Ezinne Onyeka, Cambridge Judge MBA Class of 2021
Hometown: Anambra, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Covenant University, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, Finance and Consulting
Why business school? Why now?
Business school provides excellent opportunities to meet, network, and work with brilliant people from around the world. The collaborative culture in most business schools enhances our individualities as we are made to see the world and businesses from different but equally important perspectives.
I decided to apply to business school mid-career because I understood that the next phases of my life would entail me taking leadership positions, managing people, and making impactful decisions. For me, these skills (leadership, management, negotiation, etc.) were best gleaned at business school.
Why Cambridge Judge? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
One of my prominent reasons for applying to Cambridge Judge was the culture of collaboration. It is the very first thing you notice, even before the term. Evidence of this is the fact that more than six months before the term began, my classmates and I (including those who eventually deferred), were already collaborating on projects, competitions, interviews, etc. We organised virtual networking events and were keen on meeting and working with each other. This gave me an opportunity to learn even more about myself, other cultures, and different aspects of global businesses, before officially starting the term.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
As the term has recently begun, we are having conversations about our post-MBA careers. I hope to work on recruitment preparation, with my colleagues who intend to transition into non-tech roles. I believe this would be my most valuable contribution because, for a lot of us, this is an important reason for coming to business school.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love kayaking. This influenced my choice in colleges, as I got a college surrounded by little lakes, with many opportunities for punting.
Post-MBA career interests?
Post-MBA, I intend to transition into a Strategy-related role at a Tech company or a Management Consulting firm.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would redo my interview. I interviewed with Chris Coleridge, a Senior Faculty member at Judge’s Management practice. It was a fantastic experience, as it was informational, insightful, and hilarious.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would travel to the school for my interview. The experience is wonderful and you get to meet some of your classmates early.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
GMAT. I was working 12-14 hours and studying at midnight, so it was one of the most stressful times of my life. I would totally skip it if I could.
What is your initial impression of Cambridge Judge’s students/culture/community?
Very collaborative and very innovative.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The intense curriculum and subsequent recruitment.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting very brilliant people.
