Jasurbek Tursunov

University of Rochester, Simon Business School

“Adaptable, global citizen free from ethnocentric views; innovation enthusiast heading to be an impactful leader.”

Hometown: Tashkent City, Uzbekistan

Fun Fact About Yourself: Well, first of all, I have never seen a Star Wars movie. Secondly, I’m not lucky when it comes to flight travel—if you combine the time I’ve slept in airports and the time I’ve waited for flights, it would likely total one week of my life (to date)!

Undergraduate School and Major: Westminster International University in Tashkent – BS in Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: JSIC Ipak Yuli Bank – Senior Credit Risk Specialist

Rochester Simon is known for being “unabashedly analytical.” Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How do you intend to leverage this approach as a student and professional? Simon’s program syllabus is perfectly aligned with my career goals, and its strong quantitative focus and unparalleled expertise in data analytics make it the best choice for me. I am thrilled about it because I am a “numbers person.” I love analyzing data, building models, and quantifying decisions. I believe Simon will help me enrich my analytical toolkit and take my knowledge to the next level. I am planning to pursue a career in consulting so the strong quantitative background will give me a competitive edge in the job market.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Rochester Simon’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Simon is dedicated to building a strong, inclusive, and friendly environment for students. Most importantly, what sets it apart from other schools is its special attention and support to international students. Since the time I was accepted into the program, I did not have any trouble with the onboarding process. I always had someone to help me and direct me. Simon even has a separate orientation week for international students, which shows its strong commitment to create an inclusive environment. In only two days of international orientation, I communicated with about 50 international students from 28 countries, and one week’s time, I learned so much about them (like their pets’ names). Isn’t that amazing?!

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Rochester Simon? Simon offers a variety of professional and social clubs. To hone my analytics and entrepreneurial skills out of the classroom and beter collaborate with fellow students, I plan to join the Data Analytics Club and Simon Entrepreneurs Association. Beyond academics, I want to join the P.I.E.C.E.S. program to give back to the community, help mentor future leaders, and support the “Simon family.” Also, I would like to join the Simon Gaming Club to de-stress from studies and to spend my spare time entertained (in a meaningful way).

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my two years at the bank, I was able to be take part in many projects and collaborate with strong professionals in the banking sphere. I think my proudest accomplishment is building an interest rate calculator, especially because it was my initiative and not included in my job responsibilities. I worked on it during my free time for three months. However, without my colleagues’ help, I would not have accomplished it. I was also able to present it to management, and it was highly welcomed by them – including the CEO. Currently, this calculator is used by the whole bank.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? “Always be in a motion; whenever you stop, you start degrading”—I recently read this in a leadership book. This is about constant learning and growth. In an MBA, you need to be prepared to learn from everyone and from every experience—from your professors, peers, classes and clubs. It’s important for prospects to understand that if you are not open to these opportunities, you can easily miss them.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Being open to new ideas, experiences, cultures, connections, and challenges. I recognize that I’m not going to be ready for everything, but it will be important to have faith in myself—being flexible in approach but focused on the result. I believe these will help me to get invaluable experience during the next two years and grow to dimensions beyond my expectations. At Simon, I’m not only looking for an education, but also lifetime bonding with students, alumni, and professors. I believe my values, cultural understanding, and community involvement, together with my collaborative nature, will strengthen the values of the Simon community.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Simon’s MBA program? Simon has a strong tight-knit community driven by diversity, equity, and inclusion. So make sure to highlight your core values and personality, along with your quantitative skills. Firstly, make sure this community and rigorous quantitative program fits you. Do your research and determine “WHY” this school; explain “WHAT” you are going to bring to this community; and “HOW” you are going to achieve your goals.

DON’T MISS: MEET ROCHESTER SIMON’S MBA CLASS OF 2024