitions, networking events) going on every day. I was also impressed by the inclusion of a mandatory weekly Integration Session, designed to bind and integrate learnings from various subjects. This approach significantly enhances the overall learning experience, allowing me to connect the dots more effectively.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Perhaps like many international MBA candidates, I wrestle with the fear of everything new and ambiguous, such as networking and navigating the internship search in the US. I am equally anxious about discovering my long-term direction and achieving my career transition. Thankfully, the Fisher College of Business has an excellent Office of Career Management, and they provide all the support I need to be successful at it. So, I am now less anxious about it.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Being part of an incredible community and learning from my talented peers.
