Where Are They Now? Chicago Booth First Year Reflections with Lorena Prates

Lorena’s journey to Chicago Booth began with a desire to expand her impact as an innovation leader. After several years leading global initiatives at AB InBev, she realized that to drive large-scale transformation, she needed a stronger foundation in management and strategy. Coming from a double degree in Law and Business Administration, Lorena learned how to build structured solutions, but wanted to connect the dots between data, creativity, and leadership. Chicago Booth’s analytical rigor and flexible curriculum allow her to strengthen her business fundamentals while also tailoring her experience toward technology and innovation. Additionally, Lorena was drawn to the Booth community because she saw Booth as a place filled with ambitious yet generous people who challenge one another intellectually while supporting each other to grow personally and professionally. Lorena credits Booth for being the kind of environment that allows her to grow both as an innovator and a leader. 

Having been at Booth for over a year now, does the academic experience live up to what you expected? Any favorite classes so far?

The academic experience at Booth has surpassed my expectations. I came here eager to challenge myself, and I’ve found that every class, regardless of subject, pushes me to think differently and question long-held assumptions. Courses like The Study of Behavioral Economics with Professor Devin Pope allowed me to deep dive into subjects I was interested in, like psychology and neuroscience, while completely changing the way I understand human behavior and its impact on the professional setting. Another class that had an impact on me was Application Development with Professor Raghu Betina. This class taught me to think like a builder, transforming abstract ideas into real applications, and it made me exercise muscles that are often forgotten in the age where AI can do everything with a single prompt. These classes are good examples of how discomfort allows for growth to happen.

Looking back on your first year, what are some takeaways, and what excites you most about embarking on your second year?

Booth taught me that transformation happens at the intersection of curiosity and community. Beyond academics, I found purpose in engaging with clubs and leadership roles that align with who I am and what I stand for. As co-chair of the Innovation and Design Club and the Corporate Management Group, I’ve had the chance to create spaces where students exchange ideas, prototype solutions, and prepare for leadership roles across industries. Through the Chicago Women in Business Club, I’ve strengthened bonds with women who continuously inspire me to take bold steps and lift others as I climb. As a Kilts Fellow and Board Fellow at the Chicago Tool Library, I’ve applied what I learn in the classroom to real challenges and organizations, designing growth strategies that support social impact.

Entering my second year, I’m most excited to give back, whether through mentoring first-year students, serving as an Admissions Fellow, or supporting incoming Brazilian students as Country Captain. Booth has given me more than just knowledge; it has given me a community that believes in movement, progress, and purpose. My goal now is to help others experience the same transformation.

Where did you intern over the summer? Tell us more about how you secured your internship, prepared for the job, and what the overall experience was like.

This summer, I worked as a Senior Program Manager at Amazon in Nashville, helping the Global Standards and Customer Excellence team explore AI-driven solutions. I was responsible for identifying automation opportunities across the organization and leading a project to enhance how Standard Operational Procedures are shared globally. Securing the role was due to hard commitment during my first quarter at Booth. I worked hard to make connections, leaning on second-year mentors, Booth alumni, and student groups, who helped me navigate the application process, from deciding my track to preparing me for interviews. The internship was both challenging and energizing. I worked with cross-regional teams from the U.S., the U.K., and Japan and had the opportunity to present my findings to senior leadership, influencing the team’s 2026 AI strategy. The experience reaffirmed that I thrive in environments where innovation is embedded in the culture and where curiosity is rewarded. It was also a powerful reminder of how much Booth prepared me to lead with both structure and creativity.

What piece of advice would you give to someone currently going through the admissions process and considering an MBA from Booth?

Talk to people! That’s the best way to truly understand Booth. Beyond rankings and program descriptions, culture is what defines your MBA experience, and Booth’s culture is built on generosity, intellectual curiosity, and a deep sense of community. Reach out to students and alumni, ask about their journeys, and see if their stories resonate with yours. The best fit is where you can bring your authentic self and feel both supported and stretched to grow. From a practical side, plan ahead, stay organized, and visit Chicago if that’s available to you. Most importantly, remember that this process goes both ways. You’re not just being evaluated, you’re also choosing the place where you’ll spend the next two years building the connections that will endure for life. You need to feel a sense of belonging if you want to take the best out of this incredible experience and be part of a community of curious, collaborative people.