Omar Kabeer, Cornell Johnson MBA Class of 2020
Age: 30
Hometown: Due to my unique family situation, since my childhood and adolescent years I grew up mostly in New Delhi, Philadelphia and Manhattan.
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Drexel University, computer engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Consulting, Deloitte Consulting, 5.5 years
Why business school? Why now? I was fortunate to spend five years at Deloitte Consulting. I realize that now is the perfect time for me to immerse myself in learning advanced applicable business skills at the intersection of cutting-edge technology. My business school ideal goal is to grow my skills in emerging-technologies, strategic thinking, and leadership, while being around a tight-knit community.
Why Johnson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I was fascinated by Johnson’s tight-knit community. Furthermore, the courses and curriculum are designed to keep you engaged with real-life applications through practicums, hackathons, case competitions, and social clubs. Finally, leadership development is a critical aspect at Johnson, and I hope to work towards my long-term goals through courses such as “Leading Teams.”
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020? My global perspective based on my upbringing and my passion for technology.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? In 2014, I headed a team for the Mongol Rally, a trip of 10,000 miles from London, England, to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. We crossed the mountains and deserts of Europe to the Middle East and traveled across Asia to Mongolia, where the terrain was so rough that our car broke down and I had to hitchhike across Mongolia.
Post-MBA career interests? My post-MBA goal is to own a product. I would love to be a product manager who helps teams realize their high potential and manage product development, marketing, and financing.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Engage with current MBA and past alumni to understand why they decided to get an MBA. The Cornell Johnson MBA has many intangible benefits other than a prestigious job or the return on investment.
One thing you would change or do differently? Take accounting/business classes in undergraduate.
Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? I wish I could have skipped the GMATs, but honestly, it helped me realize how important it is to be focused on achieving your goals.
What is your initial impression of Johnson’s students/culture/community? There are A LOT of brilliant people at Cornell and Johnson, students and professors, and they are multifaceted, down to earth and always ready to help you.
One thing you have learned about Johnson that has surprised you? How busy the MBA program is with clubs, classes, recruiting and local events. I have less free time in Ithaca than I had in New York City.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? The challenge of learning about new things that I didn’t know existed.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? Spending the winter with my class and community, so that I can make lifelong friends.
