Natalie Madden

MIT, Sloan School of Management

“I give it my all–on the court, diligently working, or being a loyal friend.”

Hometown: Boston, MA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I played varsity squash all four years at Middlebury College

Undergraduate School and Major: Middlebury College – Bachelor of Arts in Economics, 2021

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Copley Equity Partners (Boston, MA), Private Equity Associate

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of MIT Sloan’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Everyone I’ve spoken with at Sloan is highly motivated, intellectually curious, humble, and supportive, and I want to be part of this innovative, diverse, driven, and encouraging community. Sloan’s top-tier entrepreneurship resources – including the Martin Trust Center, the entrepreneurial curriculum, the E&I Certificate, and access to funding through the MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund and MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition – make it the ideal place for launching a venture, which I aspire to do. Additionally, MIT’s unmatched alumni network, contributing $2 trillion in annual revenue, exemplifies the strong entrepreneurial support system at MIT. I am confident that with “Sloanies helping Sloanies” I will have a robust network to tap for valuable advice. Having reached out to Sloanies before accepting my offer, I experienced firsthand how responsive and willing everyone was in sharing their experiences and providing guidance.

Action Learning Labs are one of MIT Sloan’s biggest attractions. Which lab interests you most? How does it fit with your interests? Through hundreds of conversations with business owners in my role at Copley, I have learned to discern the characteristics that make later-stage businesses attractive from an investor’s perspective. I look forward to participating in MIT Sloan’s Entrepreneurship Lab (E-Lab) to gain hands-on experience with an early-stage startup, applying my academic knowledge and past professional experience to contribute to a fast-paced, highly scalable venture.

When you think of MIT, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Sloan program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? When I think of MIT, I think of innovation. For Sloanies, innovation is everywhere. One example is the adaptability of MIT Sloan’s curriculum, particularly the integration of courses on emerging technologies like AI. This approach not only prepares students to leverage cutting-edge technologies but also reflects Sloan’s commitment of staying at the forefront of technological advancements and truly preparing future business leaders.

After visiting campus during Admitted Students Day and speaking with Sloanies and other members of the MIT community, that impression was solidified. I had conversations with current students about the venture ideas they were pursuing and how one of them met their co-founder casually over a beer during their first year. I sensed that Sloanies are constantly brainstorming solutions to everyday problems, turning frustrations into ventures. Sloanies are doers.

What excites you about earning an MBA in the Boston area? Cambridge has so much to offer. Surrounded by some of the top educational institutions in the world, it brings together a diverse and driven community. As an international hub for leading tech and healthcare, the city is constantly buzzing with innovation. I am also excited about the coffee shops and breweries, which will be great for connecting with classmates. Additionally, Greater Boston’s natural beauty, including the Charles River for sailing and running on its numerous wooded trails, provides many opportunities for adventures with classmates.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? I will bring to the Class of 2026 my passion for watching others succeed. I will challenge my classmates in all aspects of life, whether through morning workouts, brainstorming new ventures, or going on adventures around the world. I will always be approachable and ready to support Sloanies, both on and off campus.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career so far was sourcing and closing the largest deal in Copley’s history during my first year on the desk. I appreciated being involved in every aspect of the deal, from the initial cold outreach to management, to being honored to join the board as an observer post-close. I am proud to have witnessed the company’s continued strong growth, working alongside the Copley team and senior management as the company establishes itself as a key industry leader.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into MIT Sloan’s MBA program? Be yourself in every aspect of the application, as your unique qualities contribute to what makes MIT Sloan’s community so special. Additionally, use the application process as an opportunity to reflect deeply on your academic and professional experiences, set goals, and understand how Sloan can support you in achieving those goals. This reflection was crucial in determining why Sloan was the best school for me.

DON’T MISS: MEET MIT SLOAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026