MBA Student Profile: Astrid Patricia Cassetta, Babson College

Astrid Patricia Cassetta, a German national, chose to study for her MBA at Babson College in the US. She tells TopMBA.com what drove her to pursue an MBA, and what she hopes to gain from her studies.

1. What were you doing before your MBA?     

I was a supervisory senior auditor at Ernst and Young, in Boston, Massachusetts in the US.  I had been there for five years.        

2. What were your main reasons for deciding to attend business school?

After obtaining my CPA and working in public accounting for five years, I decided that I wanted to move into the private industry, joining a company in their finance department. Obtaining an MBA will be essential in helping me find the position I am looking for.     

3. What research did you undertake in selecting your school?

I used the internet as my first source to narrow down my choices, then I requested additional material from those schools that I was seriously considering.        

4. What were the main criteria in your selection? 

- Ranking
- Reputation
- Location
- Non-competitive environment between students

5. Why did you decide to study overseas?

I think that a US MBA degree has a strong reputation in any country. I am also planning to stay in the US, so a non-US MBA degree might not be considered as reputable.     

6. How well do your think the MBA is regarded in your home country?

In the past years, the MBA has strengthened its reputation in Germany. Germany is actually in the process of developing their own MBA equivalent degreea programs.       

7. How are you financing your studies?

I received a fellowship from Babson College that covers my tuition expenses. My husband also helps cover my daily living expenses.  

8. Have you already been, or do you intend to become an entrepreneur?

No, I do not plan to start my own business. However, the entrepreneurial spirit that is instilled at Babson will be helpful in any future job.      

9. Are there any well-known and/or successful entrepreneurs that are alumni of your school?

Yes, the Jiffy Lube Founder, as well as many others.     

10. What do you expect to do on graduation and where do you expect to be based?

I expect to become a controller or assistant controller at a mid-size company in the Boston area. It will not be easy, but it's attainable with hard work and commitment.