acquiring a global mind-set
Can one accountant make a difference in improving a country's economy? What if that country were Argentina, which experienced economic collapse in 2001 and is now struggling through a recovery? Ana Clara Destefani believes one accountant can make a difference and she intends to do just that when she returns to her native Argentina after securing her MBA at Simmons.
"As an accountant, I'm able to use my analytical skills to read beyond the numbers to understand what drives a business to be profitable. I'm stimulated and challenged to find solutions to problems. Through pursuing my MBA, I'm acquiring the technical knowledge and managerial skills I'll need to facilitate positive change in the business world and within the global economy."
Obtaining those skills at the SOM was an obvious choice for Destefani, who worked for several years as an accountant in Argentina before heading to the U.S. to pursue an MBA. "I knew I wanted to continue my higher education abroad because my professional goal is to work for a multinational corporation; I needed an international perspective and global mind-set of the business world. Simmons offers that; it provides a diverse environment that will best enable me to shape the global mind-set I seek. As I interact with students and faculty of diverse backgrounds, I learn and understand different cultures that further prepare me to be globally competent."
Destefani says that at Simmons, she has found the personal attention and support that she wanted. "As a part-time student, I enjoy the flexibility of the day and evening programs. And the close relationships I have formed with my professors, the staff, and my fellow students make this feel like home."
Determined to make the best of her future, Destefani is already working the SOM network. As co-founder and co-leader of the school's Latina Club, she is beginning to establish relationships with the SOM's Latina alumnae and faculty and with Boston's Latino Professional Network. "Simmons has a strong network and I'm learning about the importance of connecting with professionals who can mentor me and open doors for me. Through my networking efforts, I'm already making contacts at firms I've targeted for future employment. I couldn't be happier with my decision to attend Simmons."