Brandeis International Business School

Marisa Lala, MBA’24: Finding ‘the perfect fit’ at Brandeis

Marisa Lala, MBA’24
Why did you choose Brandeis International Business School?

I reached out to several International Business School alumni during my MBA search and they all had amazing things to say about their time at Brandeis. Hearing their experiences gave me a lot of confidence. I wanted to be part of a tight-knit community and build real connections with classmates and professors, so Brandeis felt like the perfect fit. I also appreciated the customizable curriculum. You can choose from a variety of classes in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and shape your studies based on your interests.

What were the highlights of your time at Brandeis?

I tried to stay really involved and that made my Brandeis experience even more special. I competed in the Stock Pitch Challenge, which helped me land an internship at the Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Board. I also served as co-chair of the Graduate Student Association and worked as a teaching assistant for a variety of courses, which allowed me to deepen my own understanding of the coursework while helping fellow students.

How would you describe the MBA program?

What I loved most about the MBA program is the diversity. When your classmates are from 20 different countries, every class discussion is enlightening and you are regularly exposed to valuable new perspectives. Being in such a diverse and close-knit community made my graduate school experience so much more meaningful. I also loved the sense of independence — choosing classes that interested me, getting involved in different activities around campus, and even helping teach as a teaching assistant. My time at Brandeis wasn’t just about academics; it was about growing, learning and building relationships that will last well beyond graduation.

How would you describe the career support at the business school?

The career support at Brandeis is so helpful. My Career Coach was always available to offer guidance on job applications, interviews and career planning. The Career Strategies and Engagement Center also organizes great events, like speed networking and Industry Treks to amazing cities like New York and San Francisco. There are so many unique opportunities for students to meet alumni and explore different career paths.

What should prospective students know about the business school?

Students at the International Business School aren’t just another face in the crowd, like at bigger schools. The sense of community here is strong and the small class sizes mean you really get to know your professors and classmates. Brandeis is a place where people support each other, and where you’ll experience valuable opportunities to learn, grow and connect with professionals in your field.

Program
Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Job Title
Senior Financial Analyst

Employer
Delivery Hero

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