Estefany Lira Galeana, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2026
Age: 26
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, B.A. Financial Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Relationship Management, S&P Global (March 2022 – August 2024), Associate Sales Specialist, IHS Markit (December 2020 – March 2022)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After three years working on the account management team, I recognized my desire to pivot towards a more strategic role, where I could not only execute but also contribute to developing the roadmap for growth. While my responsibilities focused on client relationships, I wanted to be more involved in defining the big-picture strategies and brainstorming the best ways to achieve them. This shift in career goals, coupled with my long-held ambition to study and work abroad, led me to pursue an MBA. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to expand my skill set, gain international exposure, and transition into a role where I could drive strategic decision-making.
Why did you choose Texas McCombs School of Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I first experienced UT Austin in Fall 2019 during an undergraduate exchange program, and the vibrant, collaborative community left a lasting impact. When I later considered pursuing an MBA, I connected with current students who immediately offered guidance and emphasized the program’s strong sense of belonging, reinforcing my desire to return to UT for my graduate studies.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2025?
Although I am younger than the median student in the program and coming from Latin America presented additional challenges, I want to inspire others to pursue their goals, regardless of the obstacles. By sharing my own journey, I hope to show that with enough effort and determination, anything is achievable, no matter how big or small the dream.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
My brother and I are the firsts in our family to live overseas, while the rest of our close relatives, including cousins, aunts, and uncles, all reside in the same state back home.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
It’s important to connect with students to gain insight into their experiences, both during the application process and as full-time students. Hearing their perspectives is one of the best ways to determine if a school is the right fit for you.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would advise worrying less about standardized tests and spending less time stressing over them. I nearly gave up on my MBA journey due to low scores. Additionally, I would recommend applying to more schools, as I initially limited myself to just two, which narrowed my options.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. After receiving a low score, I reassessed my strategy and ultimately decided to apply using the GRE instead. I believe the best approach is to first identify your strengths and then choose the exam that aligns more closely with those strengths.
What is your initial impression of the Texas McCombs MBA students/culture/community?
While MBA programs are often viewed as competitive, I find the McCombs MBA to be highly collaborative. Classmates support one another throughout the journey, even when competing for the same job. Second-year students are especially willing to help first-years, recalling the assistance they received. They foster a welcoming environment for addressing questions related to personal matters, recruiting, or the overall MBA experience. Additionally, McCombs provides extensive resources not only as a business school but also within the broader UT ecosystem, offering unparalleled access to opportunities.
What is one thing you have learned about Texas McCombs that has surprised you?
As a MIINT Fellow, I was previously unaware of the impact investing fellowship that allows competition among top schools at Wharton’s annual competition. The MIINT Fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning, enabling students to source, conduct due diligence on, and pitch investment opportunities to a panel of impact investors.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Managing multiple responsibilities has been a significant source of anxiety for me. Returning to school means facing tests that many of us haven’t encountered in a while, alongside the recruiting process. I also want to engage with student organizations, which adds to the challenge. Balancing these demands is overwhelming, but I am dedicated to making the most of my MBA experience.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I look forward to creating lasting connections with both first and second-year students. As an extrovert, I thrive on forming genuine relationships with those I interact with, and I am particularly excited about getting to know my classmates outside the classroom setting.
