Thank you for taking 5 minutes to make a tremendous impact on my project! My goal is to gain as much engagement on this post as possible, and simply clicking on my resume, LinkedIn, and reading this introduction contributes to a strong performance.
My name is Max Mekker and I am an MBA student at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), in Rochester, NY. Completing my undergraduate degree in accounting, I am now pursuing my CPA and MBA certifications which will be completed by May of 2025. I can bore you with the internships I’ve done and what my career plans are… but those can all be found on my resume and LinkedIn profile attached to this post. So instead, I’d like to share a story on what influenced my decision to pursue an MBA.
Working towards my MBA was not always on my radar, at least not until I traveled to Australia for the Fall 2022 semester. On September 4th, 2022, I boarded my flight from Syracuse, NY, and after 22 hours of air travel, I landed in Gold Coast, Australia. The next four months were spent at Bond University, one of Australia’s top private institutions. During those four months, I not only explored Australia’s iconic landmarks—the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, the Outback—but also ventured to Bali and spent two weeks traveling through New Zealand. This journey exposed me to new perspectives and deepened my understanding of the world. It was these experiences that also helped me realize my passion for continuous learning and growth, ultimately leading to my decision to pursue an MBA.
Here are two key lessons I’ve come to embrace from my study abroad journey, and how they shaped my desire to further my education through an MBA program:
1. Be in the Present
From hiking mountains in New Zealand to racing four-wheelers through forests in Bali, I learned the value of being fully present. Letting go of thoughts about the past or worries about the future allowed me to truly absorb everything happening around me. This mindset shift made me realize the importance of adaptability—a skill crucial in business. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to stay agile and embrace new challenges is essential. My time abroad showed me that I thrive in dynamic environments, and pursuing an MBA will allow me to further develop this agility and apply it in leadership and entrepreneurial roles.
2. Gratitude and Global Perspective
Traveling opened my eyes to the diversity of experiences and perspectives around the world. Meeting people from different backgrounds and seeing how they navigate life with optimism, even in challenging circumstances, gave me a deeper appreciation for global business environments. This sparked my interest in learning how businesses can positively impact communities and the importance of ethical leadership. An MBA not only enhances my financial and strategic acumen but also broadens my understanding of global markets.
My study abroad experience gave me a sense of confidence I didn’t have before. These experiences revealed my passion for problem-solving and leadership. Pursuing an MBA felt like the natural next step in building on these strengths. I’m confident that an MBA will provide the tools and network I need to turn these experiences into meaningful impact.
Click on the icon above and connect with Max on LinkedIn!