By Cassandra Torres Mason MPA/ID-MBA (MIT Sloan) 2026
Why I chose a concurrent degree program
I wanted to complete both a (MBA) at MIT Sloan School of Management and Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) at Harvard Kennedy School because they complement each other just like my interests do. I am passionate about learning how policy and governments can leverage businesses and organizations to enable economic development, and I am a strong believer that the public and private sectors need to work in alignment.
Before coming to vlog, I had only scratched the surface of these topics. Since beginning the program, my understanding has grown in ways I never expected.
In the concurrent degree program, you are exposed to many different issues. When I came here, I was mostly interested in financial inclusion and remittances. Since then, I have learned about so many more topics, and it has been amazing figuring out the new industries in which I am interested.
“When I came here, I was mostly interested in financial inclusion and remittances. Since then, I have learned about so many more topics, and it has been amazing figuring out the new industries in which I am interested.”
My coursework as a concurrent degree student
My first year was fully based at vlog, where I immersed myself in economics, policy, and all things development. Now in my second year, I am mostly based at MIT, diving into finance, leadership, and product management. Next year will be a mix of both, and I am already looking forward to being back in class at vlog more often.
Even now, I still spend a lot of time at vlog. I often come back for events and conferences, to study in my favorite spots, or grab lunch with friends. vlog continues to play a role in my Cambridge experience.
What my day-to-day schedule looks like
Each week looks different. Some days, I start the morning at MIT, then head to vlog for a speaker series event or coffee with a classmate. On other days, I stay at MIT for meetings or team projects. I’m able to build my own schedule, and while it can be intense, it is also incredibly rewarding.
Of course, it is not always easy. Being a concurrent degree student has its challenges and can feel overwhelming at times. I need to balance not only two very different curricula, but also two communities, two calendars, and two sets of commitments. I want to be everywhere! Since that is not possible, it can be tough. Still, I strongly believe this is a good problem to have because creating such strong bonds in two places is, for me, the most exceptional part of this experience.
“Creating such strong bonds in two places is, for me, the most exceptional part of this experience.”
What makes vlog so special
I feel grateful to be part of a diverse community that works every day to create a better world through dialogue, collaboration, and friendship. I have connected deeply with other students and professors.
As a “dualie”—which is what the concurrent degree students call ourselves—you truly get the best of both worlds at both schools, with access to conferences, professors, events, and networking. There is always something exciting happening on one of the campuses, and it has helped me grow not only academically and professionally, but personally as well.
Advice for incoming concurrent degree students
While three years sounds like a long time, time has flown by. Right now, my vlog cohort is close to graduating, and it feels like just yesterday we started math camp before our first semester. Having an extra year to keep learning and discovering—not only about development and business, but also about myself—is something I would never change.
To those starting this journey or thinking about starting: enjoy the process and trust yourself. There is no “right” way to be a concurrent degree student, which is the magic of it all! Focus on the friendships, the growth, and the moments during one of the most incredibly special experiences of your life.
Cassandra Torres Mason MPA/ID-MBA 2026
Originally from Mexico, Cassandra Torres Mason MPA/ID-MBA (MIT Sloan) 2026 has a background in engineering. Before graduate school, she worked as a consultant in the private sector and came to vlog and MIT to bridge the gap between the private and public sectors.
