María Fernanda Torres Pastrana, The Ohio State Fisher College of Business MBA Class of 2025
María Fernanda Torres Pastrana, The Ohio State Fisher College of Business MBA Class of 2025Age: 33
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Undergraduate Institution and Major: B.S. Business Informatics, ITESM
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Uber, Regional Ops Manager
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided that grad school was my next step the moment I considered having both professional experience and the appetite for accelerated growth. Following a year-long internship in CIB at JP Morgan, four years in consulting with Accenture, and an additional two years in a corporate role at BMW Group, I felt I had accumulated meaningful professional narratives that could be deconstructed for the purpose of learning and development. It was at this juncture that I deemed graduate school as the most valuable investment of my time and financial resources.
Why did you choose OSU Fisher? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Upon reflecting on my personal and professional goals, I decided to join Fisher College of Business because of two reasons: (1) experiential learning opportunities and (2) strong and diverse alumni network.
My MBA exploration journey was unique; I devoted three years to researching universities, participated in MBA conferences across various countries, toured a few campuses, and engaged in insightful conversations with both current MBA students and graduates. By considering different countries and universities, I am confident that I made the optimal choice for my MBA quest.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to The Ohio State Fisher College of Business Class of 2025?
The diverse range of cultures and backgrounds in this program has been paramount as it fosters innovation, encourages critical thinking and prepares us to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world. When I looked at Fisher’s MBA class of 2025 I found +10 countries and +20 languages represented in a group of 49 students, not to mention the wide diversity in other cultural and professional backgrounds.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I quite enjoy outdoor activities, even though butterflies terrify me.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am inspired by the potential of technology to drive positive change in the world, whether that means improving access to healthcare, empowering underserved communities, or promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility; I am eager to play a role in shaping the future of Business Management.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Personally, the time invested in researching universities and programs was crucial. I strongly believe that the more information you have the better decision you can make. So, I recommend dedicating time to talk to students and alumni of the program you are interested in, as well as engaging with the faculty and career management office of the universities you are considering.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Parallelly with your application and research, explore funding options and focus on your GMAT prep.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
While your MBA pursuit journey may differ from mine, I trust this brief narrative proves beneficial to you in your own experiences: I wrote plenty of essays, personal statements, career plans and whatnot. Perhaps I could have been more selective with the application processes I wanted to embark on before dedicating time to the application itself.
What is your initial impression of the OSU Fisher students/culture/community?
As I stepped into the MBA classroom for the first time, a palpable energy filled the air. The room buzzed with a unique blend of confidence and curiosity. My initial impression was that room 365 was going to be a safe space of intellectual stimulation as a result of robust discussions, plus a collective pursuit of knowledge and transformation.
What is one thing you have learned about OSU Fisher that has surprised you?
Athletics (particularly football) is a big part of the university culture, since the first season 133 years ago (in 1890)! I am a big Buckeye fan now, go bucks!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Can’t wait to start building my grad school personal and professional network.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Participating in case competitions! I believe these competitions not only test analytical and strategic thinking but also showcase the unique perspectives and methodologies stemming from the diverse backgrounds of the participating individuals. The collaborative environment and the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge acquired thus far from faculty and coursework in practical situations is both exciting and interesting to me.
