Baker Mohammed, Rochester Simon Business School MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28 years old
Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
Undergraduate Institution and Major: City College of New York – BA in Economics with a concentration in Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Finance Associate and later promoted to Finance Analyst at Array Education for 4.5 years; NYPD Cadet for 3 years; Founder of my own company for 1.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I made the decision to attend business school right after graduating from undergrad because I knew an MBA was essential for my continued growth and to gain credibility in my field. I observed that most professionals I admired and wanted to emulate had their MBAs from prestigious schools. This realization led me to take my MBA journey more seriously a couple of years ago. Additionally, as someone who loves to continue learning and growing, I deeply believe in the philosophy of lifelong education. I recognized that an MBA would provide me with the opportunities to develop the leadership and strategic decision-making skills necessary to achieve my career goals of becoming a leader within organizations. Right now, I’m ready to take the next step forward in my career, and I feel an MBA will propel me towards that.
Why did you choose Rochester Simon? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I first came across Simon during my initial research of well-respected and recognized MBA programs that fit my criteria. Having lived in NYC since moving from Iraq in 2009, I wanted to attend a school away from the city for a while. I was looking for a program with a great ROI and a diverse student body. Simon checked all these boxes. After scheduling time to meet with Simon’s administration, I felt a warm and personable connection as they answered all my questions. These interactions, whether via Zoom meetings, emails, or in-person conversations, solidified my belief that Simon was the right choice for me. Simon even mailed me a booklet that stood out among those from other MBA schools, and I decided not to apply anywhere else. Being here for a few months now, I can confidently say that choosing Simon was the right decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My ability to bring people together, understand their perspectives, and mitigate conflict is my most valuable contribution. Growing up in Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s reign as a half-Kurd taught me how to navigate complex situations. Experiencing the invasion and its aftermath, as well as moving to Syria, Egypt, and then the United States in 2009, forced me to mature quickly. These experiences have made me appreciate the struggles others face and have helped me develop a balanced outlook. I can sense when people are feeling down and strive to create a sense of community within our class. I hope that the Class of 2026 builds a supportive community that we can rely on for years to come.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have lived in five countries growing up: Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and the United States.
Post-MBA career interests:
After completing my MBA, I plan to pursue a career in consulting because my early professional experiences have provided me with a solid foundation in financial analysis and strategic planning, which my MBA will further enhance. I value continuous learning and believe that consulting offers the best opportunities to expand my skills and tackle diverse business challenges. This makes consulting the ideal path for my professional growth and my desire to make a meaningful impact.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend networking meetings for the schools you are interested in. These events allow you to connect with current and prospective students, helping you gauge the school’s culture. Sometimes, these interactions can lead to discovering schools you hadn’t previously considered. Additionally, find someone in your professional or personal circles who has gone through the MBA journey to receive concrete advice and outside support during challenging times. Lastly, maintain a positive attitude, as it will get you through the difficult moments and help you see opportunities where others might not.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would spend more time understanding my strengths and weaknesses before starting the MBA program. By leveraging my strengths and developing a plan to address my skill gaps, I could have entered the program with a clearer understanding of my goals. Fortunately, I realized this early in my MBA journey and now have a better structured approach to why I am pursuing certain activities.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would not focus too much time on standardized tests. I spent many hours preparing and worrying about different test scores, but in the end, they didn’t matter as much as I initially thought. With more schools offering test waivers, I would instead focus on understanding what each school represents and how they fit into my long-term and short-term goals.
What is your initial impression of the Rochester Simon MBA students/culture/community?
Simon is special because of its incredibly diverse student body. We have students from all sorts of backgrounds, which creates a powerful and enriching environment. The Simon administration does a wonderful job in forming a cohesive cohort, and you can sense this from the beginning. The diversity forces you to be mindful and open to learning something new every day. This environment is beneficial long-term as it prepares you to work with and lead diverse groups of people, an imperative skill for post-MBA success.
What is one thing you have learned about Simon that has surprised you?
After living in NYC for 15 years before my MBA, I was surprised by how much I have come to enjoy Rochester. Whether it’s the charm and personality of the city or the nature walks and local attractions, Rochester has a lot to offer. Being busy with school and making new friends has also helped me appreciate the city more.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Finding the right balance between professional development and personal space is my biggest anxiety. Simon offers so much, and it can feel impossible to do everything without sacrificing personal time, which is essential for maintaining energy and focus. To manage this, I have carved out time to play soccer, hike, and read for enjoyment, which helps me stay energized and productive.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about the experiential learning opportunities at Simon, such as case competitions, study abroad programs, and volunteering. Additionally, I look forward to continuing to build strong connections with my classmates. Our cohort is great, and even after a few months, I have built strong relationships that I know will last long after my time at Simon. I am eager to make even more connections and learn alongside my classmates.
