Benjamin Young, Esade MBA Class of 2025
Age: 34
Hometown: Pierre, South Dakota, USA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: South Dakota State University, Education and Human Science B.S.
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Infantryman, US Army (9 years), DoD Financial Manager (4 years) as well as Entrepreneurship in Real Estate ( 5 years)
Esade 12-, 15-, or 18- month track: 15 month
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I walked the Camino de Santiago in 2021 and realized the comfortable life I had for myself in Alaska wasn’t what I wanted after all. I decided I wanted to try and make an impact and the path that linked what I wanted to what I had was an MBA.
I decided to do an MBA now because I was finally prepared. This is something that I’ve been working towards since 2021. I have a business that is stable in Alaska and I can now pursue higher education.
Why did you choose Esade? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
By the end of my search for the right business school, I found three factors that were important to me; cultural fit, international recognition, and the timing of the admissions process. Esades’s flexible, quasi-rolling admissions process was crucial, as I was late in my decision to attend school and it gave me the time needed to put together a strong application. Being American and married to a French woman, I also wanted to be part of an international community, and Esade’s network of 76,000 alumni worldwide provided that global exposure. Lastly, while cultural fit is hard to define and even cheesy to some people, my conversations with Esade alumni and staff made it clear that the school’s community and values aligned with what I was looking for, making it the right place for my personal and professional growth.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I’d like to share a unique perspective on veterans and the challenges they face post-military. Hopefully I can offer insights that help fellow students better understand these issues while also demonstrating that veterans can be incredibly dependable and a powerful asset in the workplace.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact that didn’t make it onto my application is that I’m a self-taught (I might even say a good) woodworker. I remember walking around craft fairs think that I could do the cutting boards and signs that were always present, next thing you know I’m working on live edge river tables and finishing cherry staircases.
Post-MBA career interests:
I aspire to work for a boutique asset management firm that specializes in helping investors find the right investments throughout Europe.
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, and I know how cheesy this is going to sound but have fun with the process. Initially, when I started applying to business schools, I was quite rigid and nervous about discussing myself. However, Esade’s application process was different. It encouraged me to open up and be authentic, especially through the essays. This allowed for the standard essays as well as very creative essays that other programs did not request, and I found the experience enjoyable in the slightest but still, enjoyable.
Another thing I would definitely repeat is taking the time to connect with as many people as possible who have attended the school. From reaching out to alumni on LinkedIn to engaging with the admissions team, these conversations were invaluable. They not only provided insights into the school but also helped me feel more confident and connected to the Esade community before even stepping on campus.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have loved to follow the traditional MBA application timeline, generally studying for the GMAT in the summer and starting applications in the fall. However, my path was slightly untraditional from the start, so I’ll take what I can get… In hindsight, one thing I would have done differently is to send handwritten thank-you cards, in place of emails or phone calls, to everyone who helped in the process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT, 100%. While some people find it to be a straightforward test, it was quite challenging for me. Having been out of school for nearly a decade, I first had to re-learn how to learn before I could even learn the material required to do well on the GMAT. Balancing this with a busy work/life schedule made those few months particularly tough.
There is a plentiful amount of resource out there that are both free and paid for. I was in need of something structured that I could do at my own pace, so finding Target Test Prep was very helpful for me.
What is your initial impression of the Esade students/culture/community?
The community is incredibly welcoming, and the staff seems like they genuinely care about the success of the students. The professors that we have experienced have been unique and very real, presenting in a down to earth approach.
What is one thing you have learned about Esade that has surprised you?
I’m sure it’s said a lot, but this is truly a diverse student body. There are no two stories that are the same, and the variety of backgrounds and experiences is truly unique.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I did have some anxiety about taking classes, especially after being out of school for so long. However, I’ve already completed a couple of the required courses and even an elective, which has definitely helped lower my anxiety. I’m getting back into the swing of things and the classes reassured me that I can handle it.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Just exploring Spain is very exciting in itself. Whether it’s the food, the festivals, or just the everyday life in Spain, it’s all very new to me and exciting.
