Modoluwamu (Modolu) Fatukasi, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Class of 2020
Age: 29
Hometown: Morrisville, NC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Carnegie Mellon University – Chemical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years, Management Consulting
Why business school? Why now?
I was progressing successfully through my management consulting career, however without a business degree, I was limited in my ability to help clients with their most advanced business challenges. An MBA would provide me the toolkit to not only solve most complex strategic problems, but also develop myself as an entrepreneur.
Why Kenan-Flagler? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I lived 20 miles from campus! Therefore, I had a lot of opportunities to interact with the school and through these interactions I came to appreciate their sincerity, honesty and learning style. I appreciated the Carolina way to excellence without undue burden.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I am an avid traveler and I run a travel blog called DriveByTourists. I have visited over 30 cities and multiple continents, so I consider myself to be a globalist. I believe my unique perspective will be a tremendous value add to the class.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I can identify most flags out there and friends routinely quizzed me on my flag identification skills. Each morning, as I walk by the entrance to the McColl building at Kenan-Flagler, I am amazed that my classmates and alumnus hail from such a wide variety of countries.
Post-MBA career interests?
I have spent my last six years in the management consulting industry and I enjoy. I am a consultant at heart I love working closely with clients and the responsibility I have to perform. Despite this, I am passionate about entrepreneurship, as I believe it provides the opportunity to solve some of the earth’s most pressing problems such as Global Warming and water crises.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I spent a lot of time reflecting on my career and life, thinking about questions such as: Where was I? Where did I want to go? It took a lot of energy and time and was a times uncomfortable. This has paid off during the first module at Kenan-Flagler, a lot is through at you and it is almost impossible to balance, understanding who I am allows me to graciously say no to some opportunities which come my way. This has also been valuable beyond the MBA setting, as I am now more intentional in the way I spend money.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would spend more time researching schools, my school list changed a lot during my application process. I was open to new information and Clear Admit was very useful resource during my school research process. I wish I had found it earlier.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I attempted to utilize a professional essay editing service to edit my essays, however the price turned me off. In my experience family, friends and co-workers are more than capable enough of thoroughly editing an essay. That time could have been better spent on reflection and understanding, reflecting on my career and my unique value proposition.
What is your initial impression of Kenan-Flagler’s students/culture/community?
I first visited Kenan-Flagler four years ago. The campus was buzzing with energy and the people were very impressive but yet warm. During a class visit, I enjoyed the way students vigorously challenged each other but still maintained respect for each other.
One thing you have learned about Kenan-Flagler that has surprised you?
The entrepreneurship center here is amazing. Schools such as Babson, Stanford and Wharton tend to come to mind when thinking about entrepreneurship but Kenan-Flagler has a serious entrepreneurship program. UNC Kenan-Flagler created the Venture Capital Investment Competition, and the global finals are held at Kenan-Flagler each year.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
It has been 6 years since I was last in school, I’m anxious about my ability to get up to speed academically.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to learn from the entrepreneurship center. I have moderate entrepreneurial experience; therefore, I am excited to learn about the world of startups and Venture Capital.
