Meet Notre Dame Mendoza’s MBA Class of 2018

Jose L. Guadarrama          

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I’m a persistent individual, who learns from mistakes and setbacks as I relentlessly pursue my goals.

Hometown: Toluca, Mexico

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have completed two marathons, as well as two sprints and two Olympic triathlons. 

Undergraduate School and Major: Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, Finance (2004).

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

• Navigant Consulting, Inc. (2013-2016) Valuation Manager, Transaction Advisory Services
• Stout Risius Ross, Inc. (2011-2013) Senior Associate, Valuation and Financial Opinions
• Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP (2006-2011) Senior Analyst, Financial Advisory Services
• Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP (2005-2006) Analyst, Forensic and Dispute Services

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Throughout my career, I have learned that becoming a leader does not come hand in hand with a new title. Reaching the manager level and successfully leading multiple teams takes more than technical skills:  You must be willing to invest in others. My biggest accomplishment has been contributing to the development of at least fifteen less experienced staff members by providing on-the-job training, feedback to develop their skills, and opportunities for growth on a daily basis. I am proud to say that many of the staff members under my supervision have also reached management.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? For many international students, for whom English is not our first language, the GMAT exam can be a very frustrating and long process. It is important to be communicative with schools about your process. Your dedication, effort, and persistence will not go unnoticed by the admissions teams.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA?  After 10+ years as a business valuation professional, I have learned that your connections with colleagues have the power to impact your life both personal and professional —far more than any hard or technical skill you may acquire. Notre Dame’s core values align with my own, and I am excited to surround myself with others who believe business can serve as a tool for creating positive change. The small classroom environment and one-on-one coaching will provide an opportunity for my classmates and I to learn from each other and form lasting relationships. Lastly, Notre Dame will give me access to a powerful and likeminded alumni network — again an opportunity to connect with those who also believe our responsibility is to use business as a means for making a better world.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? Over the past 11 years as a consulting professional, I have progressed from an analyst at Deloitte to a manager at Navigant Consulting. Through my professional experience in the business transaction world, I have developed a passion for mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”).  It has now become clear that I can leverage my passion for M&A to achieve my long-term goal of bringing competitive insurance products to people in need. Post-graduation, I plan to enter the business development group of a leading insurance company, such as Humana, Inc., ultimately progressing to Vice President of M&A.  It is my hope to guide the company to explore underdeveloped markets, with a particular goal of expanding services to Latin America and Mexico —my home and a nation currently underserved by insurance companies.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would like my business school peers to say that I have not only become a more well-rounded businessman with an ability to solve problems in accounting, finance, marketing, and strategy; but also that I consistently seek to use my knowledge, skills, and experience to create positive change in my community and opportunities for those whom deserve a chance.