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Poets&Quants Unveils the Best & Brightest MBAs of 2025

In a significant annual tradition, Poets&Quants, a respected news outlet focused on graduate business education, has unveiled its 11th edition of the Best & Brightest MBAs. This celebrated feature highlights 100 standout full-time MBA graduates from the Class of 2025, acknowledging their exceptional accomplishments and influential roles within the business realm.

A Diverse and Dynamic Class

The latest cohort presents a remarkable blend of diversity, featuring increased female representation and an international flavor, alongside a notable military presence. Jeff Schmitt, a senior writer at Poets&Quants who started this series in 2015, noted, "This year's candidates stood out because they are builders. They have actively initiated ventures early in their careers, established clubs, and organized events, contributing positively to their business schools and communities."

Among the distinguished graduates is Simi Shah from the Wharton School. An innovative entrepreneur, she has been recognized by Forbes in its 30 Under 30 list for Media and has graced the White House twice. Mark O'Connell from the University of Michigan's Ross School made significant contributions to military training by helping to update the combat curriculum, while Kyle Schembechler from Ohio State also worked on the U.S. Field Artillery School curriculum. Additionally, Amanda Golden shifted from her role as a political journalist at NBC News to embrace venture capitalism at the University of Virginia's Darden School. On a different note, Evan Rizvi, a former opera singer, transitioned to a strategic role at Boston University's Questrom School.

Selection Process

To compile the list for this year's feature, Poets&Quants reached out to 82 elite graduate business schools globally, inviting them to nominate their finest candidates. With an encouraging response, a total of 220 nominations were evaluated by the editorial team based on four specific criteria: involvement in extracurricular activities, professional and academic achievements, insightful responses to questions, and faculty endorsements. This year's selection saw women outperforming men with a ratio of 60-to-40, reflecting the growing inclusivity within top-tier business education. Notably, 54 of the honorees are international students, underlining the global scope of the program.

Among major employers, Boston Consulting Group topped the list by hiring eight MBAs from this select group, showcasing the desirability of these graduates in the competitive job market.

Spotlight on Individual Achievements

Each identified individual receives a comprehensive profile that delves into their educational journeys and aspirations, covering topics such as their most significant achievements and preferred business films. In the following months, Poets&Quants will enhance public interest by spotlighting student responses on themes such as their favorite faculty members, enduring school myths, and intriguing school traditions.

This ‘Best & Brightest MBAs’ feature is part of a broader four-part series celebrating the leading business students globally. Previously, in April, Poets&Quants recognized 100 Best & Brightest Undergraduate Business Majors of 2025. Looking ahead, plans are set to reveal accolades for Best & Brightest Executive MBAs and Best & Brightest Online MBAs in the summer, followed by a Meet the Class series in the fall that will highlight incoming full-time MBA students across over 40 renowned business schools.

Conclusion

The Best & Brightest MBAs of 2025 accolade not only reflects the individuals' dedication and achievements but also signifies the changing landscape of business education. Poets&Quants continues to play a pivotal role in documenting these future leaders, providing aspiring students with inspiration and insights into what it takes to excel in today’s dynamic business world. To explore the profiles of the 100 Best & Brightest MBAs of 2025, visit Poets&Quants.