Montel Hall, Yale SOM’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: Waukegan, IL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Valparaiso University, Finance Major
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Spent 6 years at Citibank within various roles including Corporate FP&A, Equities Sales & Trading, and Treasury
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve always envisioned pursuing an MBA as part of my long-term career plan, with a clear goal of doing so within 5-6 years post-graduation from undergrad. As I approached that timeframe, I realized I was ready for a change—my current role, while valuable, no longer aligned with my long-term aspirations. I also recognized that transitioning into my desired industry would be far more seamless by getting an MBA. Now feels like the right time to make that pivot and accelerate my professional growth.
Why did you choose Yale SOM? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Yale SOM for four key reasons:
1. The People: During my visits to campus, I was deeply impressed by the warmth, authenticity, and drive of the students and faculty. The connections I made felt genuine and supportive, and I knew I wanted to be part of that community.
2. Smaller Class Size: I value meaningful relationships, and the smaller class size at Yale SOM offers the opportunity to build deeper, more personal connections with classmates, fostering a strong, close-knit network.
3. The ‘& Society’ Mission: Yale SOM’s focus on business and its broader societal impact resonates deeply with me. I’m passionate about creating positive change, and this mission aligns with my personal values and career goals.
4. The Environment: Ultimately, I was looking for a school that would challenge me to grow and strive for excellence every day. Yale SOM’s culture is intellectually stimulating, collaborative, and purpose-driven—exactly the kind of environment where I knew I could push myself to become my best self.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 lies in my ability to connect with people and bring diverse groups together. Building community is something I’m genuinely passionate about because I believe that when people feel included, it creates the foundation for meaningful relationships and lasting memories.
For me, it’s not just about organizing events; it’s about crafting spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to be themselves. I don’t seek recognition—what matters to me is creating an environment where each person feels a sense of belonging. That’s the kind of inclusive community I’m committed to fostering at SOM.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me that didn’t make it into my application is that I’ve had the unique opportunity to model in New York Fashion Week—three times! It was an exciting and unexpected experience that pushed me outside my comfort zone, taught me the importance of confidence, and gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry.
Post-MBA career interests:
In the short term, my goal is to pivot into Investment Banking. Looking ahead, I aspire to transition into Venture Capital, with a particular focus on impact investing. I’m passionate about empowering underrepresented founders by providing them with the capital, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. I believe that by supporting diverse entrepreneurs, we can drive positive change and foster innovation that benefits society as a whole.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again is apply to Management Leadership for Tomorrow’s (MLT) MBA Prep program. The personalized coaching, extensive resources, and guidance I received were invaluable throughout my MBA journey. Beyond the practical support, being part of a cohort of 300+ ambitious prospective MBA candidates was a game-changer. Having that community to collaborate with and lean on during the challenging application process not only kept me motivated but also provided a mental and emotional boost that made all the difference.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would definitely do differently is take the GMAT/GRE much earlier in the application process. I was still juggling exam prep up until the end of Round 2 applications, which added unnecessary stress to an already intense period. Balancing test-taking, essay writing, and a full-time job was far from ideal. If I could offer one piece of advice: don’t be like me—aim to get your best test score as early as possible so you can focus fully on crafting your application with less pressure!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could skip one part of the process, it would be the anxiety and self-doubt I experienced between submitting applications and waiting for interview invites. Those 2-3 weeks felt like a rollercoaster—I was constantly checking my email, especially for schools with rolling admissions, and comparing myself to others who received interviews before me. The feelings of discouragement and, later, the sense of self-worth tied to rejection letters were tough to navigate. Looking back, I’ve learned that rejection doesn’t define your value, and you ultimately end up where you’re meant to be. Trusting that process helped me push through those challenging moments. My family, friends, and MLT cohorts were instrumental in helping me stay grounded and resilient during those times, providing the support and encouragement I needed to keep moving forward.
What is your initial impression of the Yale SOM students/culture/community?
Prior to arriving, I had done extensive research on the school’s culture, and I’ll admit, some of the reviews didn’t paint the most positive picture. But I was pleasantly surprised—my actual experience at SOM has been fantastic. The culture is far more welcoming and inclusive than I anticipated, and the students I’ve met have been warm, outgoing, and share a similar love for having fun. The Yale SOM community is genuinely collaborative at every level, with classmates who not only have each other’s best interests at heart but are also always willing to help in any way they can. It’s a truly supportive environment, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
What is one thing you have learned about Yale SOM that has surprised you?
My initial impression of Yale was that it lacked diversity. However, that changed once I visited campus and connected with students firsthand. I found that there’s a strong presence of people of color throughout the broader Yale and New Haven communities, and I quickly found a supportive and vibrant community where I could feel at home.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The most anxiety-inducing aspect of my first year is securing a full-time job. My primary motivation for coming to Yale SOM was to pivot my career, so finding the right opportunity will be my top priority. However, I know that balancing investment banking recruiting, maintaining a social life, and keeping up with academics will be quite challenging.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the International Experience course, which culminates in an enriching 10-day trip to one or more global business capitals. This opportunity to visit companies and engage with political leaders is something I eagerly anticipate. During my admitted students weekend, I heard from second-year students about their incredible trip to Nairobi, Kenya, and it sparked my enthusiasm for this unique experience. I can’t wait to immerse myself in a new culture, gain firsthand insights into international business practices, and expand my global perspective alongside my classmates.
