Real Humans of the Syracuse Whitman Class of 2019
Tamara Seredneva, Whitman MBA Class of 2019
Age: 22
Hometown: Baku, Azerbaijan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Azerbaijan State University of Economics, bachelor’s of finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience: During my sophomore year, I started my own business in the travel and leisure industry. Being an entrepreneur and developing this start-up for three years has been the only pre-MBA work experience of mine.
Why business school? Why now? After reaching a certain success with my local business, I realized that I am full of global business ideas and solutions. My bachelor degree in finance may have given me the foundation to establish and manage the local company, but wider international training was required for global goals such as mine. Whitman was the perfect place for me to acquire that.
Why Whitman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? Whitman’s courses on the global economy and business in an inspirational environment with a pool of talented peers from all over the world combined with unique experiential learning programs and opportunities for entrepreneurial experiences outside the classroom perfectly fit to provide me with global international perspective/education.
Tamara Seredneva, Whitman Class of 2019
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? My entrepreneurial experience definitely brings the differentiating contribution in class discussion as well as in activities outside the classroom. Additionally, being the first student from my country (Azerbaijan) at Whitman, I was able to share first-hand experience in business in that part of the world.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? One of my two-year objectives while in the MBA program is to visit all 50 states in the United States.
Post-MBA career interests? Although coming here I was interested in focusing on entrepreneurship and marketing, after arriving and attending classes I discovered a new passion for me—business analytics. So, right now, I’m looking for career opportunities where I will be able to apply my knowledge in business analytics and marketing as well as my entrepreneurial perspective.
Advice to Prospective MBA Applicants
One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Don’t hesitate to reach out to as many people as possible when conducting research on business schools. Sometimes, it is that human contact that will make the final decision easy.
One thing you would change or do differently? I would have taken all the required standardized tests earlier.
Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? Filtering/screening schools where you want to apply. It is the most time-consuming and frustrating process. Set out your priorities first (alumni satisfaction, interests/specializations, location etc.)—this will make the process faster.
Greatest highlight so far at Whitman? Winning Orange Tank Pitch competition as a 1st year student. Additionally, with the support of the faculty, starting the Business Analytics Club.
One thing about Whitman that you didn’t expect before arriving? The support of faculty and staff to the new students in all their endeavors. They made us feel like family from day one. Also, creating a strong bond with the local community in a short amount of time was surprising.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? I am most anxious that I won’t be able to utilize all the opportunities on campus because of time limitations. It is very hard to decide which things to participate in and which to let go, even if you are highly interested in them.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? I am most excited about finding an internship that will be the right fit for my skills and interests. I can’t wait to be exposed to the American business world. My goal is to learn from experienced professionals and mentors.
About the Author
Matthew Korman
Matthew Korman is a writer on MetroMBA. Since graduating from Rowan University with a degree in journalism and political science, Matthew has worked as a music industry writer and promoter, a data analyst, and with numerous academic institutions. His works have appeared in publications such as NPR and Sports Illustrated.
