Year 2: Electives

Grace Aranow ’25

MBA/MEM

Climate Finance

“I came to Yale interested in how private capital can accelerate the deployment of essential climate technologies. Courses like Renewable Energy Project Finance, Private Capital and Impact Investing, and Financing Green Technologies have been instrumental in equipping me with both the technical skills and the language needed to pursue a career in climate finance. My electives have challenged me to think critically about investor motivations, financing structures, and the relationship between policy and industry.”

Siddharth Arun ’25 

Healthcare and Life Sciences, Consulting, Venture Capital 

“With a background in bioengineering and life sciences consulting, I wanted to broaden my perspectives during the MBA and take electives across a wide range of disciplines. Courses like Venture Capital & Private Equity and Entrepreneurial Finance provided me with a strong foundation for startup financing principles and diligence approaches that prepared me well for my summer internship in venture capital. Sustainable Innovation in Healthcare and Innovations, Investments, and New Frontiers in Medicine expanded on concepts covered in the core classes but with a focus in healthcare, one of my interests. SOM’s curriculum has equipped me with a broad knowledge base of business concepts across different industry areas, making me well-prepared for post-MBA life.”

Lauren D’Souza ’25

Food, Agriculture

“I came to SOM to deepen my knowledge of business and strategy—coming from an environmental policy background, I decided to spend most of my electives exploring core business topics with SOM’s phenomenal management faculty. At the same time, I loved the opportunity to take classes at the Yale School of the Environment related to food, agriculture, climate, and sustainability, where I could connect with YSE students who are similarly passionate about building responsible and resilient food supply chains.”

Mohammed Lawal Giwah ’25

Consulting 

“I am graduating from Yale SOM with significantly more credit units than required because it has been impossible to resist the wealth of insightful and intellectually stimulating courses available. I am continually amazed by the diverse array of offerings at SOM, and what makes the experience even more enriching is the opportunity to take classes across the broader Yale University. My electives have spanned a wide range of disciplines, from Data Science and Analytics, to Competitive and Pricing Strategy, to Supply Chain Management. I’ve also taken courses focused on leadership, ethics, and other essential soft skills.”

Elias Kastritis ’26

Central Banking, Government

“Joining SOM as a Silver Scholar was a truly unique experience that encouraged me to develop within a mature and diverse learning community. At the same time, I began my own career in the public sector by working in central banking both in Europe and America. SOM is a wonderful place in which to meet exciting people, develop skills, and acquire the knowledge to pursue your goals—in my case working first at the European Central Bank and currently at the Federal Reserve. Electives on relevant topics were particularly useful in preparing for my job, as they were smaller-sized classes with individualized attention from professors. Meanwhile, the overall ethos and motto of the school, which I hold dear, motivated me to think broadly about the balance to be struck among business, government, and society. I look forward to returning to SOM to finish my educational journey and begin the next chapter in my career of public service.”

Eskay Khanal ’25

Financial Services

“When selecting electives, I sought out courses that would challenge me in entirely new ways and provide skills I could apply for a lifetime. Entrepreneurship through Acquisition offered a deep dive into the intricacies of acquiring and operating a business, equipping me with a playbook for potential future ventures. Advanced Negotiations provided frameworks and strategies that have already reshaped how I approach negotiations, both professionally and personally. These courses expanded my perspective and gave me tools I’ll continue to use long after business school.”

Arthur Li ’25

Finance, Real Estate

“What I love about Yale SOM is the ability to take a wide range of electives across all Yale schools, as well as through exchange programs. As a career switcher into investment banking, I value the ability to take a plethora of finance classes that will prepare me for success in my post-MBA career. Looking ahead to the next stage of my career, I am also able to take electives to work on soft skills that will be pivotal as I eventually transition into a managerial role. Finally, I took an intro Spanish class with a bunch of Yale college students just for fun!”

 

Karla López ’25

Strategy, Consulting, Finance

“Before coming to SOM, I knew I wanted to take electives that would contribute to both my professional and personal development. This idea has driven the way I have selected my classes. The course Mastering Influence and Persuasion gave me a space to work on weekly challenges that helped me to re-evaluate the way I approach everyday life and work scenarios. Housing Markets allowed me to explore an area of knowledge that I had always been afraid to explore. I had the opportunity to explore some Yale College courses, including one through which I studied basic Korean for a semester. I really value the flexibility to customize my electives experience in the way that best fits my needs!”

Kisshan Sankar ’25
MBA/MPP

Finance, Economic Development

“As a joint-degree MBA/MPP student, I’ve explored the intersection of business, policy, and global affairs across Yale’s schools. What sets Yale apart for me is the intentional integration of diverse perspectives in the classroom. From Social Entrepreneurship Lab to courses like Strategic Management of Non-Profits and Transnational Law, I have consistently learned alongside peers from studying public health, medical, divinity, law, and policy. These interdisciplinary courses—often led by world-class CEOs and policy leaders like Prime Minister Theresa May, President Ivan Duque, Governor Chris Christie, and General David Petraeus—have shaped how I approach global challenges with nuance and creativity. Additionally, my ongoing service in the Navy Reserves supporting NATO’s strategic planning and policy has allowed me to apply and see the positive impact of these lessons in real time. Yale’s commitment to cross-sector dialogue has made my education deeply impactful and globally relevant. This foundation will be invaluable as I pursue a career in finance focused on navigating complex markets, advising global clients, and investing in sectors shaped by geopolitics and public policy.”