2017 Best MBAs: Sylvia Banda, Notre Dame

Sylvia Banda
University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

“I’m constantly trying to strike a balance between being incredibly passionate yet not too serious. Life is short!”

Age: 27

Hometown: Carmel, IN

Fun fact about yourself: I traveled to three continents as part of my MBA experience.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Notre Dame, B.A. Political Science

Where did you work before enrolling in business school?

Investment Analyst, NEPC

Analyst, J.P. Morgan

Where did you intern during the summer of 2016? Dimensional Fund Advisors, Austin, Texas

Where will you be working after graduation? Dimensional Fund Advisors, Associate Portfolio Manager

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Forté Foundation Fellow & Scholarship Recipient
• Founder & Editor in Chief, Notre Dame MBA IRISH ECHOES student blog
• President, Faith Development Committee
• Vice-President, Notre Dame Net Impact Chapter
• MBA Representative, Common Good Initiative Experience in Haiti
• Investment Analyst, Notre Dame Applied Investment Management Portfolio
• Team Uganda Member, Business on the Frontlines
• MBA Student Mentor
• Career Action Group Leader

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? In the Fall of 2016, I traveled to Haiti as part of research in assisting Bon Sel Dayiti, a social venture tasked with eliminating a Neglected Tropical Disease in Haiti. While the work I conducted was in the form of a business case, I am beyond happy that it may provide insights that lead to better results for those afflicted with the ailment.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? During my time at NEPC, I was the lead analyst tasked with research regarding fee trends in the Investment Retirement Account space. The project was the largest survey the firm conducted to date and provided research to better inform Plan Sponsors of best practices for those they serve from an investment perspective.

What was your favorite MBA Course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it? Business on the Frontlines – Business is not simply an industry or a summation of transactions, but rather, an avenue for access. Business can and should be used as a force for good, particularly for those most vulnerable in society. In the class, we work with partners solving some of the world’s most complex challenges. It has truly been an honor working with and learning from them.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose Notre Dame to ask more of business. You can learn the fundamentals of business at many business schools, but Notre Dame challenges students to think about how business can enhance the lives of others. Football Saturdays did not hurt either!

Read Sylvia's entire story on the Poets & Quants website.