Tuck School of Business alumnus Cristian Molina Cornejo reflects on how the school’s alumni network helped define his Tuck MBA experience. He shares how the school’s close-knit culture and strong support influenced his path to entrepreneurship and gave him the confidence to become a CEO.
Cristian Molina Cornejo has enjoyed professional success since graduating from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth in the United States in 2021. Having previously worked in investments, he used the knowledge, skills, and mindset he gained during the Tuck MBA to launch his own company, Allegra Providence.
With more than 10,000 Tuck alumni across 74 countries, the school’s network is renowned for being globally responsive, deeply engaged, and highly supportive. For ambitious professionals like Cristian, it’s the difference between a good MBA program and an exceptional one.
The Tuck MBA alumni network has been central to Cristian’s personal and professional life. This applied before he’d even begun the program.
“I think the Tuck alumni network helped me immensely. Before I got onto campus, while I was on campus, and after,” says Cristian. “Before I arrived on campus, I was already reaching out to folks on the alumni network to try to get a sense [of] what to expect, and how to best make use of my time there.” (02:20) He felt that the Tuck alumni he spoke to were receptive, candid, and kind. They offered useful insights that he could apply to his own MBA journey at Tuck.
Career support is one of the most important aspects of the Tuck MBA alumni network. For Cristian, tapping into the resources of alumni working for leading companies helped him gain a better understanding of the business landscape.
“As soon as I got onto campus, recruiting ramped up really quickly,” he adds. “So, having an affinity with somebody at the target companies you’re seeking to recruit into really gives you a leg up, in terms of understanding the culture there and seeing whether it could be a fit for you.” (02:53)
Moreover, the support of the alumni network continues well after the end of the Tuck MBA program. This is something that Cristian finds extremely valuable.
“Post graduation, I’ve found the alumni network even better,” he notes. “I’ve been able to get new opportunities through the alumni network, additional mentors… some of my closest friends are alums and classmates who have been able to provide me with not only professional opportunities, but also [they] made my life better overall… It’s been amazing.” (03:17)
It’s the hallmark of a truly great alumni network. It is an emotionally supportive community that’s also a vast source of professional connections and industry insights.
Having greatly benefitted from Tuck’s exceptional MBA alumni network, Cristian is all too keen to pay it forward and help current and prospective Tuck students.
“I occasionally still get outreach from folks who are looking to apply, or have been recently admitted at Tuck,” he says. (13:27) “I do my best to give back to current students any way I can. Because I think a big part of the Tuck experience is having access to alumni networks.” (13:57)
While he has a lot of wisdom to impart, the passion for life-long learning that Tuck instills in its students means that he’s always looking for ways to improve. And this means reaching out to the alumni network.
“I consistently still reach out to Tuck alums – especially when I’m either trying to learn about a new industry, [or] I’m trying to get a better sense of what opportunities exist in a specific category of investment I’m trying to make,” he says. (14:05)
Cristian continues to tap into this powerful network. He gleans insights and inspiration from other successful Tuck alumni. Even within his current role as the CEO of his own company.
The Tuck MBA alumni network is one of the finest in the world. Tuck’s alumni network was ranked #1 in a global MBA ranking by the Financial Times. The school’s close-knit culture, emphasis on building lifelong connections, and knowledge-sharing traditions make it a top choice for ambitious professionals looking to develop a successful long-term career. And, as Cristian illustrates, the Tuck culture of generosity and collaboration instills a sense of belonging that stays long after graduation.
“They became a pretty big part of my life,” he says of his fellow Tuck grads. “It was a pretty transformational experience for me. There’s a natural affinity that I have towards the institution. And if I can be supportive in any way, I absolutely try to do that. I loved my time at Tuck. So, if there’s any way I can help folks in the sphere there, I always try to do so.” (14:40)
Cristian embodies the Tuck spirit of generosity and their “pay it forward” principle. He is just one of many successful alumni on hand to help the next generation of Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth students.
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Photo credit: Laura DeCapua Photography.
