Part-Time MBA Student Profile Cassandra Oliveira
Senior Business Analyst, The Context Network
City of Residence: Chicago, IL
Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, University of Northern Iowa
Cassandra Oliveira: 00:03
Working while getting my education has really helped me not to take it for granted. I’m right away able to apply and understand the value of the things I’m learning in the classroom. One thing that I respect so greatly about Booth is how much value they place on leadership and ethics and influence and some soft skills, as well as a lot of rigorous quantitative skills. Both of those components are so critical for my success in the future of my career. This quarter I am leading a probono consulting project for the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. This organization is really focused on reducing crime and gun violence.
Cassandra Oliveira: 00:42
I grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa. I chose the path of biology. I worked in the laboratory sciences for a couple of years, and after spending some time in the lab, I really wanted to expand my horizons a little bit. I decided I wanted to focus on the agricultural industries, since that was where I had come from. I got a job at an agricultural consulting firm. Consumers are paying more attention to where their food comes from. I also love how technology is getting into the agricultural space. Farmers want to be on the cutting edge of advances in this industry. Because of all this change in the industry and all of this opportunity, and in combination with the broader lens that I’ve gained from Booth, I feel like my career could go anywhere.
Career Changes While at Booth
When I applied and was accepted to Booth, I was working in R&D for Valent Biosciences; however, by the time I started my MBA I had transitioned into an account management role at a life science marketing agency, Chempetitive Group. I started at the Context Network about a year and a half later with the help of Booth's fabulous Career Services.
Advice to Anyone Considering Business School
Spend time reflecting on your individual path and story—not just for the sake of submitting a strong application, but for your own benefit long term. That doesn’t mean you need to have your entire life planned out, but you should have a clear, unique vision for where you want to go and how an MBA is the best way for you to get there.
What Surprised You Most About Booth?
I fully expected that the students, professors, and staff would be some of the most intelligent and driven people I would meet. I did not expect that they would also be some of the nicest and most down to earth. It's so easy to fit in at Booth.
Student Group Membership
Booth Social Impact, Graduate Women in Business, Booth Sales Club