From UNO to Harvard, a Journey of Ambition and Opportunity

For Shohina Sultanova, ambition and perseverance have shaped a remarkable journey—from Omaha to Harvard’s Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), one of the most competitive pre-MBA experiences in the country.

From Omaha to Opportunity

Originally from Tajikistan, Shohina and her family moved to the U.S. when she was 12 years old, taking on the role of a trailblazer for her younger siblings. As a first-generation college student, she knew the importance of education and networking early on. Thanks to the Avenue Scholars Foundation, she started internships in high school, building a strong professional network before even stepping onto a college campus.

She has taken every opportunity to grow at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). She is a busy student in the College of Business Administration, with concentrations in finance, legal studies, marketing, and sales. Currently, Shohina is:

• President of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization (CEO)

• Marketing Officer for the Maverick Investment Club

• Ambassador for UNO’s Study Abroad Program

• A dedicated volunteer, especially for new refugees and immigrants

Her leadership extends beyond campus—she hosted Gen Z Linkup, a summit that connected 70+ students to mentors and internships, despite doubts from others.

Harvard SVMP: A Life-Changing Experience

Harvard Business School’s Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP) is a highly selective, pre-MBA program that accepts a small amount of applicants. This educational program is designed to increase business education opportunities for high-potential college students who are making an impact in their school or community.

For Shohina, getting accepted into the program was transformational. “This program changed my life. It challenged me in so many ways. It made me think differently; it taught me how to solve problems and cooperate with different peers. It was an incredible networking opportunity,” she said.

For three days in June 2024, she joined 150 top-tier students at Harvard Business School, engaging in the following:

• Case study discussions in a class of 90

• Networking with top executives, including the CEO of an E-sports company

• Workshops on leadership and problem-solving

• Conversations with Harvard MBA alumni, who encouraged long-term career growth before pursuing an MBA

Shohina admits to experiencing imposter syndrome, but the program shifted her mindset, reinforcing the power of networking and intellectual curiosity.

“I’ve always said, ‘be around people who are a good influence and stimulate your curiosity,’ Who you surround yourself with is so important,” she said. “I learned so much from everyone at this program, from my classmates to the faculty to the speakers. It was transformative for me,” Shohina said.

Looking Ahead: An MBA & Beyond

The SVMP strengthened Shohina’s goal of pursuing an MBA—potentially at Harvard, Stanford, or the University of Chicago—but she plans to gain work experience first. She firmly believes that "your network is your net worth."

Her advice for students:
✅ Take every opportunity—college is the best time to explore.
✅ Network aggressively—most professionals want to help students.
✅ Get involved on campus—internships, leadership roles, and volunteering matter.
✅ Push beyond comfort zones—study abroad, attend conferences, and say "yes" to new experiences.
✅ Always follow up—whether at a conference or through LinkedIn, meaningful connections require effort.

Shohina’s story proves that preparation, persistence, and people skills can open doors to world-class opportunities—no matter where you start.

If you are interested in taking part in the Harvard SVMP, applications are due March 28, 2025, for the program this summer, June 15- June 18, 2025. To learn more, go to: https://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/college-students/svmp