GMAT Talent and Opportunity Scholarship Winners
Please see the GMAT Talent and Opportunity Scholarship 2022 profiles and contact information below.
As part of their scholarship, each recipient received a GMAT test, preparation materials, test prep tutoring, a Fortuna admission consultant, and a well-being subscription.
To apply the candidates were asked to submit an essay outlining the following: ‘What do you believe your background and experience will bring to a diverse learning and business environment?’ To view the scholarship recipients' full essay submissions, please click here.
We hope you enjoy learning about our scholarship winners and take the opportunity to discuss their future business school plans.
Angela Leon, aged 26 from Seville (Spain). I studied a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering at the University of Seville and a Master’s in Strategic Marketing Direction at the International University of La Rioja (UNIR). I have 4 years of work experience working as both Product Marketing Manager and Project Manager in the Consumer goods and the IT sector. I have broad international experience as I have worked and lived in 4 different countries (Spain, France, the USA, and Australia). I have worked closely with and managed international teams located in different countries. At the moment, I also write about marketing and business in my newsletter called Marrazz.
At the moment, I’m preparing for the GMAT and my target score is 700+. My target schools are Stanford and UCLA Anderson. After the MBA, I would like to work as a Product Manager for big techs such as Google, Amazon, or Apple and I think the programs from these schools are the best to achieve my long-term goals. However, I’m also open to applying to other schools in order to have a Plan B as long as they align with my goal.
My name is Dominika and I am now pursuing a BSc Mathematics and Economics degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. My primary focus has always been on Mathematics, but my quantitative background led me also to explore fields such as game theory and behavioural economics and sparked an interest in microfinance and strategic consulting. Although being an analytical soul by nature, I am also a charismatic and open-minded individual, and I gladly engage in student-led projects and initiatives. This year, I had nice opportunities to gain experience in leadership, at first becoming the Head of Public Relations at SaveEUStudents campaign, then being elected as the Co-President of LSE SU Polish Business Society and Project Leader of the LSE SU Polish Economic Forum 2023 conference. Combining my extracurricular experiences with academic interests, and eclectic personality, I hope I would constitute a good asset in the business environment, as I am now considering a Master's degree in Business Analytics, integrated with Data Science and Management.
Ségolène is a Benin citizen who grew up between France and the UK. She believes that, in a global world, cultural sensitivity should be mastered by all. One can learn so much from other people’s habits, culture, and way of thinking. Attending business school has always been a dream of hers. Being sure of where she was heading but not so certain about the path needed to reach her goals. She believes in the schools’ mandate of building classes with people from diverse horizons and backgrounds to ensure they train leaders equipped with the best tools. Ségolène has an atypical background for someone who always knew she wanted to become a businesswoman. Despite feeling that economics and business subjects came to her naturally, she chose to pursue a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science at Lancaster University Ghana. It was the perfect fit with challenging classes delivered on a culturally diverse campus. While she enjoyed the challenge, she wanted to return to her true love: the business world. MEST’s Entrepreneur In Training program provided another perfect fit as it was an ideal mix of business and technology. Running a start-up, even for a short period, was one of the most transformative experiences of her life. She is now looking to get her MSc in Finance to acquire the necessary knowledge in business financing and, in 10 years, become one of the greatest venture capitalists in emerging markets.
My name is Shu-Han, studying in my last year of the BSc International Business and Politics at Copenhagen Business School. I was born in Taiwan and moved to Stockholm with my family when I turned seven. While growing up in two vastly different cultures (Swedish at School and Chinese at home) has its difficulties, it also opened my eyes to a new world where I can integrate and combine the best parts of the differences uniquely. This experience led to my determination of wanting to travel more and move to study in Hong Kong for two years. To me, HK is not only a place that offers a unique cultural heritage where the east meets the west, but also the “cradle” which revamped the way I viewed and identified myself. Having been the only “third culture” individual most of the time, being able to experience a society where the majority have Chinese roots mixed with western influence was inspiring and thought-provoking. The new perspectives and ideas helped me to innovate ways to deal with the conflicting forces of a cultural mixture. They also made me realize how important it is to have a diverse environment to create a virtuous cycle that can reinspire and prompt innovations in an increasingly globalized world. Although ultimately, I moved again to Copenhagen to finish my Bachelor studies, I know my journey of exploration has not ended. I look forward to embarking on a Journey beyond Denmark for a master’s degree in Management and/or Finance. I hope to join a university that offers a platform to meet with peers of different backgrounds and interests but shares an equal value for diversity. I hope to also learn from them and contribute with my stories and experiences. I believe, in such a way, we will collaboratively create a diverse, positive, and stimulating learning environment, creating the global business leaders we need for tomorrow.
