A good way to determine whether the MBA path is right for you, as well as how to go about it, is to hear from students who were in your shoes as applicants not long ago. This is what Spring Admits is about, bringing you tips and insights from past Spring clients and current MBA students of various business schools and industry backgrounds. Our current interviewee is Maya Kidon, an MIT Sloan MBA Candidate (class of 2026).
Maya, where does this blog post find you today?
Right now, I’m on a train from New York to Boston, which feels like a perfect metaphor for the MBA itself: always on the move. I’m in my first month of year two, getting back into the rhythm of balancing multiple realities at once – classes, building my company, friendships at Sloan, friends back home, the community I’ve found in Boston, and the never-ending tension between trying to be healthy and trying to be social (a real conflict in MBA life). I honestly can’t believe how quickly the first year has flown by.
Walk us through your pre-MBA background.
I began my career in the Air Force, where I served as an officer with the rank of Captain. While in service, I also pursued my BSc in Computer Science and Science at the Open University.
After completing my military career, I transitioned into the private sector and joined BBDO, a global advertising agency, as Head of Innovation for the Tel Aviv office. Most of my work focused on driving digital transformation within the office itself – helping teams adapt to new technologies and ways of working – while also partnering with clients on innovation projects.
During that time, my sister and I co-founded The Clean Dot, where we reimagine homecare products to be more aesthetic, sustainable, and joyful to use. Our products are now sold in retail chains across Israel – and fun fact: we launched our very first product just a week before MBA orientation (Not recommended for weak hearts or for anyone hoping to get a full night’s sleep.)
What made you decide to pursue an MBA?
For the people – hungry, capable, adventurous minds from all over the world. The chance to exchange ideas and build a community that lasts far beyond graduation was irresistible. And as The Clean Dot grows, Sloan gives me exactly what I need: insights on scaling, global expansion, and classes I can apply to my company in real time.
Why did you choose this particular school?
MIT Sloan gave me the “smartest” vibes – rigorous and data-driven, but also incredibly humble. When I was debating between schools, I realized I had the deepest connection with people from MIT. It felt like a natural choice and a gut feeling I could trust.
I was also excited by the fact that you can take classes across the entire university. And honestly, I’ve been a Media Lab groupie for years – so how could I resist? Today, I can literally see the Media Lab from my bedroom window.
What surprised you about the actual MBA experience?
The sheer amount of opportunities. I’d never felt FOMO before, but here it’s less about balance and more about prioritization. If you want to make something happen, you can- there are endless accelerators, programs, and possibilities, but you have to actively seek them out.
What makes your school unique?
Honestly, I don’t think Sloan is “unique” – I think every MBA program is different because of the people it brings in. At the end of the day, the structure is more or less the same, but each school attracts a certain type of community.
Sloan happens to be in Boston, which means your social life really centers on your classmates – unlike CBS, for example, where you’re constantly pulled into visits. And within Boston, Sloan definitely leans more on the tech side. And one thing I swear to God: the people here are humble, so humble.
What is it like living in Boston?
It’s a cold but beautiful, smart, and cultural place. The city is built so your main temptations are hearing a lecture, running a marathon, or heading to the airport. And with HBS next door, the MBA runs on double speed.
Any misconceptions about your program you’d like to clear up?
One common misconception is that most Sloan students come from software engineering or purely technical backgrounds. While tech is a big strength here, the community is much more diverse than that – people are pursuing careers in consulting, entrepreneurship, consumer products, healthcare, and many other industries.
What advice would you give to MBA applicants to your school, or in general?
Don’t focus only on preparing for the interview. Instead, take time to really get to know the school and think about whether it’s the right fit for your goals.
For example, Sloan has unique strengths in areas like healthcare and entrepreneurship. If those align with your interests, that’s something to consider. The key is not just about getting accepted – it’s about finding a community and a program where you’ll truly thrive.
How has your MBA influenced your career and mindset so far?
The biggest shift is realizing that nothing feels out of reach anymore. Whether it’s launching a venture, exploring a new industry, or expanding The Clean Dot globally – the resources, knowledge, and community are all here. The challenge isn’t access; it’s deciding what you want and making a plan to go after it.
Maya Kidon is an MBA Candidate at MIT Sloan, Class of 2026. Before her MBA, she served as Head of Innovation at Gitam BBDO, leading the digital transformation of one of Israel’s largest advertising agencies. She is also the Co-Founder of The Clean Dot, a company creating eco-friendly, refillable homecare products. She completed her summer internship at 2025 as an associate at Bain & Company (Los Angeles office).
