Class of 2024: The Problem Solver
Mauricio Bustamante MBA’24 set out to solve one of the most pressing issues of our lifetime: plastic pollution in our oceans. As one of 15 students chosen from across institutions such as MIT, NYU, and Babson College, he traveled to New York City to take part in the Global Impact Sprint, organized by the HPI School of Entrepreneurship.
Over the course of five days, he and his peers developed several groundbreaking solutions. And when all was said and done, Bustamante returned home with the certainty that when individuals come together and unite behind a common cause, they can achieve remarkable outcomes.
As a leader both among his Miami MBA cohort and throughout the graduate community, Bustamante is an active member of the Butler Launch Pad, a Blank Center Seed Fund recipient, and the Miami chapter leader for the Babson Acceleration Club.
As we head toward Graduate Commencement on May 11, Bustamante looks back upon his time at Babson and reflects on what comes next.
What are your post-graduation plans?
“I am eager to further my career in new product management, aligning with companies that are committed to purpose and innovation. My ambition is to harness the entrepreneurship insights gained during my MBA to create businesses that are not only profitable and scalable but also meaningful and impactful.”
What was your favorite class or professor?
“Professors Ron Pierantozzi and Jay Rao, in particular, have had a profound impact on my MBA journey. Their guidance and encouragement significantly broadened my perspective, inspiring me to aim high and empowering me to chase my ambitions—a testament to the transformative power of the Babson MBA experience.”
How has Babson prepared you for the next stage of your career/life?
“The Babson MBA has been instrumental in enhancing my passion for human-centered design and innovation. It has equipped me with a holistic business understanding and a strategic, data-driven approach to decision making, preparing me for the next stages of my career and life.”
What made your cohort special?
“What set our cohort apart was the diverse backgrounds and personalities that came together, both in and out of the classroom. Our discussions were enriched by a wide array of experiences, from the unique team-building insights of a military veteran to the entrepreneurial journey of a young CEO leading a multinational augmented reality company. This diversity fostered a deep sense of community and creativity, making our time outside the classroom as enriching as our academic endeavors.”
What advice do you have for people thinking about getting their MBA at Babson?
“Babson goes beyond the conventional business education, challenging you to see beyond the apparent and discover opportunities where others might not. It fosters a proactive mindset, encouraging you to take action and adopt a ‘learn by doing’ approach.
“The perfect time to embark on your entrepreneurial journey is now, with Babson equipping you with the mindset and tools to leverage available resources from Day One to achieve your goals.”
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