My name is Garima UPADHYAY. I came to France in 2015, to study for a master's degree from INP-ENSEEIHT. After my Master's, I started working with Airbus Operation Toulouse. Currently, in the role of Aircraft system architect, my 5+ years of experience with Airbus so far has allowed me to participate in projects from concept to completion, perform and participate in feasibility studies to decide Go/No-GO decisions, work with cross-functional teams, and steer suppliers like Rockwell Collins and Thales. As a Hardware design Manager, I have been responsible for managing the product development for ATR and Airbus internal stakeholders and providing technical support during and after the development phase.
To keep pursuing a global career, business school is a very important part of my development plan as it will allow me to polish my existing skills and internalize problem-solving skills through experiential learning. I believe for future leadership roles, I need to be equipped with the right abilities to navigate through uncertainty, risk, and change, and at the same time learn about business strategies and management. The essential part of what would be developed through interaction with fellow students, alumni, and professors.
Currently, I am in the early preparation phase of the GMAT. And I aspire to be accepted by one of the best business schools to work toward my goal.
I graduated with a first-class honors degree in International Business (best 1% amongst 2,675 students). Currently, I am doing a Master's in Global Markets, Local Creativities which aims to target global challenges with suitable local solutions and covers subjects in innovation, economic history, and sustainable business development.
Besides being committed to my academic achievements, I was able to gain a lot of international experience and broaden my cultural understanding by attending various exchange programs. I participated at summer universities in Copenhagen, Hanoi, and recently in Montreal; I did an exchange during high school in Helsinki and wrote my bachelor's thesis in Buenos Aires. Due to these numerous experiences abroad, I can proudly say that I master Spanish, French, English, and German.
Furthermore, I supplemented my studies with social and political engagement. In three consecutive years as the student representative, we established feedback mechanisms and a modularized PE curriculum. In addition, I chose to volunteer at a non-formal education movement in France and contribute to qualitative education and social mobility.
As the child of a working-class family, I want to set a good example and inspire others to follow their aspirations and apply to one of the most prestigious business universities, regardless of their social background, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
As for my educational background, I am now in the process of receiving a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, and public relations. I have managed to keep within 1% of the most efficient and well-performing students at my faculty while being involved in part-time and full-time work for the whole studying period. In addition, I have participated in an exchange program in France, which has become a turning point in my life. I have realised that I want to broaden my horizons and study abroad in an international community for more than one semester.
As a 21-years-old, I also have an extensive background in the business sphere because I have been working since I am 15. For example, I signed contracts with business owners as a sales manager in the retail industry when I was this age. When I turned 18, I began my international career in a USA-based edtech start-up as a business assistant to the CEO. Several months after being hired, I was promoted to a marketing manager position. It was a time when I dived into the business world, watching my interest in entrepreneurship grow.
Now I want to enlarge my knowledge of international marketing, so I plan to get a master’s degree abroad. I have a strong desire to study in a Paris business school not only because I fell in love with this city during the exchange program, but also because I see profound opportunities to continue my career in France after graduation.
diana.rukavishnikova@gmail.com
Hello, my name is Sixto Cerna. I’m a Salvadorian student enrolled in third year of the “Cycle Pluridisciplinaire d’Études Supérieures ”at Université PSL studying Mathematics and Computer Science.
