Mexico, Full-time MBA (Class of 2022)

Andrea Coello

Project Leader

Beanstalk AgTech (Agricultural Technology)

Pre-MBA: Corporate Governance Senior Consultant

Deloitte Mexico

Crossing Oceans for Growth and Innovation in AgTech

This March, we celebrate International Women’s Day by spotlighting some of our most inspiring alumni from the NUS MBA program. With this series featuring five remarkable women, we celebrate their achievements and hope to inspire a dialogue on female empowerment. Each story showcases the resilience, determination, and innovation of women who have navigated the challenges and opportunities of business and beyond.

Alumni Spotlight: Andrea Coello

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we spotlight Andrea Coello’s (Class of 2022) captivating international journey. Transitioning from a career in corporate governance at Deloitte Mexico to spearheading projects in Agricultural Technology (AgTech) at Beanstalk AGTech, Andrea’s story is one of personal growth, cultural exploration, and significant career transformation. Hailing from Latin America, her choice to pursue an MBA at NUS in Singapore further bridges continents and cultures. We chat with Andrea to learn how her international experiences have fostered significant shifts in her life.

Embracing Diversity and Forging Global Connections

Transitioning to a career in Asia’s AgTech sector, Andrea encountered a landscape marked by diversity in culture, climate, and operational methods. This significantly influenced her approach to success within the field. “Studying and working in Asia makes you aware of just how different each country, and even each state, is,” she observes, noting the profound impact of regional differences on agricultural practices. Andrea’s insights into these variances—ranging from digital literacy to gender inclusion in agriculture—underscore the complexity and opportunity for innovation within the sector. She encourages LATAM candidates to consider an MBA in Asia a unique and enriching path: “Overall, I would recommend LATAM candidates to consider an MBA in Asia…as a pathway to explore and develop new thought pathways.”

But wouldn’t it be daunting to head to an unknown place to explore new pathways? We wonder. Indeed, Andrea candidly shares, “I knew that the LATAM community would be significantly smaller in an Asian programme and had the misconception that this would be a big obstacle.” She embarked on her MBA with apprehensions about the potential limitations a smaller Latin American community in Asia poses. But contrary to her initial expectations, the experience in Singapore was a revelation. “The diverse composition of the cohort and the openness of the individuals made a very inviting space,” Andrea discovered.

This environment was welcoming and rich with opportunities for cultural exchange, allowing her to deepen her connections and broaden her understanding of the world. “I never felt isolated, and even felt warmly welcomed to build connections and even friendships that have continued to grow even after the MBA has finished,” she reflects. Andrea’s experience in NUS showcases the importance of open-mindedness and diversity in fostering meaningful international networks. Her initial fears transformed into an opportunity for growth, learning, and forming lasting connections. Andrea’s story motivates all seeking a different path outside our comfort zone to take a leap of faith.

The Impact of the NUS MBA on Personal and Professional Growth

Andrea’s journey as an international student in the NUS MBA program is inspiring and unique. So, how has the program contributed to her personal and professional development? Andrea attributes her significant progress to the program’s comprehensive learning and networking opportunities when asked about the impact on her career and personal growth.

Reflecting on her journey from Deloitte Mexico to Beanstalk AGTech, Andrea credits the NUS MBA for significantly enhancing her professional trajectory and personal development. “Personally, the NUS MBA enabled my access to a network of very talented individuals,” she shares, emphasising the value of the diverse and supportive community she became part of. Professionally, Andrea highlights how the program’s strategic-focused and experiential learning modules have been directly applicable to her work in AgTech. “Professionally, I have been able to implement what I learned from many modules…These elements, along with the exposure to the Asian ecosystem, have allowed me to complement my experience as a consultant,” Andrea elaborates, illustrating how the MBA has equipped her with the tools to innovate in her field passionately. This mix of personal connections and hands-on skills has advanced Andrea’s career in AgTech and broadened her insights into global agricultural challenges and solutions. Her journey highlights an international MBA experience’s significant impact, linking diverse worlds and fostering an environment ripe for growth and innovation.

As we observe International Women’s Day, Andrea Coello’s story is a remarkable example of what happens when we are willing to explore the unknown.  Her move into the innovative field of agricultural technology, driven by her educational journey, is a wonderful reminder for aspiring leaders everywhere to chase their dreams with courage, just as she has successfully done.