Cami Socias ’26

I come from an electrical engineering background, but after a few years in telecommunications, I pivoted into sustainability consulting. I decided to pursue an MBA for several reasons: to better understand and make the business case for sustainability, to move into an in-house role at a consumer-facing company, and to gain access to U.S. industries and opportunities we don’t have in Chile.

At SOM, I knew I’d be able to gain both environmental knowledge and business skills. I was particularly interested in the classes cross-listed between SOM and the Yale School of the Environment. Ultimately, learning about the Yale Center for Business and the Environment (CBEY) solidified my decision to come here. The center offers so many research opportunities and professional connections, and I liked knowing that there are people working to bring different Yale schools together.

My husband came with me to the U.S., so we were looking for a welcoming, inclusive community. Here, he can audit classes, join clubs, and be part of the SOM experience.

Throughout the recruiting process, I met regularly with a coach in the Career Development Office. She helped me understand how recruiting works in the U.S., kept me accountable with applications, and just provided general support. The Business and Environment Club, which hosts internship panels and coffee chats, introduced me to a broad range of environmental careers. Whenever I was interested in a position, I would look for connections within the company, and there was almost always someone from CBEY who could introduce me.

Over the summer, I interned at Yum! Brands, helping them develop a strategy and model to achieve their emissions goals. The SOM core course Modeling Managerial Decisions made building the model much easier, and The Executive helped me understand how the U.S. corporate world works and how to engage different stakeholders.

In New Haven, I’ve learned to ice skate for the first time. I’ve also been taking advantage of the free yoga at the Yale Divinity School every Wednesday. It’s a very cool, spiritual experience and a great opportunity to meet people from across the university. Afterwards, we usually all eat breakfast together at the cafeteria.

My time at SOM has helped me learn that you can both help society and build a career in business. I’ve enjoyed meeting people from so many different cultures, countries, and industries. They’ve opened my mind to new ways of thinking—and helped me understand the world better.