Growing up in El Salvador was a double-edged sword. Even if my personal development was limited by the opportunities that my country had to offer, this same challenge pushed me to take advantage of my education and fostered me to think outside of the box by seeking opportunities elsewhere. Through scholarships I’ve been able to attend courses on Mathematics and International Business at Columbia University NY; and now to pursue my studies in Paris (Bourse d’Excellence Major AEFE – Campus France).
Moreover, I’m particularly interested on the applications of AI in business. As of today, I’ve completed two internships at ENS Ulm and in a start-up called Tripartie – both on Machine Learning; and I’ve launched an AI-based start-up in El Salvador called Overview-AI. We offer a software that summarizes the information from several resumes in figures (years and domain of experience, skills, etc.) which reveals outstanding candidates in a glance. My end goal is to create accessible, reliable, and innovative AI technologies specially for Latin American companies.
After finishing my undergraduate program I’m looking forward to joining a master’s in Data Science, Business Analytics or AI that emphasizes how to leverage, present, and manipulate data particularly in a business context.
My name is Igor Laakso, I’m 25 years old and was originally born in Ukraine but had the privilege to be raised in the Nordics. Currently, I’m on my last year of my bachelor studies in Copenhagen Business School where I’m majoring in International Shipping and Trade. Besides my studies, I’m heavily engaged in various case competitions both as a competitor and organizer. For example, I’m currently responsible to organize the GLOBAL competition, as part of CBS Case Competition organization.
In addition, I’m also working part-time as a student-worker in strategy & consulting at DFDS, which is the largest integrated shipping and logistics provider in northern Europe. Which has greatly contributed to my understanding of the shipping and logistics industries and given me hands-on work experience parallel to my studies.
I have the ambition to get into a top MBA school, preferably Harvard Business School through their deferred admission (2+2 program) as I plan to work a couple years after university studies. One of the reasons I’ll be applying for an MBA is to meet extraordinary people who I can learn from but also share my own knowledge and experiences to. I believe a place like Harvard Business School attracts ambitious people who want to make the world a better place – where I hope to be one of them. My focus will primarily be on the shipping industry. A global industry with a lot of influence, challenges, and most importantly, potential to change!
Diana Zarina is a recent graduate of the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business with a specialisation in Finance. She comes from the countryside of Latvia and from an early age has developed a high appreciation for education. As a top graduate of high school, Diana made studying at the best business school in the region her aim. During her studies, she has gained practical experience working mainly in Finance and IT-related positions with a particular curiosity for interactions between these two fields. After graduation, she continues to work in the field of IT and is actively preparing to pursue a master’s degree. As of now, Diana Zarina is sure that she wants to continue specialising in Finance but is still researching potential business schools and programs that would be the best fit for her.
I am a Latina woman, born and raised in Brazil. I graduated in Business & Marketing and years later, I pursued an extension course on Big Data and Business Intelligence, due to my passion for Technology and Data Analysis. I am a Business Intelligence Specialist with experience on building a data culture in companies and helping them to make decisions using data. Therefore, I felt the need to study and specialize more in business analytics and innovative solutions for it. Doing a Master’s in Economics with focus on Business Analytics is a great opportunity to broaden my skills and become a better professional. I want to use it to develop myself and pay it forward in the future.
Aaron currently works as a Sales Executive for an additive manufacturing company in Newbury, Berkshire. After completing his undergraduate degree in Spanish and Translation Studies at Hull University, he has gone on to pursue an MSc in Business Management at Cardiff University. Over the course of his two degrees, Aaron has also studied abroad at Ochanomizu University in Japan, worked as an English Teaching Assistant for the British Council in Spain, and featured in a Samsung commercial after completing their "Not A School" program. In his free time, Aaron enjoys traveling, gaming, learning languages, and listening to music, traveling to concerts all over the globe when he has the chance.
In the future, Aaron hopes to combine his global experience and academic background towards studying an MBA in either the US or Europe. His ideal program is one that allows him to use his foreign language skills and business knowledge to help him break into leadership roles in the technology sector and be part of one of the world's pioneering tech companies.