The Pioneering MBAs In The Class Of 2019

America GonzalezĀ 

Ā UCĀ Berkeley, Haas School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less:Ā Management consultant, aspiring world traveler, and photography enthusiast always looking for my next challenge.

Hometown:Ā Monterrey, Mexico

Fun Fact About Yourself:Ā IĀ attended Culinary School for fiveĀ years

Undergraduate School and Major:Ā Tec de Monterrey (ITESM), International Financial Management

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:Ā Ā Bain & Company: Consultant, Senior Associate Consultant, Associate Consultant

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:Ā Helping one of the biggest global retailers reduceĀ waste by $200MĀ in three months. It was very gratifying to see my analytical work and business strategyĀ directly impactĀ my clientā€™s financial performance while also helping our environment and reducing theĀ carbon footprint.

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants?Ā Each schoolā€™s applications and essaysĀ are completely differentĀ soĀ carve out time (much more than you may initially think) toĀ deeply reflect on each of the essay questions. Answer authentically and tell the admissions committee a story that only you can tell them. Get out of your comfort zone and do not be afraid to open up. They really want to get to know YOU!

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you?Ā TheĀ Berkeley-Haas people and theĀ community led me to choose this program. HaasĀ exposed me to an unmatched academic, collaborative, and innovative community that provides an inclusive platform for conversations and new experiences. My peers haveĀ taught me new global perspectives and continue to challenge me to be a better person and business professional every day.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school?Ā Success would mean continuing my passion for consulting, providing meaningful impact on businesses as well as on the teams and people I work with, and managing a sustainable work-life balance that allows me to enjoy time with my husband and family.

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