Why Stanford?
During my time at [company], I worked with founders of our portfolio companies as they navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The conversations I had with team members of our FinTech portfolio companies opened my eyes to the many shortcomings in the financial services industry and reminded me of the financial struggles that many of my friends in college had. They often worried about when their paychecks would clear their accounts as delays could affect their ability to pay rent. Furthermore, they paid exorbitant fees due to low balances in their checking accounts and paid high interest on late credit card payments. I realized the extent the current system disproportionately affects lower income individuals. With technology constantly improving, we have the tools to enact meaningful change in the industry. Upon completion of my MBA, I intend to join an early stage FinTech startup that is striving to create banking solutions for underbanked and unbanked individuals.
To make effective contributions in a heavily-regulated industry, I must gain an in-depth knowledge of the field and connect with people who share my vision. Stanford GSB can help me realize these aspirations. Located in the innovation capital of the world, Stanford is at the forefront of technology where I can interact face-to-face with successful entrepreneurs through speaker series and seminars. I look forward to learning from passionate entrepreneurs who are using cutting-edge technology to revolutionize their industries.
Furthermore, classes such as FinTech Innovation and the Transformation of Financial Services can improve my understanding of the current system and help me identify its key flaws. The Startup Garage can give me tangible experience designing and testing a business idea that I could potentially bring to fruition at the Stanford Venture Studio. I can then enroll in Scaling a Small Business to gain insights into accelerating a business’s growth trajectory.
Outside of class, I am excited to join the FinTech and Entrepreneur clubs to meet people from various backgrounds with whom I share common interests. I also hope to take advantage of Stanford’s ecosystem to learn from brilliant minds in the design, legal, and engineering fields. I truly believe that Stanford GSB can broaden my network and equip me with the tools to achieve my dream of becoming an innovative thought leader in the financial services industry.