Augusto San Miguel

“Intense, disciplined, and globally curious individual driven by execution, communication, and continuous learning”

Hometown: La Paz, Bolivia

Fun Fact About Yourself: My favorite lunch is a bowl of peanut soup (Sopa de Maní). Yes, it’s a real thing, a Bolivian staple, and I’m on a mission to convince everyone it’s the best comfort food on the planet.

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad Privada Boliviana – Bachelor of Laws; Master in Finance IE Business School

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Investment Banking Associate at Panamerican Securities

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far?

My favorite part of Toronto is how welcoming it feels to those arriving from abroad. With such an international population, people make an effort to help you feel at home, and diversity is at the core of the city’s identity. You can see it everywhere and hear it in the many languages spoken. As newcomer, this made me feel both eager to explore the city and genuinely part of it from the start.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Toronto Rotman’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?

A key factor that led me to choose Rotman was the ability to tailor the MBA to my personal and professional goals. The school offers a rich combination of industry and social clubs, which allow students to engage intentionally with peers and experiences that matter most to them. The wide range of electives provides the flexibility to deepen knowledge in areas of interest or explore new fields. Coupled with personalized support from career coaches, workshops, and on-campus employer events, this structure gave me confidence that I could shape my MBA journey to achieve both growth and career objectives.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman?

Being an active member of the Rotman Finance Association has been the most impactful experience for me. Through case competitions, I’ve been able to collaborate with classmates, deepen my understanding of the Canadian market, and apply investment banking skills in a practical setting. I’ve also valued the networking events, which led to thoughtful conversations with alumni and industry professionals. I’ve been inspired by the dedication and commitment of the second-year RFA executive team in continuing to build and strengthen this platform at Rotman.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

One of my biggest career accomplishments was working on the structuring and execution of bond issuances on the Bolivian stock exchange, along with a private placement of preferred equity for a mining and metals client. The financing supported an ambitious metallurgical project in eastern Bolivia and gave me exposure to an industry of strategic importance to both Latin America and Canada. This financing required close teamwork under high-pressure timelines, and it reinforced my ability to collaborate effectively while delivering high-quality outcomes for the client.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far:

My biggest accomplishment so far as an MBA student has been receiving a Summer Associate offer in investment banking in Canada.

What made this moment especially meaningful was how clearly it reflected the journey rather than just the outcome. I pushed myself academically during demanding periods, learned to be intentional about my career strategy with the support of Rotman Career Services, and spent time truly understanding the Canadian financial market through RFA case competitions and daily learning. Along the way, I leaned heavily on conversations with industry professionals, listening carefully to their advice and applying it step by step. Seeing these efforts come together into an opportunity I worked hard for has been incredibly rewarding.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?

Attending a Toronto Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre with my Rotman MBA classmates has been my favorite memory so far. Thanks to the Rotman Graduate Business Council, I experienced my first-ever baseball game while sharing the energy of the crowd with my cohort. It was a fun, uniquely Toronto moment that helped me connect with classmates in a different setting, and even though the Jays didn’t win that night, they certainly gained a new fan during an exciting season.

Personal and professional development is one of the cornerstones of the Rotman MBA experience. What have you learned about yourself so far and what do you hope to achieve?

I’ve learned that I perform best when I am highly intentional about prioritization, especially during demanding periods. In an environment like Rotman, where academic, professional, and extracurricular opportunities constantly compete for attention, being deliberate with my time has allowed me not only to keep up, but to fully engage and grow through exams, live case competitions, and coffee chats.

I’ve also learned how much I value learning from people with diverse, international backgrounds. Engaging with classmates, professionals, professors, and staff has shown me how different experiences shape perspectives and decision-making. Looking ahead, I hope to continue strengthening these relationships and to keep learning from the unique journeys around me as I develop both personally and professionally.

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