Freddy Tovo

University of Virginia, Darden School of Business

“Internationally-minded Argentine always looking to learn about new people, cultures and places.”

Hometown: Mar del Plata, Argentina

Fun Fact About Yourself: I enjoy submerging myself in new cultures and environments. Since leaving Argentina at the age of 17, I have lived and worked in three different countries (the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany). To stay connected with my friends and family, I enjoy organizing group trips. My personal record: hosting 27 college friends in Patagonia.

Undergraduate School and Major: Washington & Lee University, Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Sr. Manager in the Strategy & Business Development Team at Kreditech Holdings in Hamburg, Germany.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: It was working in close collaboration with the executive team at Kreditech to develop and execute a comprehensive two-year strategy of product and country launches to accelerate financial inclusion in emerging markets different emerging markets. As a result of this work, over 300,000 individuals across Russia, India, Poland, Spain and Mexico gained access to banking products that they wouldn’t have been able to access through traditional banking institutions.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Based on the few classmates I have met to date, it is clear that everyone at Darden is a welcoming and driven individual.

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? By analyzing and debating in-depth with peers, the case method forces one to evaluate business problems from multiple perspectives. The case method enables one to develop a strong sense of openness when evaluating business problems. It is a skill that is critical for all managers as it allows one to adequately evaluate the trade-offs that different solutions present to the same issue.

Aside from your classmates and cases, 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? In addition to the classmates and the case study method, I selected Darden because it was designed as an academical village in which the relationships between students and professors extend beyond the classroom. As a result, Darden can provide its students with a unique learning environment and foster an unparalleled sense of community that I couldn’t find at other MBA programs.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Darden Capital Club & Finance Club.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process?

“What will I contribute to my peers at Darden and the University of Virginia community?” It is hard to imagine how one can make a positive impact to what is already such a rich and vibrant environment and community.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? After working in fintech and management consulting, I decided that an MBA will allow me to improve the quantitative rigor and qualitative skills that are required to transition my career into investment banking.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? I applied to small group of USA programs.

How did you determine your fit at various schools? To evaluate the fit at various schools, I first spent a considerable amount of time determining the factors that were important to me: rigorous academics, a strong, tight-knit community, and outstanding post-program career opportunities. While there are lots of online resources about a program, I found that there is no better way to research the culture than by connecting with current students and alumni.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Leaving Argentina at the age of 17 to obtain my undergraduate degree at W&L in Lexington, VA. By leaving my friends, family and all that was known to me at that time behind, I realized that with determination and courage, it is possible to thrive in foreign settings. Learning this at such a young age gave me the confidence to comfortably pursue opportunities abroad following my college graduation.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?  After acquiring considerable work experience and a strong network in the USA, I see myself uniquely positioned to lead the Latin America practice of an investment bank and bring sophisticated capital solutions to Latin American businesses.