Juan Manuel Toso, Esade MBA Class of 2026
Age: 29
Hometown: Mendoza, Argentina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (Industrial engineer)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: PROTEC Tecnología Industrial (06/20-07/22) Business Development Manager & Sales Representative; Bodega Riglos Food and Beverage (07/22-01/24) Supply Chain/Operations Manager
Esade 12-, 15-, or 18-month track: 18 months
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My motivations for pursuing a full-time MBA are mainly because of three factors: professional growth and opportunities, networking, and self-development.
I am committed to create growth on my professional career, and I view an MBA as the next step. Having successfully completed my studies as an Industrial Engineer and acquired significant professional experience, I am now eager to enhance my knowledge and explore new career opportunities.
Additionally, I am enthusiastic about the building of meaningful relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, each bringing their unique perspectives and personal and professional accomplishments.
Ultimately, I am driven by a desire for self-improvement and personal growth. I believe that immersing myself in a new environment by leaving my country of origin will serve for profound intellectual and emotional growth, fostering a broader understanding of the world and enriching my personal development.
Why did you choose Esade? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I am confident that the high content value, comprehensive curriculum and prestigious reputation of an esteemed business school like Esade will prepare me for future professional challenges.
Fortunately, my brother Sebastian, shared with me his whole Esade experience and I was able to know the most important details.
One of the aspects that caught my attention the most is Esade’s emphasis on the human aspect of students, considering it a major focal point. This is really important for me and generated a huge motivation.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I believe my strong values of friendship, shaped by my upbringing in Argentina will allow me to make a significant contribution to Esade’s 2026 class.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about myself is that I hate when things I enjoy come to an end. Obviously, everything eventually concludes, but when I’m really enjoying something, I do everything I can to make it last as long as possible.
Post-MBA career interests:
One of my objectives within this MBA is to find my perfect career path so I don’t have it clear. As an Industrial engineer I will follow a career according to it, where my strengths are. My sectors of preference are the tech and Global Industrial. In a longer term my objective is to create my own business in Argentina, which is the country I love.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I took my time and dedicated many hours to discovering my strengths and reflecting on all my experiences. I also spent countless hours preparing for my admission exams, which helped me streamline my thinking and significantly improve my English. Additionally, I focused on staying organized and not rushing through any of the stages, as each one is crucial for achieving the best admission outcome.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I should have started earlier to improve my English. Dedicating a few hours a week during my previous job would have made it much easier than trying to do everything all at once in a short period of time. Same with the GMAT (or the alternate Esade test).
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the intense studying of the quantitative and data insights sections of the GMAT exam. I organized my time to ensure I dedicated enough hours to it while also organizing my studies so that I didn’t spend too many hours solely on that, as it turned out to be quite frustrating.
What is your initial impression of the Esade students/culture/community?
So far, I’m really happy with the impression my classmates have made on me. Everyone is super open to forming new friendships, meeting people, and spending time together. I’ve encountered an incredible variety of cultures, and I’m fascinated by learning from them as well as sharing my own culture with them. Even though it’s only our third day of classes, I already feel like I’m getting to know some amazing people, and I’m confident that I’ll form strong relationships and friendships.
What is one thing you have learned about Esade that has surprised you?
I’m amazed by the support we’re receiving. Everyone is incredibly respectful, and I already know that I can rely on an incredible team of professionals whenever I have any kind of problem, concern, or question. We’ve just started, and I’ve already learned that we’ll have a mentor to help us find our professional path, and we’ll even have support for personal issues, with access to psychologists who can help us for free if needed. I’m sure there’s much more to discover as we move forward.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m really excited to meet all my classmates and to form incredible relationships. The human aspect is what matters most to me, and I know I’ll end up bringing amazing people into my inner circle, while also building a strong network, which is key for my future.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m very eager to find my professional path after gaining all the knowledge from such a well-structured MBA program like Esade’s.
