A Dream Beyond Imagination: Navigating My Journey to a World-Renowned MBA - Memoirs of an International Student

"The ultimate mark of potential is not the peak you reached but the distance you’ve traveled and - helped others reach” Adam grant

If you’re just embarking on your MBA journey, make sure to stick through till the end. If you’re not and you have some time, it’s sure an interesting read, so stick through till the end too ????

Last month, I walked up the stage at Georgia Institute of Technology’s McCamish Pavilion as an MBA graduate. The journey to this point started as mere conversations with my friend Mohammed Giwah in 2019. He had come across a tweet by Dr. Tayo Oyedeji about MBAs, which included a detailed guide on preparing for MBA degree applications, scholarships, and more. I jumped on it and began the journey immediately!

The Beginning: Settling In and Challenges

Coming to the United States to pursue a graduate degree from a world-renowned B-school was a dream beyond what I could envision 10 years ago. My dad was a public high school teacher for 35 years and had retired right after I graduated from the university. Arriving in the US as a first-generation immigrant from Nigeria brought inevitable challenges. I spent an entire month squatting with my generous classmate Christian Redondo, who took me in when I was stranded at the hotel I had booked. They wouldn’t let me in without a “credit card.” Apartments’ leasing offices also required an SSN and “credit history” (“Are these issued with the US visa?”?? I’m literally just arriving in this country ma’ams/Sirs ????).

By the time I was fully settled, the insane spin and speed of the MBA program kicked in too fast. Combining recruiting, socials and then taking in all of the “weird” concepts in finance and economics (oh good lord I’ve never been more overwhelmed). I felt completely out of place and immediately questioned why I started the journey ????♀?. Understanding US-specific terminologies was also challenging. MBA programs are tough but many people don’t talk about how extra tough it gets for international students.?

The seemingly ‘basic knowledge’ about the host country that international students have to deal with, cultural and even educational system differences! Lecturers causally making examples about national brands or past news about US based companies that international students might just never heard of. The irony that I had to constantly google words I couldn’t relate to in between lectures, like “what is chick-fil-a? ??). The immediate, swift shock of becoming a minority hit me too hard. Despite these challenges, I soared from the chaos and walked up the stage as an MBA, honored with the prestigious Tower Award for academic excellence, and as one of eight Charge Leadership Fellows for the Scheller Class of 2024. This journey exemplifies the resilience, grit, and incredible mindset that an immigrant graduate brings to the table! The strong will to succeed despite all odds. I feel companies that choose not to hire international students are simply missing out on incredible talent.?

Transformation Through Experience

My experience at Georgia Tech was truly transformative. In just two years, I had the opportunity to learn diverse concepts across industries through numerous cases and practical strategy consulting experiences. I worked with UPS’s Christine Mattei, Telkey (a Swedish AC control startup), South Africa’s premium spirit company Inverroche, and LaAmistad (a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the Latino community in Georgia).

I also had the privilege of working as a graduate assistant with the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainability under Michael Oxman’s guidance. I supported various research projects, including writing a published white paper on the economic potential of RNG in Georgia and attending the biannual Georgia Climate Conference in Athens in 2023. There, I met with influential figures like Marilyn A. Brown, Daniel Blackman, and Kadenda founder, and participated in brainstorming sessions for the future of Georgia in 2080.

Learning from Passionate Lecturers

In class, I learned from incredibly passionate lecturers across core and elective courses. Special shout-outs to some of my favorite lecturers: Steve Salbu (Legal & Ethical Business), Halloran Timothy (Product Planning), Manpreet Hora (Service Operations), Anne Fuller (Strategic Management), Baker Bradford (Leading Teams), and Katie Badura (Leading People & Organization), Myers Bob (Lean Six Sigma), Wu D. J (E-commerce) and Julia Lindsay-Smith (Business Communications).

Bonding with the Incredible Scheller Community

Outside of class, I cherished memories with my classmates and the Scheller community. We bonded through activities like hobby night (I even went skydiving!) and SchellX. I took on multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Marketing for Blacks in Business, a community really dear to my heart, where I supported an incredible board led by Leah Cabrera. I served on the board of Peer Leadership Committee and Golf Club. I also mentored first-year students and served as a Scheller Ambassador, supporting the admissions committee on webinars and conducting interviews for incoming students.

All of these experiences stretched and transformed me beyond my expectations.

Career Services at Its Best

The team at the Jones Career Center is extraordinary. That Georgia Tech is ranked No. 1 in career services by the Financial Times isn’t just a number. The team's invaluable one-on-one support for students is truly remarkable. Super thanks to my career advisor, Larry Faskowitz for his guidance and reassurance throughout my Scheller days.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I wouldn’t have made it through this journey without the invaluable support of my beloved family, friends, core team, and guides from both formal and informal mentors—people that inspire me one way or another along the way, including Kolawole Sholape, Kingsley Ifechukwude, Ade Adewunmi, Sud Ambadipudi, Ian Gresov, Hunter Jordan, Dipesh Patel, Itunu Taiwo, Yuval Safra, Kyra Hankin, Thanos Lolos, Paroma Chakravarty, and Felicia Lamothe.

Special thanks to all my classmates—the most incredibly smart and supportive community I’ve ever belonged to. I have no doubt we will do great things and impact the world. I’m super appreciative of all the local students who helped fill in knowledge gaps and helped us settle in. Thank you for being remarkable hosts. To my fellow Scheller international students and all MBA #Classof2024 across the US, we did it!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to everyone. I’m super pumped for the next step in our lives.

PS: This journey is easier with guidance. In the spirit of paying it forward, I’ll be volunteering to mentor 10 individuals on this path. Book your first session with me (I will be committing to the first 10 bookings). Whether you make the list or not, please feel free to reach out with any questions you have about getting an MBA.

If you made it this far, thank you for coming on my MBA Time-lapse with me! ??