Sebastiaan Esselens, UCLA Anderson MBA Class of 2025
Age: 26
Hometown: Antwerp, Belgium
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Antwerp, Business & Information Systems Engineering (B.S. & M.S.)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Customer Experience Analyst, Live Nation Entertainment, 2 years; Product Manager, Live Nation Entertainment, 3 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Growing up, attending business school was always a goal for me. I still vividly remember a middle school presentation where I shared my career aspirations, and even then, pursuing an MBA in the U.S. was part of my plan. After completing my Bachelor and Master degrees in Information Systems Engineering in Belgium, I had the incredible opportunity to become the first product manager at Live Nation Belgium. I absolutely loved my team and fell head over heels for the role. It was a great environment for learning, much like a startup, with a small team working on multiple digital innovations. Our division was the company’s center of digital innovation outside the U.S.
However, I found myself yearning to be more at the forefront of developing the technologies we were utilizing and to be at the heart of innovation. Additionally, I wanted to delve deeper into my passions for data, AI, and aviation. Coming from one of Europe’s smallest countries, I realized that to truly immerse myself in these fields, learn from like-minded individuals, deepen my knowledge of the corporate landscape, and develop my leadership skills, I needed to take the leap and pursue an MBA program.
Why did you choose UCLA Anderson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When I began my MBA search, UCLA Anderson wasn’t on my radar. However, as I dug deeper, Anderson emerged as the perfect fit, aligning with my goals of transitioning into tech and aviation innovation.
The location was key. Being in Los Angeles meant unparalleled access to Silicon Valley giants and the thriving Silicon Beach ecosystem. As someone also passionate about aviation tech, having leading AvTech companies like Archer, Joby, and Flyr right next door was another major draw.
Additionally, with my entertainment industry background at Live Nation, Anderson’s proximity to my former employer’s headquarters and central location within the global capital of entertainment provided comfort knowing I could return to that world if needed.
But ultimately, it was the people that sealed the deal. From my first interactions, I was struck by the energy, ambition, and warmth of the Anderson community. The “vibe” just felt right. I decided to only apply to Anderson in Round 1, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
Anderson is widely known for attracting a diverse pool of applicants, spanning consulting, banking, tech, entertainment, and beyond. I am a great example of this diversity – as the only student native to the EU in my class, coming from an entertainment background, yet harboring a huge passion for product, AI, and aviation technology.
Moreover, I’m one of the few traditional Western international students here. This positions me uniquely to be the connective tissue between domestic and international students. Culturally, I deeply identify with my American classmates, but I also intimately understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the international population that makes up half our class.
It is this multicultural fluency and diplomatic ability that I now leverage as the President of AnderTech, the largest club on campus dedicated to the tech industry.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A couple years before B-school, my partner Louise and I decided to raise a service pup, thinking it would be a short-term commitment. Enter Basha – the most adorable bundle of energy. Despite our earnest efforts, Basha proved she was more of a great family dog than a pup-of-all-trades. She was deemed “unfit” for service, and our “temporary” pet became a permanent family member.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA career interests revolve around two key areas: (1) Product management in the tech industry, with a focus on leveraging data and AI to develop great consumer experiences. (2) Strategy or product roles within aviation technology.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One crucial step I would absolutely repeat in my application journey was seeking expert guidance by submitting my profile to the Clear Admit podcast hosted by Graham and Alex. Coming from Belgium, where pursuing an American MBA is uncommon, I had limited resources and insights into how my unique background would be evaluated. I grappled with concerns about how my deflated Belgian GPA and unconventional work experience would compare to domestic and international applicants from more represented regions. The decision to have Clear Admit assess my profile was invaluable. Alex and Graham’s reassuring feedback, “Don’t underestimate your chances of getting into a top program,” stuck with me. It boosted my confidence and motivated me to persist through the grueling application process. That pivotal moment of external validation was a game-changer.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
In the first few months, I fixated on programs with the biggest brand recognition in Europe, without truly evaluating whether they aligned with my specific goals and career aspirations. I lost precious time and energy because of this. In hindsight, I would dedicate more focused effort to introspection from the outset. It is so important to carefully reflect on your motivations, interests, and desired outcomes of the MBA program first.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The aspect I would have happily skipped was the recommendation letter component. Coming from Belgium, where requesting recommendation letters is highly uncommon, the prospect of asking for such evaluations felt incredibly uncomfortable and unfamiliar.
What is your initial impression of the UCLA Anderson students/culture/community?
From my very first interactions, UCLA Anderson felt as a warm and genuine place. The moment I arrived on campus I immediately noticed that this warmth wasn’t just part of their sales pitch. The authentic camaraderie and care I witnessed among students and staff has been one of the highlights of my time at Anderson so far.
What is one thing you have learned about UCLA Anderson that has surprised you?
One of Anderson’s core values is “Share Success”. What surprised me is how deeply ingrained this is in the school’s culture. Every individual you encounter goes above and beyond to uplift and empower their peers. In stark contrast to the cutthroat cultures often associated with business schools, Anderson fosters a genuine environment of collaboration and collective growth.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was most anxious about making every second count. Time flies by so quickly. As I write this, I’m just weeks away from starting my internship at Apple. With so many opportunities, prioritizing academic, recruitment, social, and wellbeing goals has been crucial.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
One thing I’m most excited about in my first year is the incredible leadership opportunity I’ve been given as the newly elected president of AnderTech, the largest club on campus. I’m honored to work alongside an amazing, dedicated team on my board. Most of all, I’m thrilled to help guide my classmates and incoming first-years in successfully pursuing their dreams of tech careers. Enabling others’ success is what truly drives me, and this role allows me to make a tangible impact on the Anderson community.
