Rami Chamoun

MIT, Sloan School of Management

“Cool nerd with a golden retriever energy.”

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Fun Fact About Yourself: I met my fiancée by crashing her birthday dinner party

Undergraduate School and Major: Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics at the American University of Beirut

Most recent employer and job title: Engagement Manager at Strategy& Middle East, which provides management consulting and business strategy services.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of MIT Sloan’s MBA program that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Aside from the opportunity to meet, befriend, and learn from a diverse and accomplished cohort, the key differentiator of MIT Sloan is undoubtedly its “mens-et-manus” teaching philosophy. This approach aligns closely with my “sleeves rolled-up” attitude and nurtures my entrepreneurial spirit!

The MBA program hence becomes a platform for solving real-world problems and driving global change. A true catalyst for innovation! In fact, this unique business school experience is only made possible through the close-knit integration within the wider MIT ecosystem: access to cutting edge research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and state-of-the-art resources like the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship.

Action Learning Labs are one of MIT Sloan’s biggest attractions. Which lab interests you most? How does it fit with your interests? Action Learning labs are a hallmark of MIT Sloan’s “mens-et-manus” philosophy, providing a hands-on approach to problem-solving that is deeply integrated into the academic experience. Among the various labs offered, I am particularly drawn to the Global Entrepreneurship Lab (G-Lab) due to its alignment with my passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.

My career thus far has been dedicated to building ventures and addressing challenges within the Middle East and North Africa region. This experience has honed my skills in entrepreneurial strategy and innovation, and has given me a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in emerging markets. However, I am eager to expand my horizons and apply my expertise in a broader, global context.

G-Lab represents a unique opportunity to do just that. By working on real-world projects with international organizations, I can leverage my background while also gaining new insights and perspectives from a diverse array of global challenges. Overall, G-Lab will enable me to build on my existing experiences and push my boundaries through collaborative problem-solving and cross-cultural engagement.

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? My first encounter with MIT was through the movie 21, where the lead character assembled a group of principled and driven students to outsmart Las Vegas casinos. Since then, MIT has represented a hub for exceptional individuals who can collectively achieve the extraordinary while remaining humble and grounded — truly my dream school.

So far, my experiences with the Sloan program have reinforced these impressions. The breadth of the network and the mission-driven atmosphere at MIT are impressive. Classmates have been incredibly welcoming, easing my transition to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Alumni have been responsive and eager to help, sharing best practices and offering support. Program administrators and faculty have made every effort to ensure a smooth start to the program.

What excites you about earning an MBA in the Boston area? Earning an MBA in the Boston area is particularly exciting to me given the region’s thriving ecosystem of innovation. This ecosystem is heavily supported by a solid academic and research backbone, and is set up within a vibrant and dynamic city.

Boston is second-to-none when it comes to academic excellence, with world class institutions and research facilities. This concentration of academic excellence creates a stimulating atmosphere where cutting-edge research and thought leadership intersect with practical, real-world applications.

Beyond academia, Boston boasts a thriving startup ecosystem and a reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship. This aligns seamlessly with my passion for innovation: the city is home to a robust community of venture capitalists, accelerators, and successful startups, offering an ideal environment for networking, mentorship, and hands-on experiences.

In fact, Boston’s rich history and diverse cultural landscape offer a unique backdrop for personal development. The city’s blend of historic charm and modern sophistication fosters a stimulating environment that encourages exploration and growth. From its vibrant arts scene to its diverse culinary experiences, Boston provides a multifaceted lifestyle that complements the rigorous academic journey.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? I am excited to join a group of top-tier and accomplished classmates who share diverse interests, passions, and perspectives. I am eager to engage in enlightening discussions and grow through various viewpoints.

My unique quality that will enable me to make a significant contribution to the Class of 2026 is my deep sense of empathy. This quality always drives me to foster a supportive and cohesive community, prioritizing well-being and collaboration.

My empathetic leadership has enabled me to transform my workplace at Strategy& into a more welcoming and inclusive environment. At Sloan, I will apply this approach to ensure my classmates’ well-being and resilience, especially during the challenging core semester. I aim to facilitate open discussions within my Ocean group and Core team, and mobilize support as needed.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I am extremely thankful to have had a fulfilling career so far, marked by an exceptional fast-track promotion to Engagement Manager – a milestone typically not awarded without completing graduate studies.

My proudest accomplishment is my leading role in transforming a large telecom operator in the Middle East into a digital lifestyle enabler. Specifically, I spearheaded the development of a gaming and eSports venture. My contributions included:

1. Defining the value proposition for the venture.
2. Developing the business plan and go-to-market strategy with a focus on financial viability.
3. Overseeing the platform’s technical build-up and roll-out, including hosting and features development.
4. Leading post-launch growth activities such as partnerships, investor outreach, and regional expansion.

This venture has achieved significant success, boasting a user base of over 3 million gamers. Its headquarters now house a top-ranked eSports team, and it is a key contributor to the upcoming eSports World Cup.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into MIT Sloan’s MBA program? MIT and MIT Sloan are “nonsense-free” environments, so my advice follows suit. As a re-applicant who was waitlisted for the Class of 2022, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of persistence and growth. Over the past four years, my life has changed significantly, but graduating from MIT remained a steadfast goal. Here’s what I found useful:

Submit the Application: The first step to being admitted is to apply. Don’t disqualify yourself by overthinking.

Introspection: MBA applications can be overwhelming checklists and deadlines. Use the process for genuine introspection. Understand what drives you, how your past experiences have shaped you, and how MIT can propel you forward. Once you have this clarity, writing the essays and answering interview questions becomes much more natural.

Engage with Sloanies: Speak with current students and recent graduates to gain a deeper understanding of the program and its offerings. I personally connected with over 10 Sloanies during my application process, and everyone was responsive, embodying the “Sloanie helping Sloanie” mantra.

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