Andrew Simko
Home Region

Miami, FL

Undergrad Education

Georgetown University

Previous Experience

Sunshine Bouquet Company

HBS Activities

Admissions Representative for Section B, Member of Family Business Club and HBS Hoops

“My section mates’ experiences span all geographies and industries, which deepens my appreciation for multi-perspective problem solving.”

Coming to HBS is like...

Learning how to cook a traditional five-course Italian feast from scratch when you only know how to grill burgers.

What is your most memorable classroom moment?

I received the opening cold call in The Entrepreneural Manager (TEM) after being quoted as having “zero confidence” in the case protagonist's ability to run a new manufacturing plant due to some bad initial budgeting… with her, the Founder/CEO, sitting in the front row. Talk about flipping who's in the hot seat.

What is one thing you brought with you to campus, and one thing you'll be leaving with?

I came to HBS with my girlfriend, Lily (in Section J!), and will be leaving with a group of friends for life and Lily, my soon-to-be wife.

How have diverse perspectives in your section contributed to your understanding of business concepts, leadership, and/or problem solving?

Our section chair, an alumnus himself, described the case method as inducing “intellectual whiplash;” you come to class with one perspective, only for it evolve or completely flip. My section mates' experiences span all geographies and industries, which deepens my appreciation for multi-perspective problem solving. There is power in diversity of thought; the challenge is—how can I replicate and wield that in my career?

If you could give one piece of advice to prospective students, what would it be?

HBS makes you realize you actually know more than you think, while simultaneously showing just how much more there is to learn—and not just about business. Likewise, HBS itself is a wild ride, but also just one step in your career and winding life journey. My advice would be to ask yourself: if you (even broadly) know where you want to go, why do you need to come here first to get there? Having a thoughtful answer will not only help you get to campus, but also make your experience all the richer once you are here.