India to Seattle by way of Rochester
Shahbaaz Mubeen Mamadapur ‘18S (MBA) on his journey from Simon student to senior program manager at Amazon
Shahbaaz Mubeen Mamadapur as told in an interview with Lori Sussle Bonanni
While exploring business schools, I spoke with lots of people at Simon: current students, alumni, members of the admissions team. There was an incredible energy and passion for the program, and everyone was so welcoming. Making these meetings extra special was that I wasn’t on campus–I was in India (I conducted my entire exploration and application process from abroad). Despite being on another continent, I already felt part of the Simon family. I wanted to enroll at Simon. And, just as importantly, I felt that Simon wanted me.
I selected Simon for is distinguished faculty, pricing expertise, and quant-heavy curriculum. Also figuring into my decision were Simon’s small class sizes, collaborative environment, and tight-knit sense of community.
Arriving in Rochester marked my first time in the US. While I had done lots of research about Simon and Rochester, I hadn’t adequately prepared for the weather. I arrived mid-July expecting much cooler temperatures and soon realized I hadn’t packed any shorts!
The feeling on campus was just like what I had experienced from afar. The Simon community was very welcoming. Staff and faculty were truly interested in students: “Where do you come from? Where do you want to go?” There was a very strong sense of “We’re going to get there together.” I did experience some culture shock, and it took some time for me to break out of my shell, but overall, I was thrilled to be part of the Simon family.
Getting and Giving Career-Search Advice
When I began applying for internships, I realized that my interviewing skills needed work. So, I started meeting with a student career advisor to help me improve. Together we practiced nearly every day. During my next round of interviews, I was much more prepared, comfortable, and confident—and it paid off with an internship offer from Amazon.
Once I received my offer, I was eager to give back by helping students who were in the position I had been in. Giving just two or three hours a week, I helped my classmates find the confidence they needed to secure opportunities that would shape their careers. The feeling of being part of someone’s job search—which is a very personal journey—was exciting. I felt just as invested in my classmates’ success as they were, as I know my advisor had been for me.
Interning at Amazon
Similar to my Simon application experience, all my interviews with Amazon were via Skype, and the first time I arrived in Seattle was when I moved for my internship.
I had no operations experience, so there was a steep learning curve in my new role. But I was eager to immerse myself in the assigned project and learn as much as I could. Terrific mentors guided me, and the skills I learned at Simon helped immensely. With my strong technical background, I didn’t need to spend precious time learning how to analyze data. Instead, I was able to focus on getting the information I needed and interpreting it.
”By week 12, my pilot program was up and running in an Amazon fulfillment center.”
Amazon is very clear about what is expected of interns; deliverables are due in weeks three, six, nine, and 12. What was requested by week nine I had completed by week five. From there I was asked to run a pilot program based on my results. While intimidating, this opportunity was priceless. By week 12, my pilot program was up and running in an Amazon fulfillment center. The pilot results were strong and Amazon ended up reallocating four managers to the program.
Amazon makes job offers on the last day of the internship. I remember it clearly: It was Friday, August 25, and my blood pressure was through the roof, per my Fitbit. I received an offer and accepted a position as a senior program manager, the role I’m still in.
When I talk about Simon here in Seattle, my colleagues press me for more information. They’re intrigued by Simon’s focus on pricing and finance. It really sets the school apart.
Shahbaaz Mubeen’s Advice for Prospective MBA Students
1. Consider the professional toolkit each school’s curriculum will give you.
2. Keep in mind that rankings do not define schools, nor do they articulate the program’s quality
3. Find out how much personal attention professors give students. Are staff supportive?
4. Review your target companies. Has the school placed students there? Do alumni work there?
5. Compare your own strengths and weaknesses to the school’s strengths and weaknesses. Which programs can best help fill professional gaps?
6. Talk to as many people—students, alumni, admissions staff, etc.—as possible. The fit is crucial.
Originally published in Simon Business Magazine.