Ari Amitai

Yale School of Management

“I thrive on connecting people, seeking adventures, and embracing new challenges.”

Hometown: Binyamina, Israel

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve jumped out of various types of aircraft with all sorts of parachutes and landed on everything from solid ground to the middle of the ocean over 100 times.

Undergraduate School and Major: Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Computer Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Microsoft, Product Manager

The Yale School of Management is regarded as a purpose-driven program. What is your mission? How will your MBA at Yale SOM help you fulfill that mission? My mission is to harness technology and AI to drive digital transformations and foster collaborative environments, ultimately creating innovative solutions and impactful change. I believe that connecting people and leveraging diverse perspectives are key to achieving meaningful progress. Yale SOM’s emphasis on leadership, ethics, and social impact perfectly aligns with my goals. The diverse community and strong professional network will provide the insights and skills I need to excel and make a positive difference in my career. At Yale SOM, I aim to develop both the technical and leadership qualities necessary to guide teams through complex transformations. This MBA will help me bridge the gap between technology and people, driving meaningful innovation and positive change in any organization I join.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Yale SOM’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? What really drew me to Yale SOM is its innovative curriculum that mixes case methods with non-case methods. This blend gives a well-rounded education, combining real-world scenarios with different teaching styles. It helps me gain the skills and insights I need to handle various business challenges. Furthermore, the flexibility of Yale SOM’s Integrated Curriculum lets students take electives across different departments at Yale. This means I can tailor my learning to my interests and career goals, exploring different fields and gaining a broader perspective. These features align perfectly with my goal of becoming a versatile leader who can bring diverse perspectives to the table and drive meaningful change.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Yale SOM? There are so many awesome opportunities at Yale SOM! I’m really excited about getting involved with the Consulting Club, the Veterans Club, and the Tech & Society Club. The Consulting Club excites me because it offers valuable resources and networking opportunities, helping me to develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through case studies and events. As a veteran, I’m especially pumped about joining the Veterans Club. I can’t wait to connect with fellow veterans, share experiences, and contribute to this close-knit community. Lastly, the Tech & Society Club really speaks to my passion for technology and its impact on society. I’m excited about the discussions, events, and learning opportunities it offers, which will help me stay at the forefront of tech innovations and their societal implications.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026?
My unique quality is my ability to connect people and foster collaboration. This skill has been a cornerstone of both my social life and my career, from organizing social events that brought diverse groups together to working with cross-functional teams as a Product Manager. At Yale SOM, I will leverage this strength to build a strong, supportive community. Whether it’s organizing study groups, facilitating networking events, or bridging gaps between different perspectives, I am committed to creating a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. My knack for connecting people will help our class achieve more together.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career so far was taking part in the development of the touchpad for the Surface Laptop Studio 2 at Microsoft. This project involved significant innovation and collaboration with various teams, and we overcame numerous challenges to ensure top-notch accessibility features. The result was incredibly rewarding. The touchpad was named the “most inclusive touchpad on any laptop” and was praised as the best touchpad on a Windows machine by multiple industry-leading reviews. Knowing our efforts made technology more accessible to a broader audience was truly special and highlighted the impact that thoughtful design and teamwork can have.

What do you hope to do after graduation? Short term, I plan on working in a role that allows me to tackle complex challenges and leverage my skills in strategy, innovation, and collaboration. Whether in management consulting or the tech industry, I am excited about opportunities that involve diverse clients and industries. Looking further into the future, I aim to start my own company, using the knowledge of technology, strategy, and leadership gained from my past experiences and my education at Yale SOM to drive impactful innovations.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Yale SOM’s MBA program? Reflect on your path and understand where you see yourself in the future. Your story and goals need to be clear to you before you can communicate them to others. Start by examining past experiences to identify where you thrived and where you didn’t and highlight your strengths. Use these insights to envision your future and set a goal. Once you have a clear narrative, it will be easier to showcase what you can bring to the class and demonstrate that you are on a path to success. Also, connect with current students and alumni who have been in your shoes to gain tailored advice throughout the process.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2026: THE ‘DO ANYTHING, BE ANYONE’ COHORT