Mateo Ronquillo

University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

“Nuclear submarine officer turned Booth MBA, bridging defense, data, and business with global perspective.”

Hometown: Lima, Peru and Dublin, CA

Fun Fact About Yourself: After my freshman year of college, I spent two months on an expedition to the McLaren Glacier in Alaska’s Eastern Range. During that time, I lived on the ice, hauled gear, scared off wild animals, and experienced one of the most challenging but rewarding adventures of my life.

Undergraduate School and Major: US Naval Academy, Physics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Chief of Staff at Systems Planning and Analysis; Nuclear Submarine Officer in the US Navy

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Chicago Booth’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I was drawn to Booth’s reputation for academic rigor. As a physics undergrad and later as a nuclear submarine officer, I learned to value understanding concepts from first principles. As I transitioned out of the military, gaining a deep understanding of the financial side of business became important to me. Booth stood out for its ability to deliver that rigor better than other schools, while also creating opportunities to build meaningful relationships with my classmates and connect with folks in the financial world.

The Booth MBA is also known for being highly data-driven. Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How have you been able to leverage this approach in your career so far? As a nuclear submarine officer and later as a Chief of Staff, every decision I made was grounded in careful data analysis. Sometimes, the stakes were high, and I learned to trust structured, quantitative decision-making under uncertainty. Booth’s data-driven approach resonates with me because it mirrors how I’ve always operated. I see Booth sharpening that skillset for finance, where diligent analysis drives value creation.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Chicago Booth? I’m most excited about the Investment Banking Group because it will help me transition from the military into finance with the right mentorship and guidance. I also look forward to taking Advanced Financial Analysis and Valuation for Global Firms to build my technical skills and because of the interesting curriculum. Outside the classroom, I’m really excited for the Japan trip in my second year because it’s a part of the world I’ve always enjoyed, and it’ll be a great chance to connect further with classmates while enjoying the food and skiing.

What has been your first impression of the Booth MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far? Tell us your best Booth story so far. Booth students and alumni have stood out for being smart, humble, and always willing to connect and share their insights. My best Booth story so far happened during Random Walk, the pre-MBA trip most students take before starting classes. Our group went to a rooftop restaurant in Seville, Spain, where we shared food, drinks, and an incredible view of the city. It was the perfect chance to really get to know my classmates and start building friendships in a memorable setting.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? Chicago is the perfect place to earn an MBA. The city and Booth’s location provide an ideal setting to connect with classmates on a more personal level while also enjoying city life. Chicago is also a hub for finance, tech, and culture, offering endless opportunities to explore different industries and build meaningful connections with leaders across them.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The biggest accomplishment in my career so far was helping my submarine, the USS Topeka, get out to sea while serving as the Quality Assurance Officer. In that role, I had the opportunity to make a direct difference in the lives of my sailors while also contributing to the successful execution of missions vital to national security.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Chicago Booth’s MBA program? Be authentic. Booth values intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, and individuality. My advice is to connect your personal story to your professional goals, and show how Booth’s unique flexibility and data-driven approach directly enable that journey. If you can clearly explain why Booth, why now, and why you, you’ll stand out as someone who belongs in this community.

DON’T MISS: MEET CHICAGO BOOTH’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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