Reflections on My First Months at Yale SOM
Sebastián Mohr moved to the United States for the first time to join the MAM program. He says student clubs and orientation activities made him and his wife feel right at home.
Hometown: Santiago, Chile
Pronouns: he/him/his
How did you feel when you arrived on campus for the first time?
When I first arrived on Yale’s campus, I was filled with a mix of excitement and gratitude. Being in such an iconic place, surrounded by brilliant and diverse individuals, made me feel incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity. I was eager to meet my classmates in person—people with such different backgrounds, coming from various countries and industries. It was my first time sharing space with individuals from all over the world, which was both exciting and a little overwhelming. This was also my first time in the United States, which added an extra layer of challenge, as I was navigating life in a new country while speaking a language that wasn’t my own.
Despite the initial nerves, I quickly realized that the most important thing was to embrace every experience and to learn from the professors and my peers. The diversity of perspectives has been truly enriching, and I’ve come to appreciate how much growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. This experience is about more than academics—it's about learning from others, gaining global insights, and building connections that will last a lifetime.
What has been your favorite experience at Yale SOM so far?
Orientation gave me the opportunity to get to know my fellow program members on a deeper level while also exploring the university. We participated in a variety of activities throughout the day; in the evening, my wife was able to join the social activities as well. The warmth and kindness shown by my classmates really stood out, and made me and my wife feel truly welcome.
Another highlight has been the wide range professional, social, and sports clubs at SOM. The AHLAS Club has allowed me and my wife to connect with fellow Latinos at SOM, making us feel right at home. I’m also involved in the Finance Club and the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club, which not only allow me to grow professionally and expand my network but also offer valuable insights from industry experts. Lastly, being part of SOM United, the soccer club, has been a great way for me to stay active and reconnect with my passion for the sport. It’s been a rewarding experience to train and compete with other schools at Yale and beyond.
What are you most looking forward to this fall?
I am excited to continue growing professionally at SOM. The courses and professors have been outstanding, especially the course Global Leadership: Personal & Interpersonal Effectiveness, in which I’ve had the chance to engage in leadership exercises with my classmates. This class has broadened my perspective on cultural differences and how they shape problem-solving approaches. In the upcoming semester, I’m looking forward to the second required MAM course, Topics in Advanced Business & Society, which I’m confident will further deepen my understanding of these critical issues.
Additionally, I’m eager to keep working with the Career Development Office coaches. They have been invaluable in helping me refine my professional presentation for a successful job search, and I look forward to more conversations that will help me clarify my career goals. When it comes to extracurriculars, I’m looking forward to the annual soccer competition between business schools, and I’m determined to bring home the Yale Cup. There’s so much happening at SOM, and while no one can do everything, it’s a great challenge to have!
