Miguel Zaldivar-Giuffredi ’25

As a consultant, I was drawn to issues at the intersection of sustainability, social impact, and business. I was part of the Banking Strategy practice, but I found opportunities to work with NGOs and multilateral institutions. I came to believe that environmental conservation, energy security, and social impact are critical issues, and business is the most constructive way to address them.

I pursued an MBA to have a chance to truly think about my future. Yale SOM stood out with its flexible curriculum, professional network, and focus on business with social impact. I’m also able to take courses at the School of the Environment, the law school, and the Jackson School of Global Affairs, where I can learn from peers and professors who specialize in the areas I want to explore.

As a first-year co-leader of the Wilderness in Leadership Development Club (WiLD), I’ve developed an environmental awareness and appreciation that I can share with my classmates. We organize climbs, hikes, natural park cleanups, and even Nordic ski events. We’ve worked with School of the Environment students—who are extremely knowledgeable in native flora—to restore local habitats in and around New Haven.

The Energy Club has provided me with an understanding of energy markets, clean energy technologies, and coming-of-age business models. Guest speakers include leading battery storage developers, renewable energy investors, and policymakers who share insights that contextualize our interests in the industry.

This summer, I’ll be interning with Goldman Sachs’ Natural Resources investment banking division in New York. The group covers transactions and financial strategies involving renewable energy developers, power producers, utilities, mining companies, chemical manufacturers, large agriculture firms, and infrastructure investors. It’s perfectly aligned with my post-MBA goals.

I’m grateful for Yale SOM’s recruiting resources. The Finance Club provides a structured process for investment banking recruits. Second-year students selflessly coach and prepare the first-years. They gave us a network of mentors we could truly rely on. SOM alumni also look out for current students during the recruiting process, showing just how tight this community and network really are.