Olamide Adekoya, Texas McCombs MBA Class of 2021
Age: 30
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Lagos, Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, Utilities
Why business school? Why now?
I wanted a career change and I was exploring the idea of pivoting to corporate strategy or strategy consulting. I wanted to learn how to make business decisions from a strategic point of view and stretch my problem-solving abilities to work on problems within a “safe” environment to fail and using feedback from my peers and faculty to improve my future performance in the real world.
Why McCombs? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I wanted to be in an MBA program that had a small class size located in a small- medium size city with great weather all year round. I also wanted to be in a program that had a collaborative culture because I wanted to build close connections with my classmates. The curriculum structure was also a strong deciding factor because of the quantitative courses early in the fall of the first year and the flexibility to choose electives outside a specialization.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I worked with a startup company for about three years where I had to work in multiple roles, and I believe that unique experience is my biggest strength. I will have valuable contributions to class discussions I because I have a unique point of view on how businesses operate.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
The last time I was on any body of water (swimming pool, lake, lagoon, ocean) was 16 years ago. I broke that record two weeks ago when I went Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake.
Post-MBA career interests?
Strategy Consulting.
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attending the all the info sessions and webinars and creating the Pinterest board on “why McCombs.”
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Reach out to as many second years and Alumni as possible, talk to them about the program, their experiences and challenges. Do not hesitate to ask questions, students and Alumni are always willing to talk and it serves as a great way to start building your network. Also apply early (in round one if you are ready) it helps you plan well ahead for the program.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The online interview – I feared the network connection might fail at some point of the conversation so I would have preferred an in-person interview. To prevent that I had to use the office of a friend who paid a premium to have a reliable network connection and there were still a few hiccups.
What is your initial impression of McCombs’ students/culture/community?
The welcoming culture, I had read and heard about it but experiencing was totally different.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Surviving the fall!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Asides from meeting my classmates, I am also excited about joining a fellow’s program, I plan to be in two fellows’ programs – Board fellows and either Venture fellows or Operations fellows. These programs provide me with an opportunity to contribute back to the society (Board) and provide me with immense exposure to two business areas that I am strongly interested in.
