Joaquin Pujol, Yale School of Management MBA Class of 2025
Joaquin Pujol, Yale School of Management MBA Class of 2025Age: 28
Hometown: Berisso, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bachelor in Computer Science at Universidad Nacional de La Plata (Argentina)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): I started working at Oracle as a Software Consultant in 2016. When I graduated from college in 2019, I started working at Signers Technology LLC, an Argentina fintech startup, as a software developer, first, and then as its CTO until 2022. Finally, before coming to SOM in August 2023, I was a Software Engineer at Cboe Digital.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Back in 2020, I was working at Signers Technology LLC as the Back-End Technical Lead and I became much more exposed to different areas in which my skills were limited. I started to feel curious about the “other sides” of the table in the projects I was getting involved in.
After 7 years working in tech, I was ready to get out of my comfort zone and connect with professionals who also seek a global impact and see their profession as a transformational tool.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
One of the main reasons why I chose Yale SOM is the community. I came for my interview and was surprised by how international the school was – my class is 50% international!!! I saw Yale SOM as the place where people from all over the world were coming to learn from each other’s backgrounds and explore their careers from a human, curious, and caring perspective. But, most importantly, getting out of their comfort zone.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Yale School of Management Class of 2025?
My differentiating contribution is my constant energy to pursue my dreams while showing vulnerability. We are all big dreamers at SOM and we want to impact society positively through our careers. But to do so, we need to understand our peers, their needs, and their journeys. This also opens new lenses to today’s world and that is a powerful tool for our future.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
If somebody met me today, they would think I was fit my entire life. Nevertheless, 2 years ago I would not work out even one day of the week. Now, I can’t stand 1 day without working out.
Post-MBA career interests:
After 5 years in the start-up ecosystem, I want to go back to the corporation environment and pursue a career in Product Management. I want to leverage my technical expertise and work in the E2E development of impactful products that can deliver value to those who need it most while promoting a workspace for people to shine and thrive.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One of the things that helped me the most was connecting with current MBA candidates and alumni of the universities that I was applying to. It gave me a great sense of the factors that distinguished each community and helped me understand whether I pictured myself exploring and unlocking new perspectives in my career. At the same time, it was very encouraging to do so. The preparation for the MBA is a reflective, lonely, and powerful process, and getting to understand and learn from others’ journeys was very helpful.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have gotten prepared for the GMAT earlier. In this way, I would have had more time to reflect on my experiences and avoid being stressed out by the exam while writing my essays.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would not have skipped any part of the application process. When I first read the question, I thought about the GMAT. But even that exam was a growth lesson to me. It reconnected me to the academic rigor that a program of this scale requires. But, most importantly, it made me much more conscious about my body and how to improve my learning methods through sleep, a healthy diet, and physical activity.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
The first time I came to Yale SOM I was impressed by how supportive and authentic the community was. The people I met at SOM seemed like people I could relate to and connect to, and not only at a professional level. I found people who cared about your interests and were transparent about their experiences and journeys.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
I was surprised about how student-driven this community is. We shape the MBA experience and I appreciate the importance the faculty members give to our perspectives. I learn every day about changes, new initiatives, and projects that are promoted by the student body and supported by the university as a whole. I think this is another distinguishing factor and I feel empowered by the amazing people that make SOM unique.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about continuing to explore the Yale community. Pursuing an MBA at SOM means that one can take classes at any Yale school for electives. It is a unique opportunity for me, as I will be able to explore new paths that go beyond business and management. Imagine taking classes in the School of Law, the School of Drama, or the School of Engineering. I am confident that this type of experience will give me the tools to shape my professional career in creative and curious ways.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about the people I meet and how fast and deep we are all bonding. But, most of all, I am excited about learning about our experiences after our internships. We are all getting involved in so many interesting and impactful projects inside and outside Yale that I can’t wait to see how our journeys evolve!
