Joaquin Uranga T’24 shares why Tuck was the right fit for him, what has surprised him most about the program, and his advice for prospective MBA applicants from Latin America.
Why did you choose to pursue an MBA?
After several years working in finance in Peru, I chose to pursue an MBA to accelerate my career and explore new skills I was curious about. Through conversations with past mentors and managers, I observed how an MBA had transformed their careers, enhancing their professional opportunities and leadership skills. Inspired by their success and leadership qualities, I decided to embark on a similar journey.
During my MBA journey, I have been particularly interested in developing expertise in strategic and leadership skills with global business practices. I had the goal to strengthen my analytical abilities and grow within the finance industry. Additionally, it was critical for me to expand my professional network and collaborate with diverse peers to broaden my perspective.
Why did you choose Tuck?
I chose Tuck because community is a critical factor for me. Having formed strong bonds and friendships in every city I’ve lived in, I understand the importance of community. From my initial conversations with Tuckies, it became clear that Tuck prioritizes community, making it the perfect fit for me.
Additionally, the structure of the Tuck curriculum, with its balance between core and elective courses, along with experiential learning opportunities, appealed to me. Finally, the strong network of Tuck alumni in Peru was a significant factor in my decision-making process.
What has surprised you most about Tuck?
What has surprised me most about Tuck is the incredibly supportive community and the level of investment everyone has in the program. Since arriving in August 2022, I’ve witnessed how students consistently demonstrate a common personality trait: a willingness to help and support others. This extends from small gestures, like assisting with moves, to providing support in recruiting and job opportunities. Both students and faculty are fully committed to making the Tuck MBA experience better every day.
Peruvian Tuck students and alumni at the first MBA Peru conference.
What clubs or organizations are you involved in at Tuck? How have they shaped your experience?
At Tuck, I am currently serving as one of the co-chairs for the International Club. This club aims to foster a sense of community among international students through various events and opportunities for connection, enriching the experience of living in Hanover.
Additionally, I am also a Tuck Admissions Associate, where I support the admissions team by conducting candidate interviews. I’ve found this role particularly rewarding as it allows me to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, hearing their stories and experiences from around the globe.
What advice do you have for prospective applicants from Peru and Latin America?
While it may not be easy to move to a new country and start a new life, stepping out of our comfort zones is crucial for personal and professional growth. Pursuing an MBA at Tuck offers an ideal opportunity to advance our careers and build lasting relationships with students from diverse backgrounds worldwide. Additionally, the Tuck community provides a supportive environment where individuals from Latin America can thrive and excel.
My advice to prospective applicants from Peru and Latin America is to embrace the journey, seize every opportunity for growth, and trust in the transformative power of the Tuck MBA experience.
Can you tell us a little bit about the first-ever MBA Peru conference you recently attended? What were your key takeaways from it?
The first MBA Peru conference took place in New York in March 2024. The conference aimed to unite the Peruvian student community pursuing MBA programs across the United States and Canada. It featured participation from executives and business founders from Peru as speakers and panelists, offering an invaluable opportunity to engage with students from various programs and network with prominent Peruvian business leaders.
My key takeaway from the conference is the realization of the privileged position we hold as students in top MBA programs. It highlighted the importance of maximizing our opportunities to eventually contribute to our country from diverse leadership roles. Hearing the personal and professional journeys of different leaders, shaped by their MBAs, was incredibly inspiring.
Overall, the conference was a resounding success, and I am confident it will become a recurring event in the years to come.
Before starting his MBA journey at Tuck, Joaquin Uranga T’24 worked at a Peruvian investment bank and in a financial strategy role at a large conglomerate group in Peru. During the summer, he had the opportunity to intern at Amazon in a financial and strategy role within the electric vehicles team. He’ll be returning to Amazon for a full-time role after Tuck, where he looks forward to furthering his knowledge of the technology sector, a field he’s passionate about.
Create a profile to learn more about Tuck and receive news and updates
