2016 MBAs To Watch: Christian Medeiros, Ohio State (Fisher)

Christian Mederios Ohio State

Christian Medeiros

 

Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University

Age: 30

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Notre Dame, BA Economics and Political Science

Where did you work before enrolling in business school? Deutsche Bank, New York; Associate in asset-backed securitization investment banking division

Where did you intern during the summer of 2015? Abbott Nutrition, Columbus Ohio

Where will you be working after graduation? Abbott Nutrition, Associate Brand Manager

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium board member (Fisher Board Fellows one year non-voting term), 2015 CAMP summit marketing lead, Graduate Research Assistant for OSU Global Water Initiative, Global Applied Projects student advisor, Pelotonia participant, Macy’s case competition winner

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? During my graduate research assistant position with OSU’s Global Water Initiative, I have been working on the development of a franchise model for clean water system operations and maintenance in Tanzania. The aim is to not only improve infrastructure, but equip Tanzanians with the resources and incentives to turn water pump maintenance into a thriving business. I am proud of this because it has required a great deal of critical and innovative thinking, and it will have a huge impact on the quality of life of many people in rural Tanzania. I gained this position through Fisher’s Global Applied Projects program and would not have had this opportunity without Fisher.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m most proud of successfully making a career change from finance to marketing and landing a great role in a function in which I previously had very little experience.

Who is your favorite professor? It would be Professor Shashi Matta, who teaches the core marketing class and an advertising elective. Professor Matta forces you to think critically and not simply default to the easy answer.

Favorite MBA Courses? Customer Relationship Management and Pricing, Leadership Legacy

Why did you choose this business school? From the beginning of the application process until now, I have felt very welcome at Fisher. The faculty and staff are incredibly engaged and genuinely care about every student in the MBA program. Fisher has the intimacy and deep relationships that come with a small class size while also providing access to the resources of one of the largest universities in the country. In addition, Columbus is a great city that I’m proud to call home.

What did you enjoy most about business school? Forging so many great relationships with fellow students, faculty, and the greater Columbus business community.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from business school? Becoming a successful leader requires finding your authentic leadership style and staying true to your core values.

What was the most surprising thing about business school? The first big surprise about business school was how early recruiting season started. It felt like I was interviewing before I had even finished reading my first semester syllabi. The other big surprise was how willing and excited people are to share their experiences and opportunities with students. Being enrolled in an MBA program allows you access you wouldn’t otherwise have if you are intellectually curious and make the effort.

What was the hardest part of business school? I think the hardest part was re-learning how to network for a job and interview, which is a skill that takes a lot of practice to really do well on a consistent basis. Fortunately, the Office of Career Management at Fisher does a good job of emphasizing how much time and effort needs to be devoted to the career search part of business school.

What’s your best advice to an applicant to your school? Take advantage of all the opportunities that Fisher offers during the application process to get to know the culture. The warmth and welcoming atmosphere is not just put on for show so if it feels like a good fit you will have an amazing experience.

I knew I wanted to go to business school when…I was trying to make a career change on my own after taking some time off to travel. I saw all the great jobs that my friends graduating business school were entering and I knew that was the path to get where I wanted to go.”

If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…contemplating another way to change careers out of finance.”

Which executive or entrepreneur do you most admire? Elon Musk, for undertaking ambitious and visionary projects.

What are your long-term professional goals? Lead a large and successful brand and spend time in an international role.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents because they have always supported my sister and I in every way possible and encouraged us to do what made us happy.

Fun fact about yourself: I have visited more foreign countries than US states

Favorite book: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (non-fiction), Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy (fiction)

Favorite movie: Saving Private Ryan

Favorite musical performer: Counting Crows

Favorite television show: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Favorite vacation spot: On a backcountry trail deep in the mountains

Hobbies? Traveling, reading, running, cycling, watching OSU and ND sports.

What made Christian such an invaluable addition to the class of 2016?

“There are many who can identify with Christian’s story, even if the details of his job and location make it very specific. Disillusioned by his career in investment banking on Wall Street, Christian took a year off to travel the world and ponder his next career move. He decided on an MBA and applied to Fisher. What followed was a process of self-discovery and the realization that he enjoyed marketing. I saw that process unfold in front of my eyes when I taught the core class in marketing and noticed how passionate he was about the subject. Still, the dexterity and ease with which he made the change to marketing pleasantly surprised me. Multiple brand management internship offers later, he chose Abbott Nutrition, where he thoroughly impressed his peers and superiors. He is very well-liked and respected by his classmates at Fisher and it’s easy to see why – he makes it all look effortless, without breaking a sweat or ever seeming stressed. An MBA was the perfect decision for Christian. It’s tremendously satisfying as an educator to see how seamlessly he leveraged every single facet of the program.”

Shashi Matta

Clinical Associate Professor of Marketing and Director of MBA Programs

Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University

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