Herman Marais

University of Rochester, Simon Business School

“An avid problem solver, regimented, fun loving and adventurous.”

Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a huge motorbike enthusiast!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Johannesburg – Mechanical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: GasCon – Project Manager and Engineer

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Leading a team to design and build the biggest cryogenic tank project our company had ever received. This involved a lot of trial-and-error, creative new solutions and pushing our capabilities to new levels.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? I would have to say it’s a combination of friendly, hard-working and very accomplished. Since the start of the program, I have found great companionship in my classmates and this camaraderie has been invaluable in navigating our new and exciting lives as business school students. We all have very different backgrounds, and all bring something valuable to the table, which each of us can take advantage of and in so doing, we’re all in this journey together.

Rochester Simon is known for being “unabashedly analytical.” Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How do you intend to leverage this approach as a student and professional? My background as an Engineer means that I hail from an already quantitative heavy discipline, so I understand the value of data and numbers. As a STEM designated program, I was immediately drawn to the Simon MBA where I have found amazing tools and skills that are essential in using data as a key driver for strategy and operational decisions alike. Going into the working world during an era of Big Data means I will be able to test hypotheses and make crucial decisions, all backed up by solid evidence and analysis.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full- time MBA and why was it so important to you? An absolute standout feature at Simon is the staff.

After considering many alternatives, looking at school ranking, culture, and location (all which Simon excels at) what really impressed me from the start was the personal and prioritized treatment I received from Admissions. It was very apparent by my interactions with the school as well as testament from past and current students that this was more than a Business School, it is also a really tight-knit and supportive community where we all share and celebrate each other’s successes.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Simon has a club that offers pro-bono consulting work to the local community of Rochester. The club tackles real life problems and issues faced by these businesses and as consultants we get involved and come up with real, implementable solutions. This is perhaps one of the best ways to build on client interaction, teamwork and all-round business skills.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? I recall a question that asked, ‘If I was not selected to attend Business School, what my back up plan would be?’ Although I could easily have stayed in my job at that time, I was completely committed to furthering my education and I had to get creative to come up with a compelling answer: I would persevere and make sure that I try again with an even stronger profile next time around.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? During my career, I had always felt that although my undergrad and equipped me very well to deal with the main demands of my chosen industry, I was lacking key financial and business management background skills that are not readily taught in an Engineering Degree. I felt that if I had any inclination to move into upper management, I had to gain these skills and an MBA was the perfect way to achieve this.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? I also applied to the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University, both in Cape Town, South Africa. I was accepted into both programs but ultimately decided on Simon.

How did you determine your fit at various schools? The best way to determine fit, in my opinion, is to try gauge people from the various universities based off of your interactions with them. I think it is also essential to seek out current and past students to get their opinion. Most people will readily share their own experiences and offer invaluable advice that can play a massive role in your decision.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Instead of a single moment I would posture that my marriage has been the biggest teacher. My wife has a knack of getting me to see things from a different angle and has taught me more about myself than I could imagine. Finding your place in the world can be really tough and deciding to do your MBA is no less so. It was only with the support and love from her that I was able to get my own thoughts and priorities straight. I cannot overstate the value of trying different things and seeing what you enjoy most and then giving it your all.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? I love making things and working towards the goal of producing a tangible product. Ideally, I would see myself as a senior manager or executive in a manufacturing company that produces products which can help set the stage for the rest of the 21st  century in a sustainable way.