Alex Jensen

Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame

“I am purpose driven, confident, ambitious, versatile, curious, adaptable, collaborative, analytical, and insightful.”

Hometown: Mahtomedi, Minnesota

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have visited 19 countries and counting in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of St. Thomas, International Business & Spanish

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: HACER, Research Associate

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? When I think of Notre Dame, I think of the incredible sense of community and the friendships I’ve built. Most of my classmates, including myself, come from different states and even different countries, yet we’ve created a home away from home together. The Mendoza program has only reinforced this impression, as the collaborative and supportive environment has made it easy to form meaningful connections and feel a strong sense of community.

Aside from your classmates, what was the one key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One key factor that led me to choose Mendoza was the opportunity to participate in Business on the Frontlines (BOTFL). This program stood out to me because it allows us to apply what we’re learning to complex business challenges faced by organizations operating in countries outside of the U.S. BOTFL provides a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience working at the international level, tackling critical issues and making a tangible impact while developing skills that are essential for navigating an interconnected world.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? One of the activities I’ve enjoyed the most at Mendoza has been the events organized by the student activities team. These events provide a great opportunity to connect with my classmates, whether it’s learning more about each other through cultural celebrations tied to specific holidays or simply having a chance to engage in a more informal, social setting. I appreciate how these events foster a sense of community and allow us to build stronger relationships outside the classroom.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As a Research Associate at HACER, my biggest accomplishment has been working on diverse research and evaluation projects. These projects have directly supported organizations in building capacity and enacting meaningful change in the services they provide to diverse communities. Contributing to this impact by empowering my clients and enhancing their ability to serve their communities effectively has been incredibly rewarding and stands out as the most significant achievement in my career.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student has been learning to translate my research and non-profit skills into a business context. By building on the strategic and analytical frameworks I already possessed, I’ve developed greater confidence, adaptability, and a distinctive perspective that bridges the non-profit and business worlds.

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? As a dual MBA and Master of Global Affairs candidate, my mission is to leverage business as a force for meaningful global change by addressing the complexities of the global economic and political landscape. Mendoza’s focus on purpose-driven leadership and its ethos of “Growing the good in business” drew me to pursue this unique dual degree, which combines insights into global challenges with innovative solutions in business. The program has provided me with the tools to approach these challenges ethically and strategically, aligning my professional aspirations with my commitment to creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? As a dual degree student who had already completed the first year of my Master of Global Affairs program, one of my best memories was walking into the first day of MBA orientation alongside two of my best friends from the MGA program. Knowing we could share this next chapter together, while also making new friends and building connections, is a moment I’ll always cherish.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.