Embracing the Unknown

Andrea Coello grew up in Latin America where she learned the value of ambition and hard work. But when she decided to leave Mexico to pursue an MBA in Singapore, she felt an uncertainty many Latin Americans may recognise: the fear of being alone in an unfamiliar place. As a LATAM candidate choosing an Asian business school, Andrea worried that she would be part of a small, disconnected community or that she would be isolated from her peers.

Her concerns were understandable. How many Latin American professionals have felt that same hesitation about venturing so far from home? Yet Andrea took the leap. “The diverse composition of the cohort and the openness of the individuals made a very inviting space,” she discovered. Instead of experiencing the isolation she feared initially, she actually got immersed in a welcoming community that celebrated her background and personal story.

Studying in Asia opened Andrea’s eyes to a fundamental truth: the global South is far more diverse and complex than many realise. “Studying and working in Asia makes you aware of just how different each country, and even each state, is,” she reflects. For a Latin American professional, this insight turned out to be invaluable. She learned that the difficulties faced by farmers in Southeast Asia (whether digital literacy or gender inclusion) mirror many struggles across Latin America. At the same time, they require solutions adapted to the local market that only come from true cultural understanding.

The NUS MBA became her way of reinventing herself and her career path. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, Andrea acquired the tools she needed to complement her corporate governance expertise from Deloitte Mexico. But more than skills, she gained something invaluable: a global network of talented professionals committed to shared growth. These connections, forged across continents, continue to strengthen long after graduation.

Andrea’s message to other Latin American professionals is clear: “I would recommend LATAM candidates to consider an MBA in Asia as a pathway to explore and develop new thought pathways.” Her journey proves that you can discover surprising opportunities as long as you’re brave enough to expand your worldview and get on the global stage.

Today: From Vision to Action

After she graduated from her MBA in 2022, Andrea’s career grew significantly. She began as an External Consultant at Beanstalk AgTech in Singapore, where her corporate governance background from Deloitte Mexico proved immediately relevant. Within a year, she advanced to Project Leader in the AgTech (Agricultural Technology) sector – a position she has held for the past two years.

Today, Andrea drives digital transformation and process optimisation in her role. She specialises in strategy execution and risk management – skills honed throughout her MBA as well as during her consulting days at Deloitte.

Her multilingual abilities – fluent in Spanish, English, and French, with conversational Japanese – are another useful resource in managing the company’s diverse, global operations. Andrea’s background in food science and technology, combined with her MBA education and experience, has transformed her into an innovator dedicated to sustainable growth in her sector.

As someone who transitioned from a corporate governance consultant to an AgTech leader, Andrea’s career is proof of the power and potential of international education and curiosity. Her story illustrates how embracing global perspectives and cross-cultural experiences can boost entire careers and create impact in emerging fields.

Source: National University of Singapore