Meet The Michigan Ross MBA Class of 2018

Valentina Schwerter

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Personally, I enjoy stability and simple things. Professionally, I always try to do new things.

Hometown: Santiago, Chile

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was a competitive swimmer when I was at school, I trained many hours every day, but I was not good and I always got the last position in championships. Even so, I continued swimming for many years.

Undergraduate School and Major: Industrial Engineering, from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: I only have worked in one company, LATAM AIRLINES GROUP, but I have had many positions:

• Market Analyst, Revenue Management department
• Senior Flight Analyst, Revenue Management department
• Senior Analyst, Commercial Strategy department
• Manager, Revenue Management department
• Senior Manager, Revenue Management department

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I am really proud to have become senior manager in little over four years of work experience, a really fast ascension that means I have been doing a good job and that my company had valued that.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? In my opinion, the most valuable advice that I can give to someone is to speak with as many people as possible. You should not be afraid to contact students or alumni. They always are willing to help you and to share their personal experiences and opinions. After talking with them, you will have a better sense of the university. You will know if you fit there and if that school is the right place for you. For me these factors were invaluable in the admissions process and also after, when I had to choose among different schools. That’s because it is not only the school that has to choose you, you also have to choose the school.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? For me, Ross was an easy choice. There were so many things about this program and school that I loved, but three were the most important.

First, it was the people. For me, t was really important to be part of a collaborative community, and every time I reach someone of this community, I felt that they were really willing to help me. I could really imagine myself spending the next two years of my life here.

Second, it was Ross’ mission: to develop leaders who make a positive difference in the world. That was really important because for me business school is not about making more money, it is about gaining the skills and knowledge to make a difference.

Finally, it was the hands-on approach. For me it is very important to apply everything I learn in a real-life situation. Ross offers a unique opportunity to do this with the MAP program (Multidisciplinary Action Projects). I think it is the only school where you are able to spend seven weeks completely dedicated to one real-life project.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? It would definitely be a mix between consultancy and social impact. I love the idea of being challenged every day and to constantly learn new things. At the same time, it is important for me to feel that my work matters and that I am making a positive impact in other people’s lives.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? They have gained a good friend for life and that they can trust me.