Jose Carlos Jose earned his Masters's degree in Actuarial Science from Pontifical Catholic University. He worked in various roles for different companies and decided to pursue an MBA to develop business skills and achieve his aim of becoming a strategy consultant for a top consulting firm. He partnered with MER (myEssayReview) for his application to 4 schools. He received interview invitations from all four and was accepted into three of them- Cornell, Ivey Richards, and Emory, receiving more than US$70k in scholarships. Carlos chose to attend Cornell and is currently a first-year student there.

In this conversation with Poonam, Carlos talks about:

• Background
• Why MBA/Career goal
• Most Challenging aspect of the application process
• His preference for Cornell over other schools
• His favorite aspect of the program
• His advice to prospective applicants

And now presenting Jose Carlos Nogueira Cavalcante Filho…….

Poonam: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad? What do you do now?

Carlos: Sure, Poonam! I’m from Brazil, where I got my undergrad degree in Economics with a minor in Finance. I have 5 years of work experience in different industries.

Poonam: When did you start thinking about an MBA? Why now? What are your post-MBA career goals and long-term goals?

Carlos: Well, getting an MBA degree in another country is a major decision, and I started thinking about it approximately three years before actually applying. I felt now was the right moment because I was about to take on managerial responsibilities and wanted to better prepare for this role. My post-MBA goal is to continue working in consulting, primarily for the intellectual challenge and the collegial atmosphere.

Poonam: You were accepted into Cornell, Richard Ivey, and Emory, but you chose Cornell.   How is Cornell the best school for you?

Carlos: My initial plan is to deepen my international experience after completing my MBA, but returning to my country was always a possibility. After consulting with my career counselor, I realized Cornell has the most brand recognition in Brazil. Additionally, I took into consideration my “gut feeling.” Although everyone I interacted with from all the cited schools were great, I felt more connected to the Cornellians I met. Therefore, brand recognition and “gut feeling” were the main drivers for this decision. My “gut feeling” was right– I feel at home at Cornell!

Poonam: Wonderful!! What is your favorite thing about Cornell so far? What part of this program you have enjoyed the most so far?

 Carlos: It’s difficult to limit all the great experiences I’m having to just one point, but the thing I like most is the close-knit community here at Cornell. Everyone I’ve reached out to, even before being accepted to Cornell, showed a willingness to go the extra mile to assist me.

Poonam: Is there anything you would like to change about the program? 

Carlos: The only thing I would change is the freezing cold weather here in Ithaca!

Poonam: Looking back, what was the most challenging aspect of the school admissions process? How did you approach that challenge and overcome it? What would you advise other MBA applicants who are facing similar challenges?

Carlos: To be honest, besides managing the anxiety while waiting for results, the process was smooth and painless (primarily because you kept me in line!). Actually, the most challenging part of the whole process after being accepted was dealing with all the immigration red tape (visa process, money wiring). To deal with it, I would advise prospective applicants to start early (that also applies to the rest of the application). Start processing all the bureaucracy and paperwork as soon as you accept the offer.

Poonam: It is challenging to manage full-time school and family at the same time. Do you have any time management tips for prospective students?

Carlos: I am fortunate to be married to a very patient and sympathetic woman. Also, I think it’s all about the buy-in process; my wife and kid are convinced that the MBA here and now was the best next step in our lives. There is also a vast Cornell component to that: the strong community here is supportive, and the “Joint Ventures” (“the real brains behind this operation” is their motto) group is very active. Indeed, my experience at Cornell has been great so far. The recruiting season has started, and I have two job offers!

Poonam: Congratulations. Do you have any admissions tips for applicants for a full-time MBA program (essays, résumé, recommendation letters, interview, adjustment to the campus), etc.?

Carlos: Absolutely. The MBA application process is all about storytelling. Successful applicants have the ability to connect the dots between their background/experiences and their future goals, with a clear need for an MBA in between those pieces. An MBA is not an end in itself but a platform to launch you into your future.

Poonam: That’s true. What are your favorite non-school books?  What are your hobbies?

Carlos: My favorite non-school book is Jonathan Livingston Seagull (I know, it’s cheesy, but I like it). My main hobby is cooking. I am a foodie, and cooking is my way of bringing the world to my table.

Poonam: Is there any other advice you would like to offer to prospective MBA students?

Carlos: Yes, keep your head up. Rejection is part of the game, and the way we deal with it is what differentiates success from failure.

Poonam: Thank you, Carlos, for sharing your story with us. Good luck with your Cornell experience and your future career.

Click here for Carlos’s testimonial of MER Services.

Click here for Carlos’s GMAT Club Review.

Since 2011, MER (myEssayReview) has helped many applicants get accepted into the top 20 MBA programs. (MER owner Poonam is among the top 5 most-reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club.)

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