Why get an MBA—and why at Booth?
I really enjoyed the feeling of going from an idea in my head to building a tangible product that real people loved and used. I wanted to continue doing that. But I needed a foundational knowledge of computer systems—and the ability to pair it with a business perspective. Booth was one of the only schools that offered a joint program where I could do an MBA and a masters in computer science, and where I also had the flexibility to choose my own curriculum.
You recently made the leap to Meta. How do all these learnings and experiences serve you in your role today?
I work on the WhatsApp business at Meta, focusing on product integrity: protecting users from unwanted contact such as spam or scams while helping to sustainably grow business messaging on the platform. It’s a challenge that draws on my background understanding user experiences across geographies and industries, being comfortable with data, and knowing how to best leverage technology to build a working solution.
WhatsApp is a product that I, like billions of others, use to stay connected with family, friends, and business contacts every day. Getting to work on a product used by so many people, and in such meaningful ways, is a privilege and a humbling experience.
What advice would you give new graduates?
One underrated skill is having high agency—a mindset of ownership and initiative. Being proactive and resourceful, figuring out creative ways to get stuff done and showing up on the hardest days goes a long way in your career and life.
Also, say no to more things! At my first job as a new graduate, I felt I could outwork others. But I’ve since realized that not all work is equally impactful, and having a mindset to say no to things lets you focus more on things you enjoy. This becomes all the more important when you take on more responsibilities—whether it’s accepting a senior leadership role or becoming a parent.