Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Carlo. I am a software engineer with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from the Universidad Industrial de Santander. I continued with a Master of Science from the Universite Joseph Fourier (Grenoble I). I also got a Ph.D. in Informatics from Universite Grenoble Alpes.
I began my career in the technical field as a Database designer with Tissa Technology Group. I was a Co-Founder and Project Manager of GIsmobile Limited where I worked for over a year and a half. Over the years I worked with various other tech companies before deciding to go for an MBA.
Apart from this, I have worked as a Tutor on the Basics of Computing Systems at STMicroelectronics Foundation, Secours Catholique-France. I was also a participant in the London to Paris charity cycling Fundraiser for the UNICEF.
What prompted you to apply for an MBA?
My education and career before choosing to go for the MBA were primarily in the technology sector. However, I wanted to create own company in the field and use my talents and knowledge for furthering innovation in my field of study as I believe that I have ideas that can be successful in the long run. As I had a technical background I understood that I would have to go for an MBA before switching careers as I would need to gain credibility as an entrepreneur too. I chose Rotterdam as it is a one year program in the heart of Europe. The program also has a lot of partnerships with HEC and Georgetown University where I intended to study also.
What did you find the most difficult in the application process?
As an engineer and also being fluent in the English language, the GMAT was not as difficult for me as many others before I have found it to be. I managed to get the 650 that I needed for Rotterdam School of Management after just two months of class. However, the application process itself turned out to be more challenging for me as I am not a writer and it was very difficult for me to find the proper tone to present my experiences while also showing my values and my interest in the school, and what I could contribute to the school. Dr. Hubert Silly, under whose tutelage I study, was extremely helpful for the success of my application.
What is life like at RSM?
RSM, with its one year program, was my choice of business school and I am very happy with my choice so far. I wanted to be close to the heart of Europe and RSM suits my purposes brilliantly. I have also been very happy with the classes and the networks that I have managed to create so far. As an entrepreneur, I was very focused on my projects during my time at RSM and I got the best support from my colleagues and professors with regard to it.
What would be your advice to someone applying for an MBA program?
First of all, find the best possible school for yourself. When I began my search I found various programs such as INSEAD, LBS, etc., which were far too expensive for me. By applying successfully to Rotterdam, I managed to get into a program that is very reputable, lies at the heart of Europe, is a bedrock of Dutch entrepreneurship and at the same time allows its students to have exchange programs to HEC, Georgetown, etc., allowing the students to have a very international program.
Secondly, budget your MBA. It is an expensive program and you will be spending over 80,000 euros in the course of a year without working. So plan your finances well in advance, whether it be scholarships or financial support etc., or the MBA might end up costing you even more.
Finally, I recommend that you work with Dr. Hubert Silly and the MBA Center. I was in class with a lot of students, many of whom got accepted to INSEAD, IMD, HEC, LSE, ISE, LBS, and RSM. I was very impressed but the quality of the classes offered there and recommend them very highly.