Building a Finance Career with The Notre Dame MBA

Student Spotlight: Pablo Elizondo, MBA Class of 2026

From Supply Chain to Finance, Powered by the Notre Dame MBA

When Pablo Elizondo arrived at the University of Notre Dame’s MBA program, he brought five years of experience in supply chain and commercial roles at OXXO, one of the largest retail companies in Latin America. What he also brought was a clear goal: to pivot into finance and build a long-term career grounded in analytical rigor, leadership, and impact.

“I always wanted to pursue an MBA,” Pablo says. “After working five years at OXXO, I knew it was time to pivot into Finance.”

Today, that goal is already becoming reality. Pablo completed a finance internship at Ecolab, received a return offer, and will join the company full time after graduation in a rotational finance program spanning multiple finance functions. He credits Notre Dame’s academic preparation, career support, and alumni connections with helping him successfully secure both opportunities.

Choosing Notre Dame: Focus, Excellence, and Connection

As Pablo evaluated MBA programs, three priorities guided his decision: academic excellence in finance, a focused learning environment, and a strong network that delivers real career outcomes. Notre Dame surpassed all three. Ranked No. 7 for Finance by The Princeton Review, the Notre Dame MBA offered the academic rigor Pablo was seeking, paired with a culture that immediately stood out.

“Notre Dame combines academic excellence with a strong, close-knit community that no other school can match,” he says.

The college-town feeling of South Bend allowed Pablo to fully immerse himself in the MBA experience, whether that meant diving into coursework, focusing on recruiting, or getting involved in community and campus life. Mendoza’s strong finance curriculum and experienced faculty gave him the confidence and technical foundation he needed to successfully transition into a new functional area.

“I came in with high expectations,” Pablo adds, “and the program surpassed all of them.”

Career Results: From the Classroom to Ecolab

Pablo’s finance pivot accelerated quickly thanks to a combination of his hard work and determination and Notre Dame’s strong employer relationships and hands-on career support. He secured a summer finance internship at Ecolab, a Notre Dame recruiting partner, through on-campus engagement and alumni connections.

“Notre Dame played a crucial role during my interview process,” Pablo says. “Several alumni at Ecolab gave me confidence and guidance on how to succeed both in the process and within the company.”

The combination of his prior professional experience and the technical foundation built during his first year prepared him to contribute immediately. That preparation paid off with a full-time return offer, where Pablo is excited to rotate through multiple finance functions within the company including commercial finance, supply chain finance, financial planning and analysis, and strategic finance after graduation.

“I’ll be returning to Ecolab next year, and I’m really excited about the opportunity,” he says. “The Notre Dame network helped me secure this role, and I know it will continue to support me throughout my career.”

A Community That Lifts You Up

As an international student from Mexico, finding a sense of belonging was especially important to Pablo, and one he found quickly at Notre Dame. From the first weeks of the program, he felt fully integrated into his cohort, noting that the MBA’s small class size and collaborative culture made it easy to form genuine connections. “In the first couple of weeks, you don’t feel like an international student,” he says. “You feel like everyone is in this together.”

That shared experience, combined with the warmth of the Notre Dame community, helped Pablo build lasting relationships across cultures and backgrounds, reinforcing his belief that Notre Dame is a place where everyone truly belongs.

“Since day one, I’ve met incredible classmates and quickly knew I’d made friends for life,” he says. “Now, after more than a year together, I’m certain those relationships will last forever.”

That sense of belonging extended beyond the classroom. From tailgates and college football Saturdays to intramural soccer with fellow MBA students, Pablo found the MBA to be a fully immersive experience.

“It’s rigorous,” he says, “but there’s also so much life happening around the university. That balance makes the experience really special.”

Leading and Giving Back

Pablo also serves as Vice President of Career Development for the MBA Association (MBAA), a role that allows him to directly support his classmates throughout the recruiting process. Working closely with fellow students, the Mendoza career coaching team, and the Corporate Advisory Board, Pablo helps create opportunities for meaningful employer engagement while also mentoring first-year MBA students as they navigate recruiting, interviews, and career decision-making.

“It’s a role I’ve truly enjoyed,” he says. “I’ve always loved helping people.”

That spirit of service reflects a broader Notre Dame value and one Pablo plans to carry forward as an alum. “Once you get out of here, you want to pay it forward,” he says. “That’s full circle.” Like generations of Notre Dame alumni before him, Pablo is committed to staying connected and contributing meaningfully to the community that helped shape his journey.

Advice for Prospective MBA Students

For those considering the Notre Dame MBA, especially candidates looking to pivot into finance, Pablo’s advice is clear: “It’s the place to be,” he says. “There’s no other program that combines academic excellence with meaningful, lifelong relationships. This place is truly special.”

“Treat the MBA like a full-time job. Know what you want to get out of it, work hard—but also enjoy the journey. Finding the right balance is key.”

Are you ready for your next career move?
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