Look for your competitive differentiator

3 minute read
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Tell us about your career background

My background is in strategy consulting, working for Deloitte for 4 years before the MBA. This experience allowed me to learn structured problem solving in diverse industries such as automotive, insurance, retail, and media.

Why was an Oxford MBA important to help you understand a global view of business where markets, trade, and work are transforming at a rapid rate?

Having lived in Mexico most of my life and worked mostly in projects with North American clients, I was looking for a program where I could have a global view of business. The Oxford MBA allowed me to do this with a very diverse faculty, case studies, but most importantly, classmates.

Turning to your personal career journey, did you know where you wanted to head in your career before your MBA?

My idea when I applied to the program and for most of my time in Oxford, I knew I wanted to accelerate my consulting career, specializing in sustainability and innovation consulting. However, as the program progressed and I started applying to several positions, I realized companies need specialists to fill post-MBA roles. Therefore, I decided to stay in the same function: Strategy, what I was already good at,  but change to a different industry, ultimately landing a role in the sports industry.

How did the resources and opportunities of an Oxford Saïd, education and career development assist you?

The Career Development Centre was incredibly useful in two ways.  

First, by providing a structured approach on how to apply for a job. Applications are hard in such a competitive market, and having a group of experts by my side at all times was an invaluable support.  

Second, by helping me uncover my career vision and develop a long-term career aspiration. By helping me discover my long-term professional ambitions, I uncovered a clearer pathway on what I need to do in the short and mid-term to achieve that vison.

Now you have taken your next career step, what recommendation would you give to incoming students embarking on their MBA programme?

Look for your competitive differentiator – even on a classroom full of talented professionals, you’ll be the person that knows the most in one or two topics. Discover what that is and sell yourself as an expert in that subject. Similar to how a striker on a football team only has to be good at scoring goals, not in every position on the field, companies will not hire you for being good at everything, but for being extremely good in one or two things.

Use this year to be truly introspective and understand who you are and what do you truly want to achieve. If you discover what you truly enjoy and what you’re good at, you will naturally attract your dream employers, ultimately having a successful and fulfilling career.

Oxford MBA