Yale SOM MBA Class of 2014: Diverse and Talented

As Orientation ends and classes commence, Yale SOM's new full-time MBA students are getting to know each other. They come from all over the world and all sectors of the global economy, bringing a diversity of cultures and experiences that will enrich the Yale community.

The 249 members of the Class of the 2014 have lived and worked in countries around the globe, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya, India, Russia, Japan, China, and Nepal. This class speaks dozens of languages, among them Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, Farsi, French, Hindi, Urdu, multiple Chinese dialects, Russian, Spanish, and Tamil.

They've worked at leading financial firms, including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank; major consulting firms, such as McKinsey and Deloitte; the U.S. military, the South Korean military, and the Israeli military; Teach for America, the Peace Corps, and Habitat for Humanity; AOL and IBM. They include many who already hold other advanced degrees. They've served on political campaigns, nuclear submarines, and construction crews. These students can share stories about playing first base for a minor league baseball team, leading a genome research project, and making deadline as a TV news reporter.

In addition, they boast a wide array of hobbies and unique adventures, from trekking Machu Picchu to mastering the Argentine Tango. One student clinched a weightlifting championship. Another studied Chinese calligraphy. One undertook malaria research in Zambia, while another pursued missionary work in Russia. The FBI commended one student, a U.S. Marine, for assisting in the rescue of an American citizen kidnapped in the Philippines.

Yale SOM is committed to ensuring that its MBA classes are not only accomplished but also diverse. The Class of 2014 is 35% women, 27% international, and 11% U.S. under-represented minorities. Members of the class have an average college GPA of 3.55 and an average GMAT score of 717.