Gabriel T. Fotsing, Kellogg MBA Class of 2020
Age: 32
Hometown: Douala, Cameroon
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Harvard University, economics and French
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 8 years, education and nonprofit
Why business school? Why now? I want to help underrepresented founders launch and grow their ideas/businesses. After six years as a social entrepreneur, I believed it was time to learn more about the funders’ side of entrepreneurship.
Why Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? Two things: the culture and the people. When I was visiting the schools I was admitted to, I was checking to see if the culture prevalent at the school would be one that would help me thrive. Second, I was checking to see if current students, as well as my future classmates, would be people I would enjoy not only working with but also being friends with. At Kellogg I could check both boxes.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020? A unique perspective stemming from having lived half my life in Cameroon and the other half in the United States. Plus the culinary skills I picked up from my time in the Deep South.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I really want to visit Antarctica.
Post-MBA career interests? Investment banking
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Ask for help! No one does this alone.
–One thing you would change or do differently? I wish I had started earlier. Applying to business school is quite tenuous. The earlier you start, the better!
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? The GMAT/GRE, prep classes, and study groups. Definitely study hard and get these out of the way!
What is your initial impression of Kellogg’s students/culture/community? Freaking (wanted to use another F word here) AMAZING!!! The level of love and support I’ve received from the community before and after committing has been unparalleled.
One thing you have learned about Kellogg that has surprised you? The “Work hard. Be nice” culture. It’s one thing to talk about it, and it’s totally different to live it. Kellogg definitely lives it!
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? FOMO
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? The people